Day 136 One Year Bible Read Along

Description/Summary of 2 Kings 24-25:

2 Kings 24-25 recounts the tragic downfall of the kingdom of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem. The passage highlights the reigns of King Jehoiakim, King Jehoiachin, and King Zedekiah, all of whom failed to heed the warnings of the prophets and turned away from God. As a result of their disobedience and the persistent idolatry in the land, the Babylonian Empire, under the leadership of King Nebuchadnezzar, invades Judah. The Babylonians besiege Jerusalem, ultimately leading to its fall. The temple is desecrated, the royal palace is destroyed, and the majority of the people are either killed or taken into exile. The passage serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God and the devastating impact it can have on a nation.

Key People/Places/Events:

• King Jehoiakim: The king of Judah who reigns during the early part of the Babylonian invasion.
• King Jehoiachin: The king who rules for a short period before being taken into exile by the Babylonians.
• King Zedekiah: The final king of Judah, who rebels against Babylon and witnesses the complete destruction of Jerusalem.
• King Nebuchadnezzar: The ruler of the Babylonian Empire and the leader of the invasion against Judah.
• Babylonian Invasion: The military campaign by the Babylonians to conquer Judah and its capital, Jerusalem.
• Destruction of Jerusalem: The fall of Jerusalem, resulting in the destruction of the temple, the royal palace, and the exile of the people.

Questions to Consider:

1. What factors contributed to the downfall of the kingdom of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem?
2. How did the disobedience of the kings and the persistence of idolatry among the people lead to the Babylonian invasion?
3. What lessons can be learned from the consequences faced by Judah for their rebellion against God and their failure to heed the warnings of the prophets?
4. In the face of adversity, how do we maintain our faith and trust in God's sovereignty and plan?
5. Reflecting on the events described in 2 Kings 24-25, how do we see the justice and faithfulness of God in His dealings with His people?

Description/Summary of John 5:1-24:

John 5:1-24 presents a remarkable encounter between Jesus and a man who had been disabled for 38 years. The passage describes a pool in Jerusalem called Bethesda, where it was believed that an angel would stir the waters, bringing healing to the first person who entered when the water was stirred. Jesus approaches the man and asks if he wants to be healed. The man expresses his inability to reach the pool in time, but Jesus compassionately heals him instantaneously. This healing, however, stirs controversy among the Jewish religious leaders, as it occurs on the Sabbath. Jesus defends His actions, claiming authority as the Son of God and explaining the nature of His relationship with the Father. He teaches about the power of faith and the authority He possesses to give life and judge. The passage emphasizes the divinity of Jesus and His role as the source of healing, life, and salvation.

Key People/Places/Events:

• Jesus: The central figure performing the healing and engaging in conversations about faith and authority.
• Bethesda: The pool in Jerusalem believed to have healing properties when the waters were stirred by an angel.
• Man with a Disability: A man who had been disabled for 38 years and encounters Jesus at the pool of Bethesda.
• Healing at the Pool: Jesus's miraculous healing of the disabled man, granting him the ability to walk.