The Jesus Podcast

We all had dreams of what we wanted to be when we grew up: A firefighter, a policeman, a famous rockstar. But those dreams don’t always go as planned. Life happens and we find ourselves somewhere very different than we imagined. Matthew had compromised everything. He betrayed his kinsman, abandoned his values, and tarnished his relationship with God. But all it took was one moment for all that to...

If you have ever played hide-and-seek as a kid, you know the sense of anticipation as you wait in hiding and the exhilaration of being found. As we grow, the idea of hiding may not come with the same sense of excitement. This episode showcases the call of Nathanael, a man who was known but still fetl anonymous. Jesus saw Nathanael. He saw Nathanael's flaws, gifts, insecurities, and potential. Jesu...

Our sense of identity can ebb and flow with the various seasons of life as we grow and change with our surroundings. But what if our identity could be much more stable? We kick off our new mini-series called "Jesus and the Outcasts" with the call of Simon (who you may know as Peter). Before he meets Jesus, Simon is reeling in self-doubt, self-pity, and self-hatred. Perhaps you find yourself in a s...

God’s arms are always open. When you’ve failed. When you’ve stumbled. God’s arms are still open. Wide open. Ready to embrace you. Welcome to our final parable episode. We are going to finish up the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Jarhameel took his father’s inheritance, essentially wishing that he would die. It’s an egregious insult, but the father gives him what he wants. Sometimes to show us the er...

How do we react to the sinners in our lives? Do we enable them? Do we hope for their demise? Or do we recognize that we are also sinners, face-planting through life, in desperate need of a savior? Today is part 2 of our parable finale through the story of the Prodigal Son. Last episode, we met Abiathar, the father, and Jarahmeel, the youngest son. Today we meet Amnon, the do-gooder - the good kid...

How far does God’s grace go? The story of the Prodigal Son reveals the answer to that question.  Today, we are exploring the story of the Prodigal Son. This story is iconic for a reason. There are two brothers. One is a rule follower, the other is a thrill seeker. Perhaps you fall into one of these two camps. Either way, there’s a lesson for you… Download the Pray.com app for more Christian conten...

Here’s the reality: storms will come. The question is, have you invested enough time and effort to strengthen your base? This is a story of two brothers – two houses – two foundations. One house was built on the rock, and the other was built on the sand. Go to JesusPodcast.com and receive daily devotionals about Jesus. Today's Bible verse is Mark 16:6 from the King James Version. Download the Pray...

We’ve all been given gifts. We’ve been given talents, resources, and opportunities. What have you done with those gifts? Have you invested time and passion, or have you hidden them from the world? This parable is another punch to the jaw, as Jesus warns us about neglecting the gifts and opportunities entrusted to us. This story is meant to inspire us to be people of action. The Gospel requires we...

I can be blessed by the gifts of the Spirit in your life. I can be a recipient of your kindness, love, and mercy. I can benefit from your faith… But I can’t borrow it. Today’s story is controversial. The Parable of The Ten Vigins. As we take a good look at the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1–13), we must acknowledge up front that there has been much debate as to the meaning. At least one...

Nobody knows the day or the hour. Jesus could come in an instant. Will you be caught flat-footed? This parable is told in response to Peter’s question, “What will happen at the end, and what will be the sign of your coming?” Jesus tells this story to address something more important than a date or time. He tells this parable to address our hearts. What will be our posture when Jesus returns? Will...

What is ‘fairness’ according to God? Does God give a certain amount of favor to those who work the longest? Does God pick favorites? If you work harder, longer, and on more things, does it mean God will give you a special reward above others? This parable is only found in the gospel of Matthew. Jesus tells this story in response to Peter’s question in Matthew 19:27: "We have left everything to fol...

We’ve all been told money isn’t everything. Most of us would nod our heads and agree. But do we live like that’s true? Today, we delve into a story that Jesus told, not just as a parable but as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of our earthly choices. Join me as we examine the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus, a narrative that challenges us to live lives marked by compassion, faith,...

Sooner or later, we all must give an account to God for what He’s entrusted to us. The question is: will we be shrewd, creative, and industrious with what we have, or will we have a lazy and unurgent attitude toward life?  This parable is often considered one of the most difficult to understand. Why? Because Jesus uses a villain as an example of what to do. The tale of the Shrewd Manager is a mora...

