Seven sittings · free

Read John in 7 Days

A free seven-sitting plan for reading the Gospel of John with someone. One passage, one question, and one short prayer each day. No course required.

By Daniel Ziedins

  1. Day 1 · John 1:1–18

    The Word became flesh

    John opens by saying who Jesus is before he tells what Jesus did.

    Ask: What does this passage say Jesus is, and why would that matter to someone today?

  2. Day 2 · John 3:1–21

    You must be born again

    Nicodemus was religious and still needed a new start. That is good news for everyone.

    Ask: What did Jesus say has to happen, and what did he say about why he came?

  3. Day 3 · John 4:1–42

    A conversation at a well

    Jesus meets one person, tells the truth kindly, and she goes and tells her town.

    Ask: What changed for her, and who did she tell?

  4. Day 4 · John 6:25–40

    The bread of life

    People wanted another meal. Jesus offered himself.

    Ask: What is Jesus offering, and what does he say about the people the Father gives him?

  5. Day 5 · John 11:17–44

    Lazarus, and a louder claim

    Grief is in the room. Jesus does not rush past it, and he does not leave death in charge.

    Ask: What does Jesus say about himself before he calls Lazarus out?

  6. Day 6 · John 14:1–11

    I am the way

    The disciples are afraid of being left. Jesus answers with a person, not a map.

    Ask: Who does Jesus say he is, and what does he say about the Father?

  7. Day 7 · John 20:1–31

    He is risen, and why John wrote

    The story does not end at the cross. John tells you why he wrote the book.

    Ask: What does John say he wants the reader to believe, and what would it mean to believe it?

Questions

How do I read the Bible with a new believer?

Read one short passage of John out loud together, ask one question, and pray in ordinary words. Seven sittings is enough to start. You do not need a commentary or a course before the first day.

Which Gospel should a new Christian read first?

Start with John. It was written so that readers would believe Jesus is the Christ and have life in his name. One passage a day for a week is a clear first step.

What if we miss a day?

Read the next passage when you meet again. Do not restart, and do not stack three chapters to catch up. The point is to stay in the story together, not to keep a perfect streak.

The longer guide is how to read John with someone. The first week after a yes is the seven-day rhythm.

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.