The theme of our 2025 calendar is "The 20:25's of the Bible." There are 14 places in Scripture where we can find a chapter 20 with a verse 25. This calendar includes all but the ones in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.
Because of this theme, it seemed good to supplement each calendar page/verse with some additional explanation. Below you will find a brief commentary on each of the 20:25's. These comments will help explain the meaning of the abrupt and (in some cases) perplexing Scripture quotations in our 2025 calendar.
You can download the calendar pdf by clicking this link.
Exodus 20:25 — "If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stones, for if you wield your tool on it you profane it."
God’s people, Israel, had been miraculously delivered from their slavery in Egypt. They had just received the Ten Commandments that revealed to them how God’s covenant people must love God and love one another. But how should they worship this gracious, glorious, holy, and righteous God? God would not leave them to their own devices on that important question, and so he gives them his requirements for the altars they would build by which they could approach their great God.
He tells them that if they build an altar of stone they cannot “hew” or shape those stones; they cannot shape them so that they fit well together. Instead, they must use the stones or rocks as they are, untouched by any tool, for this would “profane” that object. What a strange command! Why would God require such a thing?
First, as an object for the worship of God, it is holy, that is, set apart from normal or mundane use and set apart to exclusive service to God. If it was built with tools, people could claim ownership over it and it would not be “set apart,” that is, holy. And, since the builder would use common tools, used in mundane masonry, he would thus “profane” it.
Second, anything hewn and polished could tempt people to venerate the altar, rather than God, thus leading them to idolatry. Something beautiful, calling attention to itself in a worship service might then become the center of the worshipper’s affections.
God cares about how we worship him. Nothing must draw away our adoration from him.
Leviticus 20:25 — "You shall therefore separate the clean beast from the unclean, and the unclean bird from the clean. You shall not make yourselves detestable by beast or by bird or by anything with which the ground crawls, which I have set apart for you to hold unclean."
One of the major themes of Leviticus 20 is consecration — that God’s people are set apart for holiness. Earlier in the chapter, in verses 7-8 we read, “Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. Keep my statutes and do them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you.” Throughout His Law, God gives His people several commands that are to distinguish them from the peoples around them.
What is the right response to the revelation of both God's good design and sin's destructive ends? It is separation. Separation from the destruction that comes from the world, the flesh, and the devil, and separation to our Creator. Peter quoted from Leviticus in 1 Peter 1:16, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” This is for Christians too, except for us, this is not merely external, but rather we are now clothed in Christ’s holiness. We have been set apart as His people, by His shed blood, and therefore are able to live in His holiness.
Numbers 20:25 — "Take Aaron and his son Eleazar, and bring them up to Mount Hor."
As the people of Israel were nearing the conclusion of their wanderings in the wilderness, the older generation that rebelled against Yahweh was not permitted to enter the Promised Land. None of that generation were granted to make it to their new homeland other than Joshua and Caleb. In this passage, Moses commanded that his brother, Aaron, be stripped of his robes in preparation for his death and his son Eleazar’s replacing him in the role of high priest. Aaron died on top of Mount Hor, within view of the Promised Land, and the responsibility of the priesthood was passed to the next generation. Like Aaron, each of the high priests who served in the tabernacle—and later in the temple—were required to purify themselves of sin before atoning for the sins of the people. Their job was never done and each one’s death was a reminder of the ultimate punishment for sin. Ultimately, the priesthood points us to the final high priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly atoned for sins through his own death and grants his people the right to enter the eternal rest secured through his resurrection (see Hebrews 7:23–25).
1 Samuel 20:25 — "The king sat on his seat, as at other times, on the seat by the wall. Jonathan sat opposite, and Abner sat by Saul's side, but David's place was empty."
David’s empty seat symbolizes the tension and broken relationship between Saul and him. Saul had once admired David, but David's success, popularity, and God's favor was viewed as a threat (1 Sam. 18:7-9). This passage marks a turning point where David transitions from being a favored servant of the king to becoming a fugitive and, eventually, a king in waiting. His absence results in a long period of hardship, during which David learns dependence on God. The empty seat teaches us that David's rejection by Saul was still a part of God’s sovereign plan. While Saul’s throne will eventually be taken from him, David’s throne will be established forever (2 Sam. 7:16). This moment is part of the sanctifying process for David, preparing him for the responsibilities and challenges of kingship. This passage also teaches us that God can use the difficulties in our lives to shape us for our good and His glory.
2 Samuel 20:25 — "...and Sheva was secretary; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests..."
Between 2 Sam 8:17 and 20:25, David’s sin with Bathsheba precipitated not one but two rebellions which threatened his kingdom and brought into question the sure mercies of a forever-throne which was promised to him in 2 Sam 7. The record of officials in David’s administration emphasizes the establishment and stability of government. At the first (chapter 8) it illustrates the “house” that God had built for David and at the last (chapter 20) it reiterates that God will establish David’s throne despite all enemies. Neither kingdoms, not betrayals, nor indwelling sin will subvert God’s zeal to establish David’s house. Sheva was secretary so that we may have a greater assurance in the covenant promises of God and give genuine thanks to him.
Necessary for any administration is the thorough recording and accounting of persons and wealth. No kingdom will last or be effective without disciplined record keeping. The Lord has his Book of Remembrance (Malichi 3:16), the Book of Life (Rev 3:5). This record is exact and perfect as Jesus alone is its owner. If there were only 100 saints, he would rescue even one that went missing, but the multitude of his children are as the sand and the stars. We have all been numbered even down to the hairs of our head (Matthew 10:30). He has numbered the days of all earthly kingdoms (Dan 5:26), but the chariots of God are twice ten thousand, thousands upon thousands (Psalm 68:17) and his angles are legions (Matthew 26:53). Sheva was secretary so that we may consider and rejoice in the greatness of the government which now rests on the shoulders of David’s eternal son, Jesus.
