Daily Bible Reading— April 2025, God’s Strengthening Word: Assurance of Hope in Christ JesusSample

Introduction

Luke 23:44–56: Jesus is on the cross. At noon, the sky turns dark. Three hours later, Jesus calls out to God and dies. Joseph of Arimathea asks for and receives the body of Jesus. He takes the body down, wraps it in linen, and places it in an unused tomb. The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee see the tomb and how Jesus’s body is placed in it. Then they return home to prepare spices and perfumes for his body.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 23:46a

Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father! In your hands I place my spirit!”

Reflect

After witnessing the death of Jesus, why does the army officer praise God (verse 47)? Joseph of Arimathea was from a small village but seems to have lived in Jerusalem. He was a respected member of the Jewish Council, so he risked his reputation by helping to give Jesus a proper burial. What might have given Joseph the courage to retrieve Jesus’s body? What gives you courage when you are called to stand for your beliefs?

Pray

Holy Jesus, you endured death on a cross to share God’s love, forgiveness, mercy, and salvation with all people. Give me the courage to live in faith and reflect your loving presence each day to everyone I meet. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 24:1–12: Jesus is raised to life.