Well done—you’re pressing on through May! This week in our Old Testament readings, we follow the ministry of Elisha, a prophet of power and compassion who continues the work of Elijah. Miracles abound, but so does rebellion. The story shifts from the prophet’s wonders to the grim reality of Israel’s kings, most of whom lead the nation deeper into idolatry and judgment. The northern kingdom edges closer to collapse, yet glimmers of hope remain—especially in the faithful reign of Judah’s King Hezekiah.

In our New Testament readings, Jesus speaks of himself as the bread of life—true food for a hungry world. His words divide the crowds and challenge the heart. Some walk away, while others draw closer, sensing life in every phrase. He offers living water, light in the darkness, and grace for the guilty. But resistance is growing too. John’s Gospel continues to pull back the curtain on who Jesus is—and invites us to respond.

week 4: 21 – 27 may

OT – 2 Kings 2-18

This week’s readings begin with Elisha, the prophet who follows in Elijah’s footsteps. Elisha carries a powerful anointing—raising the dead, healing the sick, and performing miracles that echo and even surpass those of his predecessor. He brings a young boy back to life, heals Naaman of leprosy, and even in death, his bones raise a man to life. A prophet—often called a seer—is someone who sees what others cannot. Elisha opens his servant’s eyes to the heavenly army surrounding them and sees with sorrow the future suffering of Israel. After Elisha, we trace a grim sequence of kings in both Judah and Israel. Most do evil in God’s sight, and judgment follows. Jehu stands out with his radical zeal against compromise—a reminder of the cost of divided loyalty. Yet even the “better” kings fail to remove the idols completely, and the slow unravelling continues: assassinations, invasions, and eventually, exile. The northern kingdom of Israel falls first, its people carried away for breaking covenant with God. Judah’s story holds a flicker of hope, especially in the reign of the good king Hezekiah—but even that hope is fragile.

May 21: 2 Kings 2:1-4:7; May 22: 2 Kings 4:8-7:2; May 23: 2 Kings 7:3-9:37; May 24: 2 Kings 10-11; May 25: 2 Kings 12-14; May 26: 2 Kings 15-16; May 27: 2 Kings 17-18

NT – John 6:15-8:30

Jesus calls himself the bread of life, come down from heaven. He challenges the motives of the crowds who follow him—not all are seeking truth. When he speaks of eating his flesh and drinking his blood, many are offended and walk away. Yet beneath the shock lies a deep truth: Jesus is the true source of life. His words are spirit and life, and his disciples remain because they sense this power, even if they don’t fully understand. The crowds are divided. So are the religious leaders. Some are drawn, others resist. Again, Jesus speaks of living water—a picture of the Holy Spirit offered to those who will believe. In the story of the woman caught in adultery, we see the contrast between law and grace. The law condemns, Jesus saves. He is the light of the world, shining truth into darkness, bearing witness to himself with the Father’s testimony. But he warns: unless they believe in him, they will die in their sins.

May 21: John 6:16-40; May 22: John 6:41-59; May 23: John 6:60-71; May 24: John 7:1-24; May 25: John 7:25-53; May 26: John 8:1-20; May 27: John 8:21-30