M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan
Making the Clothes of the Religious Leader
39 They used the blue, purple and red cloth for the well-made clothing for those working in the holy place. They made the holy clothing for Aaron, just as the Lord had told Moses.
Making the Linen Vest
2 Bezalel made the linen vest of gold and blue, purple and red cloth and fine linen. 3 They beat the gold into plates. Then they cut them into strings to be sewed in with the blue, purple and red cloth and the fine linen, the work of an able workman. 4 They made shoulder pieces for the linen vest, joined at its two top ends. 5 The well-made belt on it was made of the same gold, and blue, purple and red cloth and fine linen, just as the Lord had told Moses. 6 They set the onyx stones into beautiful pieces of gold. The names of Israel’s sons were cut in the stones like the writing on a ring by an able workman. 7 They were put on the shoulder pieces of the linen vest, to help them remember the sons of Israel, just as the Lord had told Moses.
Making the Breast-Piece
8 Bezalel made the breast-piece, the work of an able workman. It was like the work of the linen vest, of gold, and blue, purple and red cloth and fine linen. 9 It was as long as it was wide, with one half laid over the other. It was made as long and as wide as a man’s fingers can spread. 10 They put four rows of stones on it. The first row was a ruby, a topaz and an emerald. 11 The second row was a turquoise, a sapphire and a diamond. 12 The third row was a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst. 13 And the fourth row was a beryl, an onyx and a jasper. They were set in beautiful pieces of gold. 14 Each of the twelve stones had written on it the name of one of the sons of Israel. Each name spoke of one of the twelve family groups. 15 They made chains for the breast-piece, like ropes of pure gold. 16 And they made two gold rings and put them on the two ends of the breast-piece. 17 They joined the two gold chains to the two rings at the ends of the breast-piece. 18 They joined the other two ends of the two chains to the beautiful gold pieces that hold the two stones at the shoulders, joining them in the front. 19 They made two gold rings to put on the two ends of the breast-piece, on the inside next to the linen vest. 20 Then they made two gold rings and put them on the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the linen vest in front, near where they join. They were above the belt of the linen vest. 21 They tied the rings of the breast-piece to the rings of the linen vest with a blue rope. So the breast-piece could not come loose from the linen vest, just as the Lord had told Moses.
Making Other Pieces of Clothes
22 Then he made the long piece of clothing all of blue. 23 There was an opening at its top in the center. Around the opening it was sewed like the opening on heavy battle-clothes, so it could not be torn. 24 They made pomegranates of blue, purple and red cloth and fine linen, to put all around the bottom of this clothing. 25 They made bells of pure gold. And they put the bells between the pomegranates all around the bottom of the clothing. 26 They put a bell and then a pomegranate all around the bottom of this clothing. It was for the work of the Lord, and was just as the Lord had told Moses.
27 They made the long coats of fine linen for Aaron and his sons. 28 They made the beautiful head coverings of fine linen and the clothing that covered the flesh from the belt to the legs. 29 And they made the wide belt of fine linen and blue, purple and red cloth which was the work of an able workman, just as the Lord had told Moses. 30 They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold. And they cut in it like the writings on a ring: “Holy to the Lord.” 31 They joined it to the front of the head covering with a blue rope, just as the Lord had told Moses.
The Work Finished
32 So all the work of the holy tent, the meeting tent, was finished. The sons of Israel did all that the Lord had told Moses. 33 They brought the meeting tent to Moses, the tent and all its objects, its hooks, all kinds of pieces of wood, pillars and bases. 34 They brought the covering of rams’ skins made red, the covering of badgers’ skins, and the curtain to hang in front of the most holy place. 35 They brought the special box of the agreement, its long pieces of wood for carrying it and its mercy-seat, 36 the table and all its objects, the bread to be put before the Lord, 37 the pure gold lamp-stand with its lamps, all its objects and the oil for the light. 38 They brought the gold altar, the oil for holy use, the sweet-smelling perfume, and the curtain for the door of the meeting tent. 39 They brought the brass altar, its brass net, its long pieces of wood for carrying it and all its objects, the washing pot and its stand, 40 the curtains for the open space, its pillars and bases, the curtain for the gate of the open space, its ropes and nails, and all the tools for the work of the meeting tent. 41 They brought the clothing for the work in the holy place, the holy clothing for Aaron the religious leader, and the clothing of his sons for their work as religious leaders. 42 So the people of Israel did all the work just as the Lord had told Moses. 43 Moses looked at all the work and saw they had done it just as the Lord had said. So Moses gave thanks and prayed that good would come to them.
Jesus Handed Over to Sinners (A)
18 When Jesus had said these things, He went with His followers across the small river Kidron. He and His followers went to a garden there. 2 Judas, who was handing Him over to the leaders, knew the place also. Jesus and His followers had met there many times. 3 Judas led some soldiers and some men who had been sent by the head religious leaders of the Jews and the proud religious law-keepers to the garden. They carried lamps and sticks that were burning and swords.
