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A Simple Bible Reading Plan for Beginners
If you've ever opened the Bible, read a few verses, and thought, “Wait, what does that actually mean?” you're not alone.
Maybe you've tried starting from Genesis, got a few chapters in, and weren't sure how everything connected. Or maybe you want to read the Bible more consistently, but there are so many books that you have no idea where to begin.
Here's my advice: don't try to read everything at once. Start with a plan that helps you understand what you're reading.
This simple 21-day Bible reading plan is designed for beginners. It starts with the life of Jesus, then takes you through a few passages that can help you understand God's character and apply what you read to your everyday life.
You can follow this plan in any Bible translation you find easy to understand. Aim for around 5–15 minutes a day, depending on how quickly you read and how much time you want to spend reflecting.
Week 1: Get to know Jesus
Start with the Gospel of Mark. It's a good place for beginners because it gives you a direct look at Jesus' life, His teachings, His miracles, and His death and resurrection.
| Day | Bible reading | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 1 | What does Jesus begin doing, and how do people respond to Him? |
| 2 | Mark 2 | How does Jesus treat people others judge or reject? |
| 3 | Mark 3 | What do Jesus' actions reveal about His priorities? |
| 4 | Mark 4 | What does Jesus teach about faith and trusting Him? |
| 5 | Mark 5 | How does Jesus respond to people who are suffering? |
| 6 | Mark 6 | What can you learn about trusting God when things feel difficult? |
| 7 | Mark 7 | What matters more to God: outward appearances or the heart? |
Your focus this week: Don't worry about remembering every detail. Pay attention to what Jesus says and does. Ask yourself what these stories help you understand about who He is.
Week 2: Keep learning about Jesus
Continue reading Mark. As you read, you'll see more of Jesus' teachings and get closer to the events surrounding His death and resurrection.
| Day | Bible reading | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Mark 8 | What does it mean to follow Jesus? |
| 9 | Mark 9 | What do you learn about faith, even when it feels weak? |
| 10 | Mark 10 | What does Jesus teach about serving others? |
| 11 | Mark 11 | What does this chapter show you about Jesus' authority? |
| 12 | Mark 12 | What does loving God and loving others look like? |
| 13 | Mark 13 | What does Jesus teach about staying watchful and faithful? |
| 14 | Mark 14 | What do you notice about Jesus' obedience and love? |
Your focus this week: Notice not only what Jesus teaches, but how He lives. If a passage confuses you, that's okay. Write down your question and keep going. You can return to it later.
Week 3: Understand God's character and promises
Finish the Gospel of Mark, then read a few passages from Psalms and Philippians. These will help you explore different ways people respond to God, including through worship, prayer, trust, and gratitude.
| Day | Bible reading | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Mark 15 | What stands out to you about Jesus' sacrifice? |
| 16 | Mark 16 | What does Jesus' resurrection mean for Christian faith? |
| 17 | John 1 | Who is Jesus, and what does this chapter reveal about Him? |
| 18 | John 3 | What does Jesus teach about being born again and God's love? |
| 19 | John 10 | What does Jesus mean when He calls Himself the Good Shepherd? |
| 20 | John 14 | What does Jesus say about peace, trust, and the way to the Father? |
| 21 | John 15 | What does it mean to remain in Jesus and bear fruit? |
Your focus this week: Think about how these passages connect with your own life. You might find comfort in one verse, have questions about another, or discover something you've never noticed before.
And when you finish Day 21, you don't need to stop. You can continue reading the Gospel of John, explore another book, or repeat a passage that meant something to you!
How to read the Bible when you're a beginner
Having a reading plan tells you what to read. But knowing how to approach a passage can make the experience much more meaningful. Here are three simple things you can try.
1. Read a passage before looking for a lesson
It's tempting to read a chapter and immediately ask, “What am I supposed to learn from this?” But first, take a moment to understand what's actually happening. Who is speaking? Who are they speaking to? What happened before this passage? Is it a story, a poem, a prayer, or a letter?
These questions matter because not every verse is meant to be read in the same way. A Psalm expressing grief, for example, is different from a direct instruction in one of Paul's letters. You don't need to become a Bible scholar, don't worry. Just try to understand the passage in its context before deciding what it means for you.
2. Choose one thing to reflect on
You don't have to write a full page of notes after every reading. Sometimes, one question is enough. After reading, ask yourself: What did I learn about God? Is there something here I don't understand? Is there a truth I need to remember or something I can put into practice today?
You won't necessarily have an answer every time. That's fine. Some passages will take more time to understand, and some days you'll simply read and think about what you've learned.
The goal isn't to force a personal lesson out of every verse. It's to give yourself time to understand God's Word rather than rushing through it just to finish the day's reading.
3. Pray about what you've read
Prayer doesn't have to be complicated. You can tell God what stood out to you, ask Him to help you understand a passage, or talk to Him about something you're struggling with.
For example, if you read Psalm 46 and find comfort in the reminder that God is our refuge, you might pray:
“God, I know I've been worrying about things I can't control. Help me remember that I can come to You when I'm afraid. Teach me to trust You, even when I don't know what's going to happen. Amen.”
Start with one chapter today
You don't need to understand the entire Bible before you can begin reading it. Start with Mark 1, read it slowly, notice what you can understand, and be honest about what you can't. If something catches your attention, spend another minute thinking about it. If you have a question, write it down. And tomorrow, come back for the next chapter.
If your phone is usually the first thing you reach for in the morning, you could also try reading a few verses before opening social media. Bible Lock can help you build that pause by putting Scripture on your lock screen, with the verse changing every hour, and asking you to read Scripture before opening the apps you've chosen to limit.