Well done! We’ve made it into the third week of May. In our Old Testament readings this coming week, Solomon’s golden age begins to crack as pride, compromise, and divided loyalties take hold. The kingdom divides and most of the kings that follow turn from God. But into this darkness, God sends prophets like Elijah to speak truth, call for repentance, and display God’s power. These stories remind us that even when leaders fail, God still speaks, still acts, and still calls His people back.

In our New Testament readings, Jesus turns water into wine, speaks with seekers and outsiders, and reveals the heart of the kingdom. From Nicodemus to the woman at the well, from healing on the Sabbath to feeding the hungry—John shows us signs that point to who Jesus truly is: the Son of God, full of grace and truth.

Week 3: 14 – 20 may

OT – 1 Kings 9:10-2 Kings 1

As this week’s readings begin, we witness the sad decline of Solomon’s reign. Though he began well, his heart is slowly led astray. He becomes proud in his wealth and achievements, takes many foreign wives, and amasses horses and chariots, which are symbols of trust in military power rather than in God. In response, God’s judgement falls, and the once-united kingdom is torn in two. From here, the story of Israel and Judah is marked by a tragic pattern: most kings fail to follow God’s ways. A few are better than others, but even the good ones are not wholehearted like David. Many are deeply corrupt, leading the people into idolatry and injustice. Yet in this decline, God raises up prophets who confront the kings, speak God’s word of judgement, and call the nation back to covenant faithfulness. These prophets are not perfect, but they are faithful. Chief among them is Elijah, who boldly challenges King Ahab, one of Israel’s most evil rulers. We see Elijah work mighty miracles and stand firm on Mount Carmel, but we also see his weakness. He gives way to fear and despair, until God gently restores him. In the final chapters, Elijah continues to confront ungodly leaders and passes the baton on to his spiritual son, Elisha. In a breath-taking moment, Elisha watches as Elijah is taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire—God’s seal on the life of a flawed but faithful prophet.

May 14: 1 Kings 9:10-10:29; May 15: 1 Kings 11-12; May 16: 1 Kings 13:1-15:8; May 17: 1 Kings 15:9-17:24:; May 18: 1 Kings 18-19; May 19: 1 Kings 20-21; May 20: 1 Kings 22; 2 Kings 1

See here for an introduction to 2 Kings.

NT – John 2:1-6:15

In these chapters of John’s Gospel, we see a series of miraculous signs that point to who Jesus truly is. The first is at a wedding, where he turns water into wine—a quiet but powerful act that reveals his glory. As Jesus continues his ministry, he challenges the religious leaders of the day but also takes time to explain spiritual truth to individuals like Nicodemus, a Pharisee who was genuinely seeking understanding. Jesus speaks of the Kingdom as something deeply spiritual—something we can only enter by being born of the Spirit. John the Baptist exalts Jesus as the bridegroom, and Jesus reaches out to ordinary people, even those considered outsiders. To the Samaritan woman at the well, he offers living water and speaks of true worship that goes beyond place and tradition. As Jesus heals on the Sabbath, the religious leaders grow increasingly hostile. He confronts their hardened hearts and points to the many ways his identity is confirmed—by the Scriptures, by John the Baptist, and by his own works. He claims to be the Son of God, one with the Father, yet fully obedient to and dependent on him.

May 14: John 2; May 15: John 3:1-21; May 16: John 3:22-36; May 17: John 4:1-30; May 18: John 4:31-54; May 19: John 5:1-30; May 20: John 5:31-6:15

If you’re enjoying Bible Tour, why not explore more resources from Different Kingdom? You might like the First Steps series—designed especially for new Christians. The latest post looks at how the Christian life is not just about trying harder, but about living in and by the Holy Spirit.