The goal isn't to finish a reading plan. The goal is time with Jesus.
Spend 40 days with Jesus.
The four Gospels tell the story of Jesus—the most important story ever told. From August 16 through October 4, we'll spend 40 days reading them together, not simply to gain more information, but to be transformed by spending time with Him.
This is not a race to finish four books. It is an invitation to slow down, linger over the stories, listen carefully to the words of Jesus, and allow His life and teaching to shape our own.
Start here.
The reading guide is the home base for the entire journey. It includes the daily readings, both reading options, service opportunities, and weekly reflection questions.
Your guide for the whole journey.
Open the digital guide and keep it handy throughout the 40 days. Choose your reading path, follow each day's reading, find ways to serve, and use the weekly questions to reflect or discuss with others.
Open the Digital Reading GuideChoose the reading pace that fits you.
The guide gives you two ways to spend these 40 days in the Gospels. Both lead toward the same goal: time with Jesus.
Read Through the Gospels
Read or listen to every chapter of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John during the 40 days, paying attention to the words, actions, and life of Jesus.
A complete journey through all four Gospels.
Slow Down & Reflect
Read one selected story of Jesus each day. If time allows, read it twice, then reflect on what Jesus' words, actions, or interactions are inviting you to notice or do.
A slower, more reflective pace.
40 Days with Jesus Family Study Guide
Bring the journey home. This is a separate companion resource for families participating in 40 Days with Jesus together.
Use the Family Study Guide alongside the main reading journey as a simple way to engage the stories of Jesus together at home.
Open the Family Study Guidewith Jesus
Family Study Guide
A companion resource for walking through these 40 days together as a family.
Hear the Gospels read by Monterey.
We've recorded a podcast with people from Monterey reading the Gospel stories. Listen in the car, on a walk, over coffee, or alongside your daily reading.
New episodes drop daily.
Choose one way to serve.
These 40 days are an invitation not only to read about Jesus, but to follow Him into our community, alongside one another.
Fiesta Friday
Games and friendship with teens and adults with special needs.
Aug 28 · Sept 26 · 6–9 PMHope Lodge Meals
Serve dinner to cancer patients and caregivers staying in Lubbock.
Sept 9, 23, 30 · Oct 7 · 5–7:30 PMFoster Parent Night Out
Serve as nursery or K–3 while foster parents enjoy a night out.
Sept 11 · Oct 2 · 6–9 PMSpecial Needs Ministry
Serve a Sunday Bible class alongside an experienced coordinator.
Sept 13, 20, or 27 · 9:40–10:35 AMFamily Promise
Bring the whole family for activities and play with children of families in the program.
Sept 14 or 28 · 5:30–7 PMOpen Door Block Cleanup
Work alongside neighbors to clean up and care for the surrounding block at Open Door.
Sept 19 · 9–11 AMThreads of Love
For those who like to sew, create comforting items for families facing premature birth or infant loss.
Sept 12 · 9–11 AMMeals on Wheels
Join Monterey's Tuesday route and meet our homebound neighbors.
Aug 25 · Sept 1, 8, 15, or 29 · 10:40–11:30 AMSt. Benedict's
Help prepare and serve an evening meal for 300–400 neighbors, including individuals, families, and children.
Sept 2, 16, 23, or 30 · 4–6 PMWeekly Reflection & Discussion
Use these questions for your own personal reflection time or as a prompt to discuss the readings with family, friends, or a small group.
Week 1 — August 16–22Matthew 1–14
- What did you notice about Jesus this week that you had never noticed before?
- Which words or actions of Jesus stayed with you after you finished reading?
- Where do you see people responding to Jesus with faith? Where do you see resistance?
- If you had been present in one of these stories, where do you think you would have found yourself?
- What invitation do you sense Jesus extending to you this week?
- What is one way you can trust Jesus more this week?
Week 2 — August 23–29Matthew 15–28
- What does Jesus seem to value most in the people He encounters?
- Which story challenged one of your assumptions about Jesus or His Kingdom?
- What part of Jesus' journey to the cross affected you the most? Why?
- How do you see humility, sacrifice, or love displayed by Jesus this week?
- What might Jesus be asking you to surrender?
- How does the resurrection shape the way you think about today?
Week 3 — August 30–September 5Mark 1–16
- What surprised you about the pace or urgency of Jesus' ministry?
- What emotions do you see Jesus expressing throughout these stories?
- Who receives Jesus' compassion? Who struggles to understand Him?
- Where do you most identify with the disciples?
- What is one command of Jesus that feels especially relevant right now?
- If you summarized this week's readings in one sentence, what would it be?
Week 4 — September 6–12Luke 1–12
- What do these stories teach you about God's heart for ordinary people?
- How does Jesus treat those who are overlooked, broken, or on the margins?
- Which conversation or interaction with Jesus would you have wanted to witness?
- What aspect of Jesus' character drew you toward Him this week?
- Where do you see God's joy breaking into people's lives?
- How is Jesus inviting you to love someone differently this week?
Week 5 — September 13–19Luke 13–24
- What does Jesus teach about following Him that feels encouraging? What feels difficult?
- Which parable or teaching has stayed with you throughout the week?
- How do these readings change your understanding of God's Kingdom?
- What area of your life needs to come more fully under Jesus' leadership?
- Where have you experienced God's grace in a fresh way this week?
- What is one step of obedience you feel prompted to take?
Week 6 — September 20–26John 1–10
- Which image or description of Jesus ("the Word," "the Good Shepherd," "the Bread of Life," etc.) has impacted you most?
- What does Jesus reveal about His relationship with the Father?
- Which miracle or conversation deepened your understanding of who Jesus is?
- What invitation from Jesus stands out to you this week?
- What does it look like for you to "abide" (remain close) to Jesus today?
- In what area of your life do you most need to hear Jesus' voice?
Week 7 — September 27–October 3John 11–21
- What have these forty days taught you about Jesus?
- How has spending intentional time with Jesus affected your heart?
- Which story from the entire journey do you think you will remember months from now?
- How has your picture of Jesus changed—or become clearer?
- What is one practice you want to continue after these forty days are over?
- If Jesus asked you today, "Do you love me?" how would you respond with your life?
Spend time with Jesus.
Read. Listen. Reflect. Serve. And see what happens when we spend 40 days walking with Him.
Start the Journey