Jesus Stories

Hey All, For this period, Jesus Stories is taking a break from podcasting. I'm out-of-town visiting my grandkids (and their parents, too!). So, if you're behind on listening, this is a great opportunity to catch up. Or, maybe listen to an old, favorite episode! We'll be back in two weeks with another episode! See you then!

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 Jesus respond to them? We answer these questions in this episode. Scriptures Referenced in This Episode Luke 7:18-28 Luke 7:1-10 Luke 7:36-50 Isaiah 61:1 Hebrews 11:1, 6 Romans 4:5 Romans 10:17 How can you help us? Just like any independent podcast, we only survive because you help us out. We crave your prayer support. And we need your monetary support. Would you pray about what you do to help us out? Direct Donation You can donate through PayPa1 – either a one time or an on-going monthly donation. Just click this image to give. Buy Some Swag We have Jesus Stories tees, bags, coffee mugs, etc; Just click on the item to find out how to buy! Visit Our Sponsor I've partnered with Hero Care Packages to bring you an exclusive offer. When you use my discount code STORIESDEAL, you will receive 10% off you purchase of a special care package for one of our service members - a soldier, sailor, or airman - who are protecting our freedoms. You'll help the service member out by boosting morale, save money, and help out Jesus Stories, too. Click this link to get your savings or scan the QR code below. We’re On Social Media Facebook Instagram X/Twitter YouTube Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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 him a place in paradise The sky grows dark in the brightest part of the day Jesus dies on the cross after six hours of suffering SCRIPTURES USED IN THIS EPISODE: John 19:1-15, 17, 19-30 Matthew 27: 24-25, 27-30, 39-44 Mark 15:20-22 Luke 23:24-25, 27-37, 39-43, 46 John 18:36 FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ X: https://x.com/JesusStoriesPod SUPPORT THIS PODCAST There are many ways to support this podcast. Find them all at https://jesusstories.info/support-this-podcast/ Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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 the empty tomb Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene Guards are bribed to lie about the “disappearance” of Jesus’ body Jesus appears to two followers walking to Emmaus Jesus appears to the disciples hiding from the Jewish leaders Jesus provides the Holy Spirit to his disciples SCRIPTURES USED IN THIS EPISODE Matthew 27:51-56; 59-66 Mark 15:39-45 Luke 23:47-52; 55-56 John 19:31-42 Deuteronomy 21:22-23 Matthew 28:2-4 Mark 16:1-4; 9 John 20:2-23 Matthew 28:8-15 Luke 24:9-44 FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesusStoriesPod   SUPPORT THIS PODCAST There are several ways to support this podcast. Anything you can do is appreciated. Visit the website to learn more: https://jesusstories.info/support-this-podcast Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE: Jesus made seven “I AM” statements. Today we look at “I AM the Bread of Life.” As Jesus makes this statement, we find that it is difficult to understand what he is trying to tell us. We break this down in this episode. What is Jesus trying to tell us? What does it mean for us today? Are there actions we need to take to make this understanding a part of us? SCRIPTURES USED IN THIS EPISODE: John 6:26 Exodus 16:4 John 6:35 Psalm 119:97, 102-103 Jeremiah 15:16 Deuteronomy 8:2-3 John 6:48-49 John 6:51 John 6:52 John 6:55-58 CHECK OUT OUR EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR Hero Care Packages. Get 10% off. Use my code “StoriesDeal” or click here: https://herocarepackages.com/discount/STORIESDEAL LOOK FOR US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesusStoriesPod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JesusStoriesthePodcast/videos Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

