Daily Bible Reading “Jesus was Condemned to Death” (Matthew 26:46-75)

Posted on March 31, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus was Condemned to Death

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 26:46-7 5. In this Scripture, Jesus wakes up the disciples and tells them, “The one who betrayed me is here.” It was Judas and a multitude of people with swords and staves. Judas told them he would give them a sign, by kissing Jesus, and then they should grab Him fast.

Judas went to Jesus and said to Him, “Hail, Master,” and kissed Him. Didn’t he have a nerve to be in the process of betraying Jesus, at the same time calling Him Master and kissing Him? How many times are we guilty of the same thing? On the one hand, calling Jesus “Master,” and on the other hand, sinning against Him. Notice Jesus calls him friend and asks him why he came.

About that time they grabbed Jesus and captured Him. One of the disciples took his sword and cut off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest. Jesus told him to put his sword away, and said, “Any who use the sword would die by the sword.”

Jesus reminds them that He could pray to His Father, and He would send more than twelve legions of angels, but this had to be done so the Scriptures of the prophets would be fulfilled. Jesus asked them why they came out with swords to get Him like He was a thief. He sat in the temple and taught, but nobody bothered Him.

Then the disciples forsook Jesus and left, except Peter, who followed far behind Him to Caiaphas, the high priest’s palace, where they took Jesus to condemn Him. There were many false witnesses who tried to find fault with Jesus, but they couldn’t find any.

They said Jesus committed blasphemy because He told them from now on they would see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. They sentenced Him to death. They spit on Him, punched Him, slapped Him, and mocked Him. Can you imagine anybody wanting to treat Jesus in this way?

Peter was asked by three different people if he was one of Jesus’ followers, and all three times he denied it, just as Jesus told him he would. When the cock crowed and Peter realized what he had done, he wept bitterly, grieving over his betrayal of Jesus. I imagine it was a rude awakening for Peter.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 26:46-75

46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.
48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.
49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.
51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.
52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
60 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
66 What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
68 Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.
70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest.
71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man.
73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.
75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Things to think about:

How did Judas let them know which one was Jesus?

What did Judas say to Jesus?

How many times did Peter deny Jesus?

Have you ever denied Jesus?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

This Scripture is so sad when we read about how they treated Jesus. Help us as we go about our daily lives not to betray Jesus as Judas did and not deny Him as Peter did. We know all this had to be done, so Your will could be fulfilled, but it is still heart breaking. Please forgive us of our sins and help us to do Your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, Lord. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? – Matthew 26:53

– Excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ.

If you don’t already have a copy of the book, click on the link above to get your copy now!

Christian Music Video: “I See Jesus” – Christy Lane Let’s worship and praise Jesus for the sacrifice He made for us!

Featured Book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the book of Matthew. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.

The Book of Matthew goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the daily Bible Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Jesus Goes to Gethsemane to Pray” (Matthew 26:31-45)

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

Jesus Goes to Gethsemane to Pray

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 26:31-45. In this Scripture, Jesus tells the disciples they’ll all be offended. What did Jesus mean by saying they’ll be “offended”? The word “offended” means to cause one to distrust and desert one who he ought to trust and obey. Then, Jesus quotes them Zechariah 13:7: “I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.”

Jesus instructs them that when He has risen again, He’ll meet them in Galilee. Peter says to Jesus, “Even though all men will be offended by Him, he won’t be offended by Jesus.”

Jesus warns Peter that he would deny Him three times that very night before morning comes. Peter and all the disciples still claim they may die with Jesus, but they won’t deny Him.

When Jesus and the disciples arrive at Gethsemane, Jesus tells the disciples to sit and wait for Him, while He goes to pray.

He took Peter, and James and John, the two sons of Zebedee. Jesus told them He was very sorrowful, even unto death and asked them to stay with Him and keep watch.

Then Jesus went a bit farther and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Can you imagine the agony Jesus must have felt, knowing what was about to happen to Him?

Jesus came back to the disciples and found them sleeping. He rebuked them saying, “Couldn’t you watch with me for one hour?” Jesus reminds them to watch and pray, so they wouldn’t be tempted because the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. This is good advice for us today because it is our flesh we still have to deal with as long as we live.

Jesus went away and prayed the same prayer two more times, and both times He returned and found the disciples sleeping.

Finally, He tells them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.”

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 26:31-45

31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
33 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.
36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.
38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.
44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Things to Think About:

Why did Jesus say they would be offended?

What did Jesus tell Peter when he said he wouldn’t be offended?

Can you imagine the distress Jesus must have been under knowing what was about to take place?

