Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Luke 24. Day 151 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: Luke 24 (CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Bible Reading Plan
Contact Sean: (seanbailey1985@gmail.com)
Follow NTIY on Facebook: facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

In Today's Episode
The Risen Christ. Hearts Set Ablaze. Sent to the Nations.

"Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures." — Luke 24:45

Luke concludes his Gospel with the greatest victory in human history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Early on the first day of the week, the women arrive at the tomb expecting to anoint a dead body, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. Two angels announce the news that forever changed the world: "He is not here, but he has risen!" The resurrection is not merely the happy ending to Jesus' story; it is the foundation of the Christian faith. Death has been defeated, sin has been conquered, and the promises of God have been fulfilled in the risen Savior. What appeared to be the darkest moment at the cross has become the greatest display of God's power and redeeming love.

One of the most beautiful scenes in all of Scripture unfolds on the road to Emmaus. Two discouraged disciples walk away from Jerusalem, unable to understand the events they have witnessed. The risen Jesus joins them, though they do not yet recognize Him, and patiently explains how Moses, the Prophets, and all the Scriptures point to the Messiah's suffering and glory. Their hearts burn within them as Christ opens the Scriptures, and their eyes are finally opened when He breaks bread with them. Luke reminds us that all of Scripture ultimately tells one story—the story of God's redemption through Jesus Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, every page points us to Him.

The chapter closes as Jesus appears to His disciples, proves that He has physically risen from the dead, and commissions them to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. Before ascending into heaven, He blesses them and promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, preparing them for the mission that will unfold in the book of Acts. Luke ends not with fear or uncertainty but with joy, worship, and confident expectation. The empty tomb changes everything. Because Christ is alive, our sins are forgiven, our hope is secure, and our mission is clear. As we finish Luke's Gospel, we are reminded that the same risen Savior who walked with the disciples still walks with His people today, opening our eyes to His Word and sending us into the world to proclaim the good news that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Luke 23. Day 150 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: Luke 23 (CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Bible Reading Plan
Contact Sean: (seanbailey1985@gmail.com)
Follow NTIY on Facebook: facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

In Today's Episode
The Innocent King. The Crucified Savior. The Promise of Paradise.

"Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing." — Luke 23:34

Luke 23 brings us to the darkest day in human history—and at the same time, the greatest display of God's love and grace. Jesus is brought before Pilate, then Herod, and back to Pilate, where each ruler finds no legitimate reason to condemn Him. Though repeatedly declared innocent, Jesus is handed over to be crucified because the crowds demand the release of Barabbas, a guilty insurrectionist, in His place. The innocent dies for the guilty. In that exchange we see the heart of the gospel: Jesus willingly takes the place that sinners deserve so that sinners can receive the life they do not deserve.

As Jesus hangs on the cross, Luke uniquely emphasizes His compassion and mercy. Rather than calling down judgment on those mocking Him, He prays, "Father, forgive them." One criminal joins the crowd in ridicule, while the other recognizes Jesus' innocence and places his faith in Him, asking to be remembered when He comes into His Kingdom. Jesus responds with one of the most hope-filled promises in all of Scripture: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." Salvation is not earned through a lifetime of good works but received through faith in the crucified King. Even in His final moments, Jesus continues to seek and save the lost.

The chapter ends with Jesus committing His spirit into the Father's hands before breathing His last. Darkness covers the land, the temple curtain is torn from top to bottom, and the centurion declares that Jesus was truly righteous. Joseph of Arimathea courageously requests Jesus' body and lays Him in a new tomb, while the women faithfully prepare to return after the Sabbath. Luke 23 reminds us that the cross was not a tragic accident but the fulfillment of God's eternal plan of redemption. At Calvary, justice and mercy meet. The spotless Lamb of God bears our sin so that we might be forgiven, reconciled to the Father, and given the hope of eternal life. Before the resurrection dawns, Luke calls us to stand at the foot of the cross and marvel at the Savior who loved us enough to die in our place.

Luke 22. Day 149 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: Luke 22 (CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Bible Reading Plan
Contact Sean: (seanbailey1985@gmail.com)
Follow NTIY on Facebook: facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

In Today's Episode
The Last Supper. Surrender in Gethsemane. The Faithfulness of Jesus.

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me—nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." — Luke 22:42

Luke 22 brings us into the final hours before the crucifixion and reveals both the weakness of humanity and the unwavering faithfulness of Christ. As the Passover approaches, Judas agrees to betray Jesus, setting in motion God's eternal plan of redemption. During the Passover meal, Jesus transforms this ancient feast into what we now know as the Lord's Supper. The bread and the cup become reminders of the new covenant established through His body and His blood. While the disciples are still thinking about positions of greatness, Jesus teaches that true greatness in His Kingdom is found in humble service. Even on the eve of His suffering, His focus remains on preparing His followers for what lies ahead.

