Well done! You’re now a quarter of the way through reading the Bible! As you continue through April, you’ll journey through the turbulent period of the Judges, find beauty in the story of Ruth, and, with the prophet Samuel, enter the time of Israel’s first kings—Saul and David. In the New Testament, you’ll keep enjoying the stories of Jesus—his miracles, teachings, encounters, and confrontations with the religious leaders—as recorded in Luke’s Gospel. We can never tire of reading about Jesus!

If you prefer using your Bible for your daily readings, you can print off this printable PDF copy of the reading plan for April and tuck it inside your Bible.

week 1: 2 – 8 april

OT – Joshua 17-Judges 8

The rest of Joshua focuses on the division of the promised land among the tribes and their journey to possess their inheritance. The land represents our inheritance in Christ and can also be seen as a picture of advancing the Kingdom in all the world. However, some tribes were tempted to settle for less than the full inheritance, requiring Joshua’s challenge to take possession of all that was promised. The cities of refuge serve as tangible expressions of God’s grace, offering hope and restoration when people fail. Eventually they defeat all the enemies and gain ‘rest’ – a wonderful picture of victory and peace. The Altar of Witness, built by the tribes settling east of the Jordan, can be seen as a symbol of those who settle for less than God’s best, choosing a copy rather than the real thing. Before his death, Joshua urges the people to remain faithful to the Lord and not let their enemies become a snare to them. As we move into Judges, it quickly becomes clear that they fail to drive out all their enemies and instead turn to worship false gods. A recurring cycle emerges: sin, defeat, and deliverance through judges whom God raises up. One such judge is Gideon—a weak man whom God transforms into a mighty warrior. To demonstrate that victory comes by his power alone, God reduces Gideon’s army to just 300 men before leading them to triumph.

Apr. 2: Josh 17-18; Apr. 3: Josh 19-20; Apr. 4: Josh 21-22; Apr. 5: Josh 23-24; Judg 1; Apr. 6: Judg 2-4; Apr. 7:Judg 5-6; Apr. 8:Judg 7-8.

You can find a Book Background to Judges here.

NT – Luke 6:39-9:62

Jesus indicates that his teaching must be received inwardly and applied practically if we are to bear fruit and build a life with foundations strong enough to withstand the storms of life. His ministry unfolds with more teachings, miracles – the raising of Jairus’s daughter from the dead, the exorcism of Legion, the feeding of the 5,000, and the calming of the storm. But not everyone responds the same way. Some react with fear and unbelief, others with worship, like the woman who poured out oil on Jesus, overwhelmed by the forgiveness she had received. Even John the Baptist wrestles with doubt, but Jesus points him to the miracles as signs that the kingdom of God had come. Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ. On the mountain, Jesus is transfigured, revealing the glory of his coming Kingdom. But he also speaks of his death and the cost of following him, showing that his kingdom is a different kingdom.

Apr. 2: Luke 6:43-7:10; Apr. 3: Luke 7:11-35; Apr. 4: Luke 7:36-8:3; Apr. 5: Luke 8:16-25; Apr. 6: Luke 8:26-56; Apr. 7: Luke 9:1-27; Apr. 8: Luke 9:28-62

week 2: 9-15 April

oT – Judges 9-Ruth 4

Despite his many flaws, Samson serves as a striking example of the power of a man anointed by the Holy Spirit. Yet, the stories in Judges grow increasingly dark with unholy wars, ethnic cleansing, immorality, rape, kidnap and murder. At the heart of it all is a sobering refrain: there was no king, and everyone did what was right in their own eyes. The ultimate message is clear—this world needs a King, but not just any king. It needs King Jesus and a kingdom, that is different kind from the kingdoms of this world. From this bleak period emerges the beautiful story of Ruth. Though beginning tragically, it tells of the covenant love of Ruth towards her mother-in-law, and her rescue from hardship through her kinsman-redeemer. This foreshadows our own salvation through Jesus, who became one of us to redeem us. As a result of this, Ruth, a Moabite, is woven into the family line of Christ. Once again we see God’s purpose to include all nations into his Kingdom.

Apr. 9: Judg 9-10; Apr. 10: Judg 11-12; Apr. 11: Judg 13-14; Apr. 12: Judg 15-17; Apr. 13: Judg 18-19; Apr. 14:Judg 20-21; Apr. 15: Ruth 1-4

You will find a book background to Ruth here.

NT – Luke 10:1-12:48

The disciples are sent out to preach the Kingdom, amazed at the authority that they have been given. But Jesus points them to something greater – their names have been written in the book of life. He also teaches them about loving their neighbours, the power of prayer, and God’s delight in giving the Holy Spirit to all who ask. Yet once again he is met with opposition. The religious leaders demand signs, then turn around and accuse him of working miracles by Satan’s power. Jesus warns them that a divided Kingdom cannot stand and urges them to be careful – lest the light they think they have is actually darkness. He cautions the crowds against following religious leaders who claim to have the light but lead others astray. He also warns them against being consumed by wealth and material things. Instead, they are to store up treasure in heaven and stay watchful, always ready for the Master’s return.