Why were the disciples sleeping?

Have you put your faith and trust in God?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture of Jesus praying in Gethsemane, we can see that this was not an easy thing for Jesus to do, but He submitted to Your will. Help us to do as Jesus told the disciples to do, watch and pray. You know we need Your help because the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Just as Jesus put all His faith and trust in You, help us to have faith that You will work everything out. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.- Matthew 26:41

-Exert from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ by Deborah H. Bateman. If you don’t already have a copy of the book, click the link above to get your copy now!

Christian Music Video: Gethsemane by Reese Oliveira

Featured Book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

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**Deborah’s books are available worldwide in all the countries in which Amazon distributes. If you live in another country besides the US search for Deborah H. Bateman books on Amazon in your country. Deborah’s heart is to share God’s Word around the world.

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Have a blessed day,

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Daily Bible Reading “The Last Supper” (Matthew 26:1-30)

Posted on March 29, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

The Last Supper

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Matthew 26:1-30. In this Scripture, Jesus tells His disciples the Passover is coming and He’ll be betrayed and crucified. The chief priests, scribes, and elders gathered at the palace of the high priest, Caiaphas and plotted how they were going to kill Jesus.

Jesus was in Bethany, at Simon the Leper’s house, and there was a woman there with an alabaster box which had very expensive ointment in it. She poured the ointment on Jesus’ head while He was eating. This was her form of worshiping Jesus and preparing Him for His burial. What sacrifices do you make to worship Jesus?

The disciples were upset, saying this expensive ointment could have been sold and given to the poor. Then they asked, why the waste? Jesus told them they’ll always have the poor, but He won’t always be with them.

Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and asked them what they would give him if he turned Jesus over to them. They gave him thirty pieces of silver, and from that day forward he looked for the opportunity to turn Jesus over to them.

The disciples told Jesus that the Passover was coming and asked Him where He wanted them to prepare it for Him.

Jesus told them to go to a certain man’s house and tell them He wanted to have the Passover with His disciples at that house. The disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared for the Passover feast.

While Jesus and the disciples were having the Passover feast, Jesus told them one of them would betray Him.

They each asked if it was him, then, Jesus told them it is the one who dipped his hand in the bowl with Him.

Judas, acting like he didn’t know what Jesus was talking about, said, “Master, Is it I?” Jesus answered him, saying, “Thou hast said.”

Jesus continued with what is known as The Last Supper and gave them the bread to represent His body, and the drink to represent His blood, which He would shed on the cross.

The Bible says they sang a hymn, then left and went to the Mount of Olives. We still have The Lord’s Supper in many of our churches today to commemorate the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross.

Daily Bible Reading:

Matthew 26:1-30

1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,
2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
3 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,
4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
5 But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.
6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
7 There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat at meat.
8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste?
9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor.
10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
15 And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
21 And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22 And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I?
23 And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.
24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;
28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.
30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Things to think about:

Why did the scribes and priests want to kill Jesus?
Why did the woman with the alabaster box pour the ointment on Jesus’ head?
Why did Judas betray Jesus?
What did he take in exchange for his betrayal?
What do the bread and the wine of the Lord’s Supper represent?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help us as we read this Scripture today, to do as the woman with the alabaster box, and worship Jesus in a humble way. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who You sent into this world to die on the cross for us so we might have forgiveness of our sins, and inherit eternal life. Help us not to betray Jesus, as Judas Iscariot did. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and …

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gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

– Matthew 26:26

-Excerpt from The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ

If you don’t already have a copy of the book, click on the link above to get your copy now!

Christian Music Video: The Passion of the Christ – The Last Supper

Featured Book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman, which takes you through the life of Jesus Christ. The book of Matthew is the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. It begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ and His birth.

The Book of Matthew also goes into Jesus’ ministry on earth, including the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ parables, and Jesus’ final days, including His death, burial, and resurrection. The book concludes with the great commission.

The Book of Matthew: Life of Jesus Christ includes fifty-seven daily devotionals which contain a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions to think about, and a prayer of the day. It is a great book for individual daily devotions or a group Bible study.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

**Deborah’s books are available worldwide in all the countries that Amazon distributes in. If you live in another country besides the US search for Deborah H. Bateman books on Amazon in your country. Deborah’s heart is to share God’s Word with people all over the world.

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “One in Christ” (Ephesians 2:11-22)

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

One in Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 2:11-22. In this Scripture Paul tells the Ephesians to remember since they were Gentiles by birth they weren’t part of God’s plan in Old Testament times? The law was given by God for the people of Israel, who were Jews. The Jewish people were called the Circumcision because part of God’s law required the men to be circumcised. The Gentiles were called the Uncircumcised because they weren’t under the same law of God.

