5-Day Bible Reading Plan: Jesus Over Religion

Day 1: The Blood That Saves

Reading: Exodus 12:1-13

Devotional: The Passover wasn’t just about escaping slavery—it was about God’s protection through the blood of the lamb. Notice God didn’t say, “When I see your obedience” or “When I see your perfection.” He said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” This is the heart of the gospel. Your acceptance before God isn’t based on how good you’ve been or how hard you’ve tried. It’s based solely on the blood of Jesus, the perfect Lamb. Today, stop striving to earn God’s approval. You already have it through Christ. Let that truth sink deep into your soul and change how you approach God—not with fear and performance, but with confidence and gratitude.

Day 2: Protective Passion

Reading: John 2:13-17

Devotional: Jesus didn’t lose control when He cleared the temple—He acted with intentional, protective passion. He was angry for the outsiders who were being kept from God by religious systems and greedy gatekeepers. Here’s the beautiful truth: Jesus is still passionate about removing barriers between you and the Father. Maybe you feel distant from God because of past mistakes, current struggles, or wounds inflicted by others. Jesus is fighting for you, not against you. He’s overturning every obstacle—shame, guilt, religious performance—that keeps you from experiencing intimate relationship with Him. Today, identify what’s blocking your connection with God and invite Jesus to remove it. He’s already swinging the whip on your behalf.

Day 3: The Lamb of God

Reading: John 1:29-34

Devotional: “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John the Baptist understood what was coming—Jesus would become the ultimate Passover Lamb. No more annual sacrifices. No more religious systems. No more wondering if you’ve done enough. Jesus did what you could never do. He lived the perfect life you couldn’t live and died the death you deserved. The temple system pointed forward to this moment when God Himself would become the sacrifice. Your salvation isn’t about bringing your best to God; it’s about receiving what Jesus already brought for you. Today, thank Jesus specifically for being your substitute, your sacrifice, and your Savior.

Day 4: Relationship Over Religion

Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25

Devotional: Religion says, “Clean yourself up, then come to God.” Relationship says, “Come to God, and He’ll clean you up.” The veil in the temple that separated people from God’s presence was torn in two when Jesus died. Now you have direct access to the Father through Jesus—no intermediaries, no religious hoops, no performance required. You don’t have to wait until you get your act together. Come as you are—broken, struggling, imperfect. God isn’t looking for perfect people; He’s looking for honest people who recognize their need for Him. Today, approach God with complete honesty about where you really are. He already knows, and He’s already reaching out to you.

Day 5: A Fresh Start

Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Devotional: When you accept Jesus, you become a new creation. The old passes away; everything becomes new. This isn’t about trying harder or turning over a new leaf—it’s about receiving a completely new identity. You’re no longer defined by your past failures, your current struggles, or others’ opinions. You’re defined by what Christ has done for you. God doesn’t just forgive your sins and leave you unchanged; He transforms you from the inside out. The guilt and shame you’ve carried? Gone. The fear of judgment? Removed. The uncertainty about eternity? Settled. Today, live in the reality of who you are in Christ—forgiven, renewed, and deeply loved. Let this new identity shape how you see yourself and how you walk through your day.