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

In Judges 10-11, Israel is oppressed by the Ammonites, leading them to repent for forsaking God. Jephthah, a fierce but outcast warrior, is chosen by the elders of Gilead to lead the fight against Ammon. After vowing disastrously to sacrifice whatever first comes out of his house if he wins, Jephthah is victorious, but his only daughter greets him upon his return—will he fulfill his tragic vow?

In John 6:25-59, Jesus feeds 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish, and later declares Himself the "Bread of Life," offering eternal life to those who believe. His teaching confuses and challenges the crowd and His disciples, leading many to question His identity and teachings. As Jesus insists that His followers must eat His flesh and drink His blood to have eternal life, will they accept these hard teachings or turn away?

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Judges 10

Judges 11

John 6:25-59

Psalm 59:1-8

In Judges 9, Abimelech, a son of Gideon through his concubine, conspires to become king by brutally killing his seventy half-brothers, except for the youngest, Jotham, who escapes. Abimelech rules over Israel for three turbulent years, facing rebellion and ultimately meeting his demise when a woman drops a millstone on his head during the siege of Thebez, prompting him to ask his armor-bearer to kill him to avoid the disgrace of being killed by a woman. As his life ends, will Abimelech's violent quest for power bring peace or further bloodshed to Israel? In John 6:1-24, Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee and climbs a mountain with His disciples, attracting a large crowd due to His healing miracles. Facing a vast crowd of about 5,000 men, Jesus performs the miracle of multiplying five barley loaves and two fish provided by a boy, feeding everyone until they are satisfied, with leftovers collected afterwards. As Jesus retreats to the mountain alone, the crowd, amazed and eager, searches for Him—will they understand the spiritual significance of His miracle or seek only earthly provisions?

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Judges 9

John 6:1-24

Psalm 58

In Judges 7:8-8, Gideon and his tiny army of 300 men, armed with trumpets and jars with torches inside, surround the Midianite camp at night. Following Gideon's lead, they break the jars, sound the trumpets, and shout, causing chaos and fear among the Midianites who turn on each other in the darkness. Gideon's unconventional tactics lead to a significant victory, but can he maintain control and peace after such an unexpected triumph? In John 5:31-47, Jesus speaks to the Pharisees about the witnesses to His divinity, listing John the Baptist, His miracles, and the Scriptures as testaments to His identity as the Son of God. He criticizes the Pharisees for their reliance on human praise rather than seeking the glory that comes from God alone, highlighting their inability to recognize Him despite their devotion to the Scriptures. With such compelling evidence before them, will the Pharisees ever acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, or will their hearts remain closed?

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Judges 7:8-25

Judges 8

John 5:31-47

Proverbs 11:19-28

In Judges 6-7, the Israelites are oppressed by the Midianites, leading them to cry out to the Lord for help. God chooses Gideon, a humble farmer, to save Israel and gives him signs of assurance, including the famous fleece test. Armed with a small army chosen by God, Gideon prepares to face the vast Midianite forces. Will Gideon's tiny band of 300 men be enough to overcome the enemy? In John 5:16-30, Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, inciting anger from the Jewish leaders because he not only broke the Sabbath but also claimed God as his Father. Jesus responds with a profound discourse about his relationship with the Father, asserting that the Son can do nothing by himself but only what he sees the Father doing. He also speaks of the authority given to him over judgment and life, hinting at the resurrection of the dead. Will the leaders' hearts be softened by Jesus’ words, or will their opposition only intensify?

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Judges 6

Judges 7:1-8

John 5:16-30

Psalm 57:7-11

In Judges 4-5, Deborah, a prophetess and leader of Israel, teams up with Barak to face the formidable Canaanite army led by Sisera. Despite overwhelming odds, they trust in God's promise of victory. The Canaanites are routed, and Sisera meets his end at the hands of Jael, who drives a tent peg through his skull while he sleeps.

Can Deborah and Barak's small force survive and triumph over the might of Sisera's well-equipped army?

In John 4:43-5:15, Jesus returns to Galilee and performs a miraculous healing at the request of a royal official whose son is dying. Without even visiting the boy, Jesus simply declares, "Your son will live," and the child is healed at that very moment. Later, in Jerusalem, Jesus heals a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years by a pool, telling him to "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."

Will the people believe in Jesus’ power just by His word, or will they need to see more miracles?

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Judges 4

Judges 5

John 4:43-5:15

Psalm 57:1-6