Paul tells them during the time they were without Christ; they weren’t included in God’s people, Israel. They didn’t know the promises God had for them. They were without hope and without God in this world.

Thank God for Ephesians 2:13, in which Paul says, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Paul says, now Christ has made peace between the Gentiles and the Jewish people by making us all one people. He broke down the partition between us.

When Christ died on the cross He fulfilled the law, which the people hadn’t been able to keep anyway. Jesus Christ became the ultimate sacrifice for sins for both the Jew and the Gentile, making peace between the two of them. By His death on the cross our hostility to each other was put to death. There was no more reason for us to be separated. We were all made one in Christ.

Jesus Christ came and preached peace both to the Jewish people and the Gentiles because through Him we can both come to the Father through the Holy Spirit. Since Jesus’ death on the cross the Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners, but are included as citizens along with the saints and are included in God’s family.

We, the church, are His house, built upon the foundations of the apostles and prophets, and Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. We, who are believers, are joined together to become a holy temple for the Lord. Through Christ, the Gentiles were joined together with the Jews to become part of the dwelling place of God through the Holy Spirit.

First Corinthians 6:19 -20 tells us, “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

If you are a Christian, you’ve accepted Christ as your Savior; your body is the temple or dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells in you because you’ve accepted God. You aren’t your own because you were bought with the price of Jesus’ blood through His death on the cross. Therefore, we ought to glorify God in our body and spirit, which is God’s since we were redeemed or purchased by Jesus’ precious blood.

Daily Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:11-22

11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Things to think about:

What do you think about the fact that only the Jewish people were included in God’s plan in the Old Testament?

In what ways do you show God that you are thankful that He made a way so we all can be saved?

If you are a Christian, you have the Holy Spirit living in you. How do you honor your body as God’s dwelling place?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians where Paul tells us about Your provision for the Gentiles. Thank You that You made a way for us that we, as Gentiles, could be saved, through the death of Your Son on the cross. Help us to tell others about this precious gift that You have provided for all of us, both the Jews and Gentiles alike.

We love You, Lord and thank You for the Holy Spirit that comes to dwell in us to lead us and guide us through our lives. Help us to be fit vessels for His dwelling place and for Your temple. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. – Ephesians 2:18

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-This is an excerpt from The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus by Deborah H. Bateman

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

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Daily Bible Reading “But God Loved Us” (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

But God Loved Us

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is fromm Ephesians 2:1-10. Paul starts this chapter by reminding the Ephesians that they were once dead in their sins, but God has made them alive through Christ. What does Paul mean when he says they were dead in their sins? Have you been made alive through Christ?

We all started off in the ways of the world, trying to satisfy the lusts of the flesh, paying more attention to our wants and desires for possessions or experiences that are not necessarily pleasing to God. By nature we are sinful people, because we are born of a sinful nature.

Paul speaks of Satan being the prince and power of the air. This shows his authority even though he is not the ultimate authority. The power of the air speaks of the spiritual realm where both good and evil forces abide. However, we know that the Holy Spirit reigns supreme.

Ephesians 2:4-7 says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved); And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Paul starts verse four saying “but GOD.” If it wasn’t for God and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the love, grace and mercy He gave us, we would all be on our way to hell today. Thank You, Lord!

The next two verses are some of my favorite: Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” We are saved by grace through faith, not by our works so we have no reason to boast in ourselves, but only in the grace and mercy of God, and the precious gift of His Son, Jesus, who died on the cross to save us from our sins.

Don’t get confused by Ephesians 2:10: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. We are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ to do good works, not in order to get saved, but because we are saved.

Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Our old sinful nature is changed into a new spiritual nature that desires to do good, which is God’s will for our life.

Daily Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:1-10

1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved);

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Things to think about:

Why did God make a way for us?

How are we saved?

What are some ways you can show that you are thankful for God’s love, mercy, and grace?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the love, mercy, and grace that You gave us through the precious gift of salvation by Your Son, Jesus Christ. We know we were all sinners by nature and without the gift of salvation we would all be on our way to hell. Help us to do the good works You have for us to do. Lord, I pray for those who don’t yet know Your grace, mercy, and love. Speak to their hearts and call them to life through Your Son, Jesus. We love you, LORD. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is …

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the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

– Ephesians 2:8-9

-This is an excerpt from The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus by Deborah H. Bateman

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The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

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