Jesus in His Jewish Context | Exploring the World of the Gospels, the Kingdom of God, and the Roots of Early Christianity with Dr. Jeff Colburn

Before Peter ever called Jesus the Christ, generations of Jews had longed for a deliverer—an anointed one who would restore Israel’s kingdom, purify the Temple, and bring justice to the world. In this episode, Dr. Jeff Colburn uncovers the diverse messianic hopes of Second Temple Judaism—from royal sons of David to priestly reformers and prophetic figures like Moses and Elijah. Drawing on texts from the Hebrew Scriptures, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and writings like 1 Enoch and the Psalms of Solomon, we’ll explore how these expectations shaped the atmosphere of the Gospels. Finally, we’ll see how Jesus both fulfilled and transformed these hopes—redefining messiahship not through conquest but through compassion, suffering, and resurrection. Listen now to rediscover what “Christ” truly meant in the time of Jesus.   ——— Please join our Facebook group to receive additional resources related to each episode, engage in respectful discussions, and post questions. https://drjeffcolburn.com You may contact me directly at drjeffcolburn@gmail.com

Before we can understand what Jesus said, we must understand the world in which He spoke. In this episode, Dr. Jeff Colburn takes you inside the world of first-century Judaism under Roman rule — a world of empires and expectation, prophets and priests, oppression and hope. Discover how political tension, Temple worship, and Jewish faith shaped the social landscape of the Gospels. Learn about the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots — the diverse movements wrestling with what faithfulness to God meant under empire. This episode lays the foundation for everything to come, helping us see why Jesus’ announcement of the Kingdom of God was both profoundly Jewish and deeply revolutionary. Listen now to step into the story of faith, history, and hope that set the stage for Jesus’ ministry. ——— Please join our Facebook group to receive additional resources related to each episode, engage in respectful discussions, and post questions. https://drjeffcolburn.com You may contact me directly at drjeffcolburn@gmail.com

What if understanding Jesus meant stepping into His world? In this special introduction episode, Dr. Jeff Colburn welcomes you to Jesus in His Jewish Context and shares the vision behind the podcast. You’ll discover why exploring the Jewish world of the first century—its history, Scripture, and everyday faith—opens up a richer understanding of Jesus’ message and the Gospels. Dr. Colburn explains how the podcast will bridge faith and history, combining biblical scholarship with spiritual formation so you can see Jesus as His first disciples knew Him. Whether you’re a pastor, seminary student, or lifelong learner, this short episode will prepare you for the journey ahead: rediscovering the Kingdom of God, Second Temple Judaism, and the Jewish roots of Christian faith. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we step into the world that shaped Jesus—and still shapes us today. ——— Please join our Facebook group to receive additional resources related to each episode, engage in respectful discussions, and post questions. https://drjeffcolburn.com You may contact me directly at drjeffcolburn@gmail.com

What if understanding Jesus meant stepping into His world? Jesus in His Jewish Context is a podcast that explores the Gospels through the lens of first-century Judaism — the world of the Temple, the prophets, and the Kingdom of God. Hosted by Dr. Jeff Colburn, a Bible scholar specializing in Second Temple Judaism and Early Christianity, each episode bridges faith and history to help you see Jesus as His first disciples knew Him. Subscribe now and rediscover the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. ——— Please join our Facebook group to receive additional resources related to each episode, engage in respectful discussions, and post questions. https://drjeffcolburn.com You may contact me directly at drjeffcolburn@gmail.com

In this episode, Angela and Jeff finish their discussion about what happens during the end times. They address the original question, "what is the rapture?" Angela shares what she learned of the end times and the rapture growing up in the church. Jeff shares the various interpretations of the end times and how some believe in the rapture while others don't.  Illustrations of the various interpretations are posted in the Safe Harbor Digital Community Facebook Group. Please join us at https://digitalsafeharbor.com   

This is the conclusion of the discussion from last week's episode (E12 - Experiencing the Church). In this week's episode, Angela and Jeff discuss how powerful giving our personal testimony about God is in attracting others to Jesus. Jeff shares his own experience on how he came to Christ. They conclude with what it means to make the decision to give your life to Jesus. Have questions about God? Want to be able to talk to someone? Do you want to feel heard? Please join our community on Facebook at digitalsafeharbor.com This is a safe place where you may ask any questions you have, share your own personal struggles and experiences, and challenge what you may have been taught. Or you may email Dr. Jeff at jeff@digitalsafeharbor.org  Finding the Narrow Way is the official podcast of the Safe Harbor Digital Community. An online space where people may feel loved and connected as they discover God and grow in Christlikeness. This podcast is hosted by Angela Vasquez and Dr. Jeff Colburn. Jeff earned his Ph.D. in Bible Exposition. 

In this episode, Angela and Jeff discuss their experience visiting a new church for an Easter service.  They share what they believe were the strengths and weaknesses of the service and how first time visitors may perceive them.  Angela and Jeff walk through their entire experience. Next week's episode will share the second half of this conversation. Topics Include: The parking lot before the service Meeting the Pastor Worship Screen fatigue Tithing (Contributions) Service Distractions Please join the discussion on Facebook at digitalsafeharbor.com If you have questions about this episode or any other questions about God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at digitalsafeharbor.org.

