Jesus Stories

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE: In this Jesus Stories episode, we examine the question of costs. Have you ever considered the value of the Kingdom of God? Jesus explains this to us. Given its value, then, what is the cost to follow Jesus into the Kingdom of God? Jesus explains that to us, too. We take a deep dive into these questions as we consider “The Cost For Following Jesus.” This is a tough tea...

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE: Jesus tells stories in this episode of Jesus Stories! Jesus was the consummate storyteller. But his stories all had a purpose. They were used to teach secrets about the Kingdom. These are secrets that some can hear and understand; others cannot. We go through some of Jesus’ stories in this episode including the explanations which Jesus offers to his disciples. Then, w...

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE? This Jesus Stories episode delves deep into Jesus’ teaching on greed, worry, and generosity. We connect all three concepts and the life-giving focus which bypasses greed and worry to leaning on Jehovah God for everything we need and more. Such reliance on Jehovah leads to generosity and the accumulation of treasures in heaven. SCRIPTURES USED IN THIS EPISODE Luke 12:2...

EVENTS IN THIS EPISODE Jesus dies An earthquake occurs Temple veil is ripped from top to bottom Resurrection of godly people Women watch from a distance while others leave the crucifixion Joseph of Arimathea secures Jesus’ body and buries it in a tomb he owns The tomb is sealed by the Romans On Sunday, three women come to the tomb to find it empty. They tell the disciples Peter and John confirm th...

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE: Jesus is flogged – twice Pilate turns Jesus over to his Roman garrison to be crucified But, first, they have to have some fun with ridicule and bullying Jesus is lead to the place of the skull for execution Jesus is nailed to the cross He is mocked and ridiculed while hanging there Jesus commissions John to care for his mother Jesus promises the only who stands up for...

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE: Jesus is taken to be questioned by Annas Annas sends Jesus to Caiaphas for trial The Sanhedrin question Jesus under oath, requiring Jesus admit that he is the Messiah The Sanhedrin consider Jesus guilty of blasphemy Judas regrets his actions and gives back his money Judas hangs himself Jesus is brought before Pilate for trial Pilate and Jesus converse about the nature...

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE: Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and those who will come after them in Jesus’ name He takes Peter, James, and John to pray for deliverance from the wrath that he is about to experience Soldiers and Temple guards arrive to arrest Jesus Jesus’ disciples try to fight back over Jesus’ objections Jesus is bound and taken away His disciples run away SCRIPTURES USED I...

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE? This is the first of five special episodes of Jesus Stories. For this Holy Week, we’ll examine the events in Jesus’ life starting with his last supper with his disciples. Peter and John are sent into Jerusalem to prepare for the Passover Jesus says, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover with you before my suffering begins" Jesus shares bread and wine, imparting...

What Happens in this Episode? We resume the narrative from episode #4-34. Jesus is in the midst of a crowd of thousands of people. People are stepping all over each other – in spite of Jesus rough teaching to the Pharisees. Now Jesus turns to these people with his own warnings about the Pharisees. He continues with a challenge to speak up for him even when it is difficult. He teaches about greed a...

What Happens in This Episode? We go in depth in this Jesus Stories episode concerning the opposition which Jesus faces as he shares the Kingdom of God. Where does it come from? What form does it take? Is the opposition still active? If so, how do we deal with it? Scriptures Referenced in This Episode Luke 8:1-2 Matthew 12:24 Matthew 12:25 Matthew 12:30 Luke 11:39 John 2:25 Luke 11:42-52 Luke 12:1...

What Happens in This Episode? In this episode of Jesus Stories, we find out who supports Jesus and his disciples financially. We see the opposition to Jesus’ ministry increase. But we also see Jesus fighting back with some very “to the point” teaching. In this episode, Jesus is accused of working in league with the devil after he throws a demon out of a man. Jesus corrects that misconception with...

What Happens in This Episode? In this Jesus Stories episode, we’ll spend some time talking about faith. In our last episode, Jesus had three encounters with people that demonstrated some kind of faith. One example was faith that was unusual for the person holding it. Another was a questioning faith. Finally, there was the faith of a very sinful woman. What do these encounters teach us? How did Jes...