Sheva is not remembered for his person, but for his station in David’s house. So also let it be sufficient for us that we be found faithful in our station and known for the sake of heaven’s kingdom. Sheva was secretary so that we would rather be doorkeepers in the house of our God than dwell in the tents of wickedness (Psalm 84:10 ).
Job 20:25 — "It is drawn forth and comes out of his body; the glittering point comes out of his gallbladder; terrors come upon him."
This verse is part of Zophar's second speech (Job 20), where he harshly accuses Job of wrongdoing and insists that the wicked inevitably face severe punishment. Zophar’s speech reflects a flawed belief that suffering is always a sign of hidden sin. His words demonstrate a misunderstanding of God's justice. Job's suffering, as revealed in Job 1–2, is not a consequence of sin but part of God’s sovereign purposes. One important takeaway for us today is that even in the face of unexplained suffering, we can trust that God is in control and works all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Finally, we should remember that while judgment for sin is real, Christ has borne the ultimate penalty by his death on the cross. This truth is good news for all who trust in the Lord!
Proverbs 20:25 — "It is a snare to say rashly, 'It is holy!' And to reflect only after making vows."
Scripture places a heavy importance on integrity and foresight in our words and decisions, especially when dedicating something to God or others. Rash promises can lead to regret when we realize the weight of our obligations. Proverbs 20:25 calls us to a life of deliberate intentionality, honoring our promises and understanding their implications. It also reminds us to seek God’s guidance before making decisions, avoiding the trap of impulsivity. The Bible portrays Jesus as the perfect example of wisdom, integrity, and faithfulness in fulfilling his commitments. He fully understood the weight of His mission of redemption and willingly committed Himself to the Father's will, even to the point of sacrificing His life on the cross. Jesus' sacrificial act embodies the ultimate fulfillment of vows made to God, showing us the seriousness and beauty of covenant faithfulness. Moreover, Christ frees us from the burden of our broken promises through His grace, offering forgiveness when we fall short.
[Commentary forthcoming]
Matthew 20:25 — "But Jesus called them to him and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.'"
A common understanding about government today is that those in power are supposed to use their authority for serving the people, and not to serve themselves. Such a principle is held in great contrast with dictators around the world, who often enjoy excessive wealth and prosperity, while their people starve on the streets. We must understand that this principle—to use political power to serve and not to be served—was rarely taught or practiced before Christ. But with the coming his kingdom, Jesus taught this principle to his disciples as the pattern for his church.
As the church obeyed Jesus, the nations were influenced to do the same. Thus, Jesus came to set up a kingdom that stood in contrast to the kingdoms of the world, yet the benefit of his kingdom has benefited the whole world. But we must not miss this critical point: such a practice of genuine servant leadership can only be done as we look to Christ in faith, for he himself set aside his ultimate authority to be the ultimate servant. Indeed, notice how Jesus goes on to tell his disciples in Matthew 20:28, that he came “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” May your life imitate Christ’s example, and may you also see how such a life influences the dark world around you, to the glory and praise of God.
Luke 20:25 — " He said to them, 'Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.'”
This verse is Jesus’ wise response to the religious leaders who tried to trap Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. By pointing to a denarius (a Roman coin), and to Caesar’s image on it, Jesus affirms the importance of secular authority while emphasizing that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God. For us today, this means that Christians should engage responsibly in society, including paying taxes, voting, and respecting laws, as long as these do not conflict with God’s commands. While participating in civic life, we must make sure that our primary allegiance is to God. This means living in a way that reflects God’s values and purposes. When secular and godly obligations seem to conflict, we must prioritize obedience to God, trusting Him to guide and sustain us as He is our only hope in life and death (Acts 5:29).
John 20:25 — "So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord.' But he said to them, 'Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.'"
John’s Gospel has a specific purpose: to recount the historical events and signs surrounding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, so that we may believe in Him as the Christ and the Son of God, and thus have eternal life (John 20:31). After the resurrection of Jesus, all the disciples except Thomas had seen the Lord. Joyfully, the disciples shared this incredible news with Thomas. Yet, much like us in many ways, Thomas, trusting his senses more than the promises of the Lord, refused to believe the testimony of the other apostles. Verse 25 highlights this fundamental inclination of the human heart—to trust only what can be seen, touched, or felt. However, Jesus gently reproved Thomas (and us) for relying on sight rather than His word: “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” The blessedness of the new life is given to those who, without seeing, place their faith in Christ’s work and promises.
Acts 20:25 — "And now behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again."
This statement comes from Paul's farewell speech to the Ephesian elders, marking the end of his personal ministry with them. It reflects Paul's awareness of his approaching hardships and his unwavering commitment to the gospel, even at the cost of personal relationships and safety. The verse highlights the depth of Paul’s love and dedication to the church, as he bids a heartfelt goodbye while affirming his faithfulness in proclaiming God’s kingdom. In its context, it serves as a poignant reminder of the urgency of the gospel and the sacrificial nature of Christian ministry. It challenges believers to prioritize the mission of Christ above personal comfort or attachments. It also calls us to evaluate how we steward our time and relationships for God’s purposes, striving to share the gospel faithfully wherever we are placed. Ultimately, Acts 20:25 encourages us to live with the same courage, love, and eternal perspective that Paul modeled, trusting in God’s sovereignty over our lives and ministry.
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