Have you ever struggled with the concept of prayer? Have you wondered if prayer actually moves the hand of God or if it’s just a religious practice to get our hearts right? Let’s dive into an often overlooked and misunderstood parable - the Persistent Widow. This is a story about a wicked judge who refuses to hear the pleas of this one widow. This story shows us the power of annoyance and pesterin...

Is your heart ready to receive God's word? Or has it been choked out by the anxieties of life? Today’s story is simple, yet buried deep within is a message about truth, God’s word, and our hearts. It’s about a farmer who goes out into his field to sow some seeds. Not every seed falls on good soil, though. The way each soil receives the seed is different and a metaphor for our hearts. Go to JesusPo...

How important is it to forgive? How crucial is forgiveness for our faith and relationship with God?  The parable of the unforgiving servant is critical for our faith! It has foundational truths for our walk with God and how we interact with others. The way we view forgiveness reflects the way we view grace, mercy, and eternity. Go to JesusPodcast.com and receive daily devotionals about Jesus. Toda...

The Kingdom of Heaven doesn’t care if you’re rich, poor, tall, short, introverted, or extroverted. The Kingdom of Heaven is for those who joyfully accept the invitation.  Today’s story is about a Kingdom. The King, excited to celebrate his son, invites all the nobles and merchants to come to the wedding. When they reject his offer, the King extends the invitation to others. This kind of story migh...

God invites us all to partner with him. But will we be too prideful to accept the invitation? Do we want everything to ourselves?  This parable is rich in symbolism and searing in its indictment of misplaced priorities. This story about the Wicked Tenants offers a profound exploration of stewardship, rebellion, and the divine invitation to participate in the kingdom of God. Go to JesusPodcast.com...

What if tomorrow isn’t promised? What if today is all you had? How seriously would you take your faith, then? This parable was told by Jesus as a warning to anyone who says, “I’ll take my faith seriously once I _______.” That sentence can be filled with a myriad of different things. “I’ll take my faith seriously when I finish college.” “I’ll take my faith seriously once I have a career.” The truth...

The truth is, we are all like sheep. We all have a tendency to wander and repeat our mistakes. We need guidance. We need protection. We need a Good Shepherd. This dramatized parable takes us through the cold, wintry forest where a shepherd lays it all on the line for his sheep. This story reveals the depth of God's love, and the lengths he'll go to rescue you.  Go to JesusPodcast.com and receive d...

God is actively working against the proud and pompous. If that doesn’t force us to seek humility, I don’t know what will…  The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, as narrated by Jesus, pierces through the facade of righteousness to reveal the profound truth of God's grace. These two men live totally different lives. On the outside, the Pharisee has his whole life put together. But is th...

Heroes come from unexpected places. Not from temples or towers, but off the streets and from the shadows. The Parable of the Good Samaritan communicates the upside-down kingdom of God - where the religious elite are shown as hypocrites, and the humble outcasts are shown as heroes.  Go to JesusPodcast.com and receive daily devotionals about Jesus. Today's Bible verse is Mark 16:6 from the King Jame...

Who are our neighbors? The people who live next to us? The people who look like us, think like us, or vote for us?  Jesus confronts the prevailing belief that only a few people are worthy of our love, trust, and respect. The Parable of the Good Samaritan stands as a beacon of light against the darkness of prejudice, hate, and tribalism.  Go to JesusPodcast.com and receive daily devotionals about J...

What does it mean to live in light of the resurrection? How do we, imperfect people on this side of heaven, live lives that echo eternity? Jesus walks the shores of Galilee one last time, and reassures His beloved apostles that He will always be with them. Then, shrouded in glory, He ascends into heaven. Go to JesusPodcast.com and receive daily devotionals about Jesus. Today's Bible verse is Mark...

To truly move on and embrace the future, you first have to wrestle with your past. For the first time since his death, Peter looks Jesus in the eyes. Jesus takes Peter through a process of restoration and commissions him for the mission ahead. Go to JesusPodcast.com and receive daily devotionals about Jesus. Today's Bible verse is Mark 16:6 from the King James Version. Download the Pray.com app fo...