What Happens in This Episode? In this episode of Jesus Stories, Jesus begins showing his disciples how his new Kingdom should look. We meet two remarkable people who have faith that is commended by Jesus. A Roman Centurion is sure that Jesus can hear a deathly ill slave just by speaking. And a prostitute honors Jesus at the home of a Pharisee exercising a faith that Jesus says saves her. In betwee...

What Happens in This Episode? This Jesus Stories episode dives into Jesus teaching from the Sermon on the Mount on judging? Yes, he says, “do not judge.” But, that is not the whole teaching. We take a look at the meaning behind this teaching to understand what he is really saying. And why does he end with the “Golden Rule”? Scriptures Referenced in This Episode Matthew 7:1-12 Galatians 6:1 Matthew...

What Happens in this Episode? We conclude our narrative of the Sermon on the Mount in this Jesus Stories episode. Jesus starts by getting into our wallets and our stuff. “Don’t store up treasures here on earth…” He tells us not to worry since Jehovah God will take care of his followers. He reminds us that judgment of others brings judgment back upon us. We can only judge with the guidance of Jehov...

What Happens in this Episode We’re telling the Christmas story from the scriptures in this episode. Listen as you’ll hear: When the Jesus Story and the Christmas Story really begin An announcement of a birth of a relative of Jesus The announcement of the birth of Jesus Mary’s visit with her relative at the beginning of her pregnancy The first Christmas Carol, as sung by Mary The birth of the relat...

What Happens in this Episode? This Jesus Stories episode goes deeper into Jesus’ teachings concerning the commands of the Law. We review the last four of these teachings: concerning divorce, making and keeping vows, revenge, and loving our enemies. What does Jesus tell us about these issues? How does he expect us to keep these exacting standards? What does he offer to help us? We answer all of the...

What Happens In This Episode? We continue reviewing Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus challenges his listeners with his look at “the Law”. He outlines what the law says and continues with “but I say” to explain the expectation that Jehovah God held. In each case, the heart of the individual was to match the observed behavior. He talks about divorce, vows, retribution, and loving...

What Happens in This Episode? This Jesus Stories episodes begin to go deeply into Jesus’ teaching regarding the honoring of the Law and the Prophets. Jesus compares the sayings of the Law – "You have heard it said" – with the intention his Father had for the saying – "But I tell you". We talk about the commands “do not murder” and “do not commit adultery.” What is Jehovah God really saying in thes...

What Happens In This Episode This Jesus Story episode continues our look at the Sermon on the Mount. We move from the Beatitudes to woes – the opposite of blessings – for those who are not seeking and submitting to Jehovah. Jesus then considers the character of his followers as salt and light and addresses what may have been some misconceptions about his teaching raised by the religious leaders of...

What happens in this episode? In this Jesus Stories episode, we delve deeper into the Beatitudes Jesus proclaimed as he started the Sermon on the Mount. Far from being a prescription for you and me to live, the Beatitudes are an invitation for everyone to be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven. I explain this interpretation from the book, The Divine Conspiracy, Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God by...

What Happens in this Episode? This episode of the Jesus Stories podcast covers some interesting events and begins some famous teaching. Jesus chooses his apostles and then moves to his most famous teaching – the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus begins the Sermon with what are known as the Beatitudes. We break these teachings down to show Jesus’ upside-down view of the Kingdom of God. Scriptures used in...

What Happens in this Episode? This Jesus Stories episode delves into one statement that Jesus made last time. “I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifice.” What does this mean? How does it pertain to us today? We break this down to better understand the mercy that God has given us and asks us to pass on to our fellow-man. Scriptures Used in this Episode: Hosea 6:4, 6 Exodus 20:8, 10 Exodus 34:6...

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE? This episode of Jesus Stories will complete the confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders of the day; including the proof that Jesus presents for his identity. He makes these leaders even madder when his disciples “harvest” grain and eat it on the Sabbath and he heals a man in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Finally, he leaves the city and goes out to the Se...

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE? This Jesus Stories episode looks at the difference between Cultural Christianity and Real Christianity. What is Cultural Christianity? Does this work? What is the difference between Cultural Christianity and Real Christianity? How do we move beyond Cultural Christianity into Real Christianity? Lots of questions. I pray you’ll hear the answers. SCRIPTURES USED IN THIS...