4 Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him. He went out and asked them, “Who are you looking for?” 5 The soldiers answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said, “I am Jesus.” Judas, who was handing Him over, was with them also.
6 When He said to them, “I am Jesus,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7 He asked them again, “Who are you looking for?” They said again, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 He said, “I have told you that I am Jesus. If you are looking for Me, let these men go their way.” 9 He said this so the words He spoke might happen, “I have not lost one of those You gave Me.”
10 Simon Peter had a sword. He took it and hit a servant who was owned by the head religious leader and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11 Then Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back where it belongs. Am I not to go through what My Father has given Me to go through?”
Jesus Stands in Front of Annas
12 Then the soldiers and their captain and the men sent by the Jewish religious leaders took Jesus and tied Him. 13 They took Him to Annas first. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas. Caiaphas was the head religious leader that year. 14 Caiaphas had talked to the Jews. He told them it would be a good thing if one man should die for the people.
Peter Lies about Jesus (B)
15 Simon Peter and another follower came behind Jesus. This other follower was known to the head religious leader. He went with Jesus to the head religious leader’s house. 16 Peter stood outside at the gate. The other follower, who was known by the head religious leader, went out and talked to the servant-girl who watched the gate. Then he took Peter inside. 17 The servant-girl who watched the door said to Peter, “Are you not a follower of this Man?” He said, “I am not!” 18 The servants who were owned by someone and the soldiers had made a fire because it was cold. They were getting warm by the fire. Peter was standing with them getting warm.
Jesus Stands in Front of Caiaphas (C)
19 The head religious leader of the Jews asked Jesus about His followers. He asked Jesus about His teaching. 20 Jesus said, “I have spoken very plain words to the world. I have always taught in the Jewish place of worship and in the house of God. It is where the Jews go all the time. My words have not been said in secret. 21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard what I said to them. They know what I said.”
22 Then one of the soldiers standing there hit Jesus with his hand. He said, “Is that how You talk to the head religious leaders?” 23 Jesus said, “If I said anything wrong, tell Me what was wrong. If I said what was right, why did you hit Me?” 24 Then Annas sent Jesus to Caiaphas, the head religious leader. Jesus was still tied up.
25 Simon Peter was standing there and getting warm. They said to him, “Are you not one of His followers also?” He lied and said he did not know Jesus and answered, “I am not!” 26 A servant who was owned by the head religious leader was there. He was of the family of the man whose ear Peter cut off. The man said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Again Peter lied and said he did not know Jesus. At once a rooster crowed.
Jesus Stands in Front of Pilate (D)
28 They led Jesus from Caiaphas into the court room. It was early in the morning. They did not go inside because their Law said if they did they would become dirty with sin. Then they would not be able to eat the religious supper to remember how the Jews left Egypt. 29 So Pilate came out to them. He asked, “What have you to say against the Man?” 30 The Jews said, “If He had not done wrong, we would not have brought Him to you.”
31 Then Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves and give Him a trial by your Law.” The Jews said to him, “It is against our Law to put anyone to death.” 32 This happened as Jesus said it would happen. He had told what kind of death He would die.
33 Then Pilate went back into the court room. He called for Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus said, “Do you ask Me this yourself, or did others say this to you about Me?” 35 Pilate said, “Do you think I am a Jew? Your own people and religious leaders have handed You over to me. What have You done?” 36 Jesus said, “My holy nation does not belong to this world. If My holy nation were of this world, My helpers would fight so I would not be handed over to the Jews. My holy nation is not of this world.” 37 Pilate said to Him, “So You are a King?” Jesus said, “You are right when you say that I am a King. I was born for this reason. I came into the world for this reason. I came to speak about the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
Jesus or Barabbas Is to Go Free (E)
38 Pilate said to Jesus, “What is truth?” After Pilate said this, he went out again to the Jews. He said, “I do not find Him guilty. 39 But every year a man who is in prison is allowed to go free at the special religious gathering to remember how the Jews left Egypt. Do you want the King of the Jews to go free?” 40 Then they spoke with loud voices, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
15 A gentle answer turns away anger, but a sharp word causes anger.
2 The tongue of the wise uses much learning in a good way, but the mouth of fools speaks in a foolish way.
3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the bad and the good.
4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but a sinful tongue crushes the spirit.
