In Judges 16, Samson falls in love with Delilah, who is bribed by the Philistines to discover the secret of his strength. Through deceit, she learns that his power lies in his uncut hair, leads to its cutting, and Samson is captured, blinded, and imprisoned by the Philistines. However, during a public spectacle, his strength returns as his hair regrows, allowing him to bring down the temple on the Philistines and himself.

Judges 17 tells of Micah, who creates an idol from stolen silver that his mother blesses. He appoints one of his sons as priest, later replacing him with a wandering Levite who agrees to become his personal priest, setting the stage for greater religious corruption in Israel.

Will Samson's final act of destruction redeem his earlier failings and lead to victory over the Philistines?

In John 7:45-52, the temple guards return empty-handed to the chief priests and Pharisees, who scold them for not arresting Jesus. The guards are impressed by Jesus’ teachings, but the Pharisees dismiss any possibility of a prophet coming from Galilee, deepening the divide between them and Jesus.

John 8:1-11 shifts to a poignant moment where Jesus is teaching in the temple courts, and the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery, testing Jesus with a dilemma: to stone her, according to the Law of Moses, or show her mercy. Jesus responds wisely by stating, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone," leading to her accusers departing one by one, and Jesus telling her, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on sin no more."

Will the wisdom of Jesus' response transform the hearts of those who witnessed it, leading them to rethink their own righteousness?

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Judges 16

Judges 17

John 7:45-53

John 8:1-11

Psalm 60:1-4

In Judges 14-15, Samson's journey intertwines with personal revenge and divine destiny. After his marriage to a Philistine woman goes awry, he vows vengeance against her people, using supernatural strength to outwit and overpower them. His exploits, from killing a lion with his bare hands to catching 300 foxes and using them to set the Philistines' fields on fire, escalate tensions.

As Samson continues on his path of destruction, will his uncontrollable rage lead to his downfall, or will it serve a greater purpose in God's plan?

In John 7:14-44, Jesus boldly teaches in the Temple during the Feast of Tabernacles, surprising many with His deep understanding despite not having formal education. Skepticism and division grow among the crowds and Jewish leaders; some believe He is the Messiah, while others suspect He deceives the people. Amidst rising tensions, officers are sent to arrest Jesus, but they return empty-handed, captivated by His words.

Will the growing division and disbelief lead to Jesus’ arrest, or will His teachings continue to inspire and perplex those who hear Him?

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Judges 14

Judges 15

John 7:14-44

Proverbs 11:29-31

Proverbs 12:1-7

In Judges 12, the conflict between the Ephraimites and Jephthah escalates after the Ephraimites criticize Jephthah for not calling them to fight the Ammonites. Jephthah responds by fiercely defending his actions and engaging in a brutal battle with them, using a password trick at the river crossing to distinguish and slay fleeing Ephraimites. Moving to Judges 13, an angel appears to Manoah's wife, promising that despite being barren, she will bear a son who must be dedicated to God from birth as a Nazirite — this child will begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Will this promised child, later known as Samson, fulfill his destiny and lead Israel to victory? In John 6:60-71, many of Jesus’ disciples find his teachings on being the bread of life difficult to accept, leading to murmurs of discontent. Jesus questions them about their faith, and despite the confusion and challenge, Peter reaffirms his belief, declaring Jesus as the Holy One of God. Transitioning into John 7:1-13, Jesus faces increasing hostility from Jewish leaders and chooses not to travel openly in Judea. As the Feast of Tabernacles approaches, his brothers urge him to perform miracles in Jerusalem to prove himself, yet Jesus opts for a cautious approach, secretly going to the feast. Will Jesus' teachings and discreet actions at the feast change the hearts of those doubting and plotting against him?

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Judges 12

Judges 13

John 6:60-71

John 7:1-13

Psalm 59:9-19