Read one chapter of the Gospel according to John every day, starting on Monday 1 July. Take weekends off. Finish reading through the Gospel of John (21 chapters) by Monday 29 July.
How do you read the Bible, appreciating that it was written approximately 2000 years ago:
Consider the type of literature it is (genre):
* It is a biography of the life, ministry, and Passion of Christ
* It is the Good News, a true story of profound importance for the world, revealing the work and nature of God
What is the life and world of the author? Make use of aids like commentaries or a good study Bible to better understand the history of the times of Jesus’ life, the social and political context of the area he lived in.
Use a good and accessible translation that is easy to read and understand. Use a study Bible if you like to better understand the idioms and illustrations/parables that Jesus use.
What is the writer trying to say? His intention is to get a specific message of Jesus across to his audience.
Spot the themes and ideas in each chapter.
Bonus: How does what I read apply to me? How do I respond? What is God telling me?
Think, reflect, wait, pray, listen.