5 A fool turns away from the strong teaching of his father, but he who remembers the strong words spoken to him is wise.
6 Great riches are in the house of those who are right with God, but trouble is what the sinful will receive.
7 The lips of the wise spread much learning, but the minds of fools do not.
8 The Lord hates the gifts of the sinful, but the prayer of the faithful is His joy.
9 The Lord hates the way of the sinful, but He loves him who follows what is right and good.
10 He who turns from the right way will be punished. He who hates strong words spoken to him will die.
11 The world of the dead lies open before the Lord. How much more the hearts of men!
12 A man who laughs at the truth has no love for the one who speaks strong words to him. He will not go to the wise.
13 A glad heart makes a happy face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.
14 The mind of him who has understanding looks for much learning, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolish ways.
15 All the days of the suffering are hard, but a glad heart has a special supper all the time.
16 A little with the fear of the Lord is better than great riches with trouble.
17 A dish of vegetables with love is better than eating the best meat with hate.
18 A man with a bad temper starts fights, but he who is slow to anger quiets fighting.
19 The path of the lazy man is grown over with thorns, but the path of the faithful is a good road.
20 A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man hates his mother.
21 A foolish way is joy to him who has no wisdom, but a man of understanding walks straight.
22 Plans go wrong without talking together, but they will go well when many wise men talk about what to do.
23 To give a good answer is a joy to a man, and how pleasing is a word given at the right time!
24 The path of life leads up for the wise, so he may keep away from hell below.
25 The Lord will tear down the house of the proud, but He will make a place for the woman whose husband has died.
26 The Lord hates the plans of the sinful, but the words of the pure are pleasing to Him.
27 He who gets things by doing wrong brings trouble to his family, but he who will not be paid in secret for wrong-doing will live.
28 The mind of the one who is right with God thinks about how to answer, but the mouth of the sinful pours out sinful things.
29 The Lord is far from the sinful, but He hears the prayer of those who are right with Him.
30 The light of the eyes makes the heart glad. Good news puts fat on the bones.
31 He whose ear listens to careful words spoken will live among the wise.
32 He who does not listen to strong teaching hates himself, but he who listens when strong words are spoken gets understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord is the teaching for wisdom, and having no pride comes before honor.
A Christian Should Not Be Proud
2 Are you strong because you belong to Christ? Does His love comfort you? Do you have joy by being as one in sharing the Holy Spirit? Do you have loving-kindness and pity for each other? 2 Then give me true joy by thinking the same thoughts. Keep having the same love. Be as one in thoughts and actions. 3 Nothing should be done because of pride or thinking about yourself. Think of other people as more important than yourself. 4 Do not always be thinking about your own plans only. Be happy to know what other people are doing.
Christ Was Not Proud
5 Think as Christ Jesus thought. 6 Jesus has always been as God is. But He did not hold to His rights as God. 7 He put aside everything that belonged to Him and made Himself the same as a servant who is owned by someone. He became human by being born as a man. 8 After He became a man, He gave up His important place and obeyed by dying on a cross. 9 Because of this, God lifted Jesus high above everything else. He gave Him a name that is greater than any other name. 10 So when the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow down before Him. 11 And every tongue will say Jesus Christ is Lord. Everyone will give honor to God the Father.
12 My Christian friends, you have obeyed me when I was with you. You have obeyed even more when I have been away. You must keep on working to show you have been saved from the punishment of sin. Be afraid that you may not please God. 13 He is working in you. God is helping you obey Him. God is doing what He wants done in you. 14 Be glad you can do the things you should be doing. Do all things without arguing and talking about how you wish you did not have to do them. 15 In that way, you can prove yourselves to be without blame. You are God’s children and no one can talk against you, even in a sin-loving and sin-sick world. You are to shine as lights among the sinful people of this world. 16 Take a strong hold on the Word of Life. Then when Christ comes again, I will be happy that I did not work with you for nothing. 17 Even if I give my life as a gift on the altar to God for you, I am glad and share this joy with you. 18 You must be happy and share your joy with me also.
Timothy Is Being Sent to You
19 I hope by the help of the Lord Jesus that I can send Timothy to you soon. It will comfort me when he brings news about you. 20 I have no one else who is as interested in you as Timothy. 21 Everyone else thinks of himself instead of Jesus Christ. 22 You know how Timothy proved to be such a true friend to me when we preached the Good News. He was like a son helping his father. 23 I hope to send Timothy as soon as I know what they are going to do to me. 24 I hope by the help of the Lord that I can come soon also.
25 I thought it was right that I send Epaphroditus back to you. You helped me by sending him to me. We have worked together like brothers. He was like a soldier fighting beside me. 26 He has been wanting to see all of you and was troubled because you heard he was sick. 27 It is true, he was sick. Yes, he almost died, but God showed loving-kindness to him and to me. If he had died, I would have had even more sorrow. 28 This is all the more reason I have sent him to you. When you see him, you will be glad and I will have less sorrow. 29 Take him into your church with joy. Show respect for men like him. 30 He came close to death while working for Christ. He almost died doing things for me that you could not do.
Copyright © 1969, 2003 by Barbour Publishing, Inc.