Angela and Jeff received a question this week that causes them to explore what the Bible says about the End Times. In this episode, they discuss the Kingdom of God. Jeff shares: What Jesus taught of the Kingdom of God The stages of the Kingdom's arrival What is Today's Age What is the Age to Come What is the Millennium What did Jesus mean by "already," and "not yet." How believers experience the Kingdom today How believers will experience the Kingdom in the Age to Come This is part 1 of a series on the End Times. Episode Links Gospel of the Kingdom by George Eldon Ladd Scripture Matthew 12:28 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 Revelations 20:4-5, 12-13 Please join the discussion on Facebook at digitalsafeharbor.com If you have questions about this episode or any other questions about God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at digitalsafeharbor.org.

In this episode, Angela and Jeff discuss one of the two personal needs for our sense of self-worth. Our need for significance. People need their lives to have purpose, meaning, impact, and importance. They discuss how wrong beliefs influence our basic assumptions which lead to misguided goals that will not meet the need for significance. Failing to achieve these misguided goals have a negative impact on our self-worth and cause anxiety and depression. Jeff and Angela share how the need for significance can only be met through God. That everyone has been perfectly created to meet their God given purpose for their life. They remind people how they can remain centered in God and allow Him to meet their need for significance. Please join the discussion at digitalsafeharbor.com If you have questions about this episode or any other questions about God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at digitalsafeharbor.org.

We are excited to announce that we are changing the name of the podcast. We are now Finding the Narrow Way podcast where we learn to live and love like Jesus. In this episode, Angela and Jeff discuss: What is the narrow way and how to find it Jesus' invitation to follow Him on the narrow way Characteristics of a Jesus follower How we are to live as Christians What it means to be obedient to God The importance of building a loving relationship with God How we can tell if we are maturing as Christians Episode Links Effective Biblical Counseling by Larry Crabb The Gospel of Matthew by R.T. France Please join the discussion at facebook.com/groups/digitalsafeharbor If you have questions about this episode or any other questions about God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at digitalsafeharbor.org.

Angela and Jeff try something different this episode. Rather than focusing on a single topic, they provide short answers to several quick questions that they received from their audience.  - Do we really have free will? - Is Jesus the only way to salvation? - Was there a Holy Trinity before Jesus was born? - What does it mean that God created man in "our" image? - Who was Cain wife? If you have questions about this episode or any other questions concerning God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at digitalsafeharbor.org.

In this episode, Angela and Jeff respond to the questions, if God is love, why do some people suffer eternal damnation, won't all people be saved in the end, and what about people who never heard of Jesus? They discuss how God is a God of Justice as much as He is a God of Love. How there has to be atonement for our sins. And how God sent His Son to pay the penalty that we cannot pay ourselves. Basic Christianity by John Stott Evangelism Through the Local Church by Michael Green If you have questions about this episode or any other questions concerning God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at digitalsafeharbor.org.

In this episode, Angela and Dr. Jeff discuss the problem of evil and suffering. If God is good and all-powerful, why does He permit evil and suffering? Dr. Jeff explains the consequences of the Fall and man's rebellion against God. Book - Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis Book - Evangelism through the Local Church by Michael Green Book - Christianity for People Who Aren’t Christians by James White If you have questions about this episode or any other questions concerning God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at digitalsafeharbor.org.

In this episode Angela and Dr. Jeff respond to the questions whether God has left this country and whether the church will return to being faith based and community focused and not some political tool. They discuss the state of Christianity and the church in America, what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and how the church should adopt the core values defined by the early church in Acts 2:41-47. If you have questions about this episode or any other questions concerning God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at digitalsafeharbor.org. Episode Links Book - Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer Article - Historically Low Faith in U.S. Institutions Continues by Lydia Saad, Gallup Article - Rising Spiritual Openness in America by David Kinnaman, Barna Group Article - Openness to Jesus Isn’t the Problem—the Church Is by Barna Group Article - Modeling the Future of Religion in America by Pew Research Center

In Part 2 of this two part episode, Angela and Dr. Jeff discuss the seven "I Am" statements Jesus makes in the Gospel of John. Towards the end of the discussion, they respond to the question to whether Jesus' divinity is a historic fact or just a matter of faith. If you have questions about God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at http://digitalsafeharbor.org

In Part 1 of this two part episode, Angela and Dr. Jeff explore the messianic expectations from the Second Temple period. They discuss how Jesus met these expectations and what it meant to His early followers. If you have questions about God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at http://digitalsafeharbor.org

In this episode, Angela and Dr. Jeff discuss the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus, what His disciples believed, and why it is important to the Christian faith. If you have questions about God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at http://digitalsafeharbor.org

In this episode, we respond to the question on how we can trust the historical accuracy of the Bible and the accounts of Jesus' life. If you have questions about God, Jesus, or the church, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org