The scene then shifts to the Garden of Gethsemane, where we witness the depth of Jesus' humanity and His perfect obedience to the Father. Fully aware of the suffering that awaits Him, Jesus prays with such intensity that His sweat becomes like drops of blood falling to the ground. Yet His prayer is ultimately one of complete surrender: "Not my will, but yours, be done." While Jesus remains faithful in prayer, the disciples sleep, and moments later Judas arrives with the crowd to betray Him with a kiss. Peter's attempt to defend Jesus with a sword is quickly corrected, reminding us that God's Kingdom will not be established through human force but through Christ's willing sacrifice.

The chapter concludes with Jesus' arrest, Peter's heartbreaking denial, and Jesus standing before the Jewish council. Peter's failure is especially sobering because it comes from one who genuinely loved the Lord yet relied too heavily on his own strength. But even here, Jesus' grace shines through. After Peter's third denial, the Lord turns and looks at him—not with condemnation, but with a look that would eventually lead Peter to repentance and restoration. Luke 22 reminds us that our hope is never found in our own faithfulness but in Christ's. He willingly drank the cup of God's wrath so that we could receive the cup of salvation. In every moment of betrayal, weakness, and suffering, Jesus remained perfectly obedient, accomplishing the redemption that only He could secure.

Luke 21. Day 148 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: Luke 21 (CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Bible Reading Plan
Contact Sean: (seanbailey1985@gmail.com)
Follow NTIY on Facebook: facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

In Today's Episode
Wholehearted Devotion. Enduring Until the End. Living Ready for Christ's Return.

"Be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man." — Luke 21:36

Luke 21 opens with a powerful contrast between outward generosity and genuine sacrifice. As Jesus watches people place their offerings into the temple treasury, He notices a poor widow who gives two small coins. While others gave from their abundance, she gave all she had. Jesus measures generosity not by the size of the gift but by the depth of trust behind it. Her offering demonstrates a heart fully surrendered to God, reminding us that the Lord sees what others overlook and values faithfulness more than impressive appearances.

Jesus then turns His disciples' attention to the future, predicting the destruction of the temple and describing events that will unfold before His return. He warns of deception, persecution, wars, natural disasters, and great turmoil, yet repeatedly tells His followers not to be frightened. These events are not signs that God has lost control but reminders that His sovereign plan is unfolding exactly as He promised. Jesus assures His disciples that they will have opportunities to bear witness for Him even in the midst of opposition, and He promises His sustaining presence as they endure hardship for His name.

The chapter concludes with Jesus calling His followers to remain spiritually awake. Just as people in every generation can become distracted by the worries, pleasures, and busyness of life, disciples are called to live with eternal perspective. Rather than attempting to predict every detail of the future, Jesus emphasizes readiness, faithfulness, and perseverance. Luke 21 reminds us that our hope is not found in earthly security or political stability but in the coming King. As we await His return, may we live with generous hearts like the widow, unwavering courage in the face of trials, and watchful expectancy, knowing that our redemption is drawing near.

Luke 20. Day 147 - The New Testament in a Year

Episode Notes:

Today's Scripture: Luke 20 (CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Bible Reading Plan
Contact Sean: (seanbailey1985@gmail.com)
Follow NTIY on Facebook: facebook.com/newtestamentinayear

In Today's Episode
The Authority of Christ. Rejecting the Cornerstone. Wisdom That Silences His Critics.

"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." — Luke 20:17

Luke 20 takes us into a series of confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders during His final week before the cross. They challenge His authority, demanding to know who gave Him the right to teach and act as He did. Rather than answering on their terms, Jesus exposes the unbelief behind their question. Their issue was never a lack of evidence but a refusal to submit to God's authority. Through the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, Jesus reveals Israel's long history of rejecting God's messengers and ultimately rejecting His own Son. Yet what sinful men reject, God establishes. The rejected stone becomes the cornerstone of His redemptive plan.

Unable to trap Jesus with questions about His authority, His opponents shift their strategy. They ask whether it is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, hoping to force Him into either political rebellion or public disgrace. Jesus responds with remarkable wisdom: "Give, then, to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." With a single answer, He affirms legitimate earthly authority while reminding His listeners that their ultimate allegiance belongs to God. The Sadducees then attempt to ridicule the doctrine of the resurrection, but Jesus exposes their misunderstanding of both the Scriptures and the power of God. He reminds them that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the God of the living, for all who belong to Him live in His presence.

The chapter closes with Jesus asking a question that no one can answer: How can the Messiah be both David's Son and David's Lord? The answer points directly to His divine identity. He is not merely another king in David's line—He is the eternal Son of God who came to reign forever. Jesus then warns the people against the pride and hypocrisy of the scribes, who sought honor from others while neglecting genuine devotion to God. Luke 20 reminds us that every person must ultimately answer one question: Who is Jesus? He is the rejected Cornerstone, the promised Messiah, the Lord of David, and the One whose authority deserves our complete trust, obedience, and worship.