Apr. 9: Luke 10:1-24; Apr. 10: Luke 10:25-37; Apr. 11: Luke 10:38-11:13; Apr. 12: Luke 11:14-36; Apr. 13: Luke 11:37-12:12; Apr. 14: Luke 12:13-34; Apr. 15: Luke 12:35-48

week 3: 16-22 april

OT – 1 Samuel 1-16

1 Samuel opens with a familiar theme—the barren woman miraculously enabled by God to conceive—reminding us once again of our need to be born of the Spirit. Samuel emerges as a prophet with a priestly role who also leads as Israel’s judge. His story begins with the decline of the priesthood, marked by the corruption of Eli and his sons. As the last of the judges, Samuel is chosen by God to anoint Israel’s first king—Saul. There is a mixed response to the idea of a kingdom. It reflects the people’s unbelief and lack of trust in God as their true ruler, yet God still chooses and anoints the kings, using Israel’s kingdom to foreshadow his greater spiritual kingdom. When Saul fails through unbelief and disobedience—leaving Israel vulnerable to enemy domination by the Philistines—God raises up a man after his own heart: David.

Apr. 16: 1 Sam 1-2; Apr. 17: 1 Sam 3-5; Apr. 18: 1 Sam 6-8; Apr. 19: 1 Sam 9-10; Apr. 20: 1 Sam 11-12; Apr. 21: 1 Sam 13-14; Apr. 22: 1 Sam 15-16.

You will find a Book Background to 1 Samuel here.

NT – Luke 12:49-17:10

Jesus continues to challenge their thinking, speaking again in parables about the Kingdom, – its secret yet unstoppable, all-pervasive growth. He surprises his listeners with who he says will ultimately get through the door/gate into his kingdom – and who will not. Brushing off Herod’s threats, he set his face toward Jerusalem, lamenting over the city that will reject him. Meanwhile, the religious leaders, representing this wayward nation, persist in trying to trap him. Jesus contrasts their pride with true humility and, again upends expectations about who will be invited to the feast of the kingdom. He also speaks once more of the cost of discipleship. Though criticised for mixing with sinners, he reveals his heart for the lost in three parables. Then, with a startling parable about a shrewd steward, he challenges his followers to handle spiritual wealth as keenly as the world handles money. He also warns of the dangers of leading others into temptation and teaches the necessity of forgiveness.

Apr. 16: Luke 12:49-13:9: Apr. 17: Luke 13:10-35; Apr. 18: Luke 14:1-24; Apr. 19: Luke 14:25-15:10; Apr. 20: Luke 15:11-32; Apr. 21: Luke 16:1-19 Apr. 22: Luke 16:20-17:10

week 4: 23-29 april

OT – 1 Samuel 17-2 Samuel 2

From the very beginning, David points to Jesus. Just as he defeats Goliath to bring deliverance for his people, so Jesus is going to defeat Satan to secure our salvation. After Goliath’s fall and David’s rise to prominence, the second half of 1 Samuel—apart from the beautiful covenant friendship between David and Jonathan – is a tragic tale. It recounts the downfall of a potentially great leader. Saul’s spiritual decline is devastating to read — he is consumed by anger and bitterness, rejected by God for his disobedience, and stripped of the anointing of the Spirit. In his desperation, he relentlessly pursues David, attempts to kill his own son, seeks guidance from mediums, and ultimately takes his own life. In stark contrast, David continues to honour Saul, refusing to harm the Lord’s anointed, and even executes the man who claims to have done so. Jonathan falls in battle, and David mourns deeply for both him and Saul. David then becomes king of Judah, marking the beginning of a divided kingdom.

Apr. 23: 1 Sam 17-18; Apr. 24: 1 Sam 19-20; Apr. 25: 1 Sam 21-23; Apr. 26: 1 Sam 24-25; Apr. 27: 1 Sam 26-28; Apr. 28: 1 Sam 29-31; Apr. 29: 2 Sam 1-2.

NT – Luke 17:11-20:40

Jesus continues to teach – on the priority of faith and the heart of true service – and to heal. He speaks of the coming of the Kingdom as already among them and still to come in power. When it comes fully, it will arrive unexpectedly, bringing judgement, separating the righteous from the wicked. Once again, there is surprise about who gets into the Kingdom. It is the widow and the sinner, not the self-righteous religious leader. It is those with the faith of little children, not the rich young ruler, for whom entry is so difficult. The conversion of Zacchaeus shows that the Kingdom transforms even our relationship with wealth. Despite Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his parable of the rebellious, his weeping over the city, and his clearing of the temple all indicate that the something new is happening. They cannot rely upon their status as God’s chosen people without true faith and obedience – he is ushering in a new covenant. The parable of the evil farmers makes this clear, and the religious leaders know it. They continue to challenge him – over clearing the temple, over taxes to Caesar – but each time, he outsmarts them.

Apr. 23: Luke 17:11-37; Apr. 24: Luke 18:1-14; Apr. 25: Luke 18:15-43; Apr. 26: Luke 19:1-27; Apr. 27: Luke 19:28-48; Apr. 28: Luke 20:1-19; Apr. 29: Luke 20:20-40

Great job making it this far!

The last day of April are included in May’s readings, so go ahead and turn to them now and keep going. Happy reading!