What Happens in This Episode? In this Jesus Stories episode, we take a deep dive into two questions. First, Jesus asks all of us, “Who Do You Say I Am?” The answer to this question had profound effects on the life of Peter who responded, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Our answer also has profound effects on our lives. We discuss the implications of that answer. Second, Jehovah God asks, “To whom do you listen?” Our response determines how we live. Through the Sermon on the Mount, we ask the questions Jesus might have for us to determine to whom we are listening. Scriptures Referenced in this Episode? Matthew 16:13-20 Matthew 17:1-9 Deuteronomy 18:15 1 Peter 2:4-6 Ephesians 2:20-21 Matthew 5-7 Find us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesusStoriesPod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JesusStoriesthePodcast/podcasts We’re on most of the podcast platforms. Just don’t forget to subscribe where you listen and leave a rating for us there and on Apple Podcasts. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS EPISODE: Peter asks a question which prompts a parable on forgiveness Jesus’ brothers taunt him Jesus secretly goes to the Feast of Tabernacles He teaches in the Temple Some believe; some don’t believe But, the Pharisees and teachers of the law are upset The authorities try to arrest Jesus – twice The Pharisees and teachers of the law try to trap Jesus with a woman caught in the act of adultery  SCRIPTURES USED IN THIS EPISODE: Matthew 18:21-35 Luke 17:3-4 John 7:1-52 Exodus 20:13 John 8:1-11 Leviticus 20:10 Deuteronomy 22:22 FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesusStoriesThePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesus_stories_the_podcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesusStoriesPod YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgJ3Tf0R_aiF-uxG-G97ortxPZMFC7kPu We’re on most of the podcast platforms. Just don’t forget to subscribe where you listen and leave a rating for us there and on Apple Podcasts. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

We open this “new” podcast telling the why and how behind “Jesus Stories”. We will cover the life of Jesus in a chronological manner using the work of F. LaGard Smith. This week’s podcast begins where the Gospels begin – before the birth of Jesus. Then, we continue by telling the stories of both Elizabeth and Mary and the babies which God gives to each of them. Scriptures covered in this week’s lesson are: Matthew 1:1-17 Luke 3:23-38 Mark 1:1-3 John 1:1-18 Luke 1:5-38 Isaiah 40:3 Malachi 4:5-6 Genesis 15-16 Numbers 6:1-21 READ A TRANSCRIPT OF THIS POST Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This episode of Jesus Stories takes us into the birth stories of both John and Jesus. Remember, both mothers – Elizabeth and Mary – had been told that their babies were to be dedicated to the service of God. Elizabeth’s child was to prepare the way for the Lord – as prophesied long ago. Mary’s child was to be called the “son of God.” These births bring us praises; special songs dedicated to the glory of God. These are the first Christmas carols! Take a listen! Scriptures used in this story are: Luke 1:39-80 Matthew 1:18-25 Luke 2:1-21 Be sure to follow us on Facebook or Instagram (Jesus_Stories_The_Podcast); or on Twitter (JesusStoriesPod). Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This week’s Jesus Stories introduces us to the first people who met or wanted to meet Jesus. Two of them met Jesus in the Temple and praised and prophesied about him. A third person – an evil ruler – sought to kill him; while the magi came from afar to worship him and bring him gifts. Then we meet Jesus as a twelve year old giving his parents a scare of their life-time. Scriptures used to compile this story are: Luke 2:22-40 Matthew 2:1-23 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This week’s Jesus Stories, “Cries from the Wilderness”, cements the author’s validation of the identity of Jesus. John the Baptist points at Jesus calling him the Messiah. While Matthew and Luke show Jesus confrontation with Satan in which Satan loses and Jesus wins. To them, anyone who can stand against Satan, could only be the Messiah. Scriptures covered in this episode are: Luke 3:1-18 Matthew 3:4-6 Matthew 3:13-17 Luke 3:21-23 Matthew 4:1-11 John 1:19-34 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

As Jesus ministry begins, he begins collecting followers. We meet the first followers and see the first miracle (or an early miracle) which Jesus performed. Jesus also travels to the first Passover and has his first confrontation in the Temple with the religious leaders of Israel. This is an eventful episode full of meaning which is necessary for understanding the Messiah. Scriptures used in this story are: John 1:35-2:25 1 Corinthians 5:7 1 Peter 1:19 Psalm 69:9 Hebrews 9:28 Follow Jesus Stories on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In this week’s Jesus Stories, we listen in to a conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus – a conversation which occurred in the night, under the cover of darkness. Nicodemus, as one of the religious leaders of the Jewish people, had some deep questions for Jesus; and Jesus has some deeper answers for Nicodemus. We’ll delve into the conversation, explaining what is going on as it occurs. This conversation will take us further into understanding the Holy Spirit and the idea of being “born again.” We’ll look at what is probably the most quoted verse from the scriptures and think about the meaning of that verse. And we’ll wrap up with some of the images from the Old Testament which Jesus used to communicate his message to Nicodemus. (You may need to look these scriptures up from the links below.) The scriptures used in this week’s story include: John 2:23-25 John 3:1-21 Genesis 7:19-23 Exodus 14:19-30 Numbers 21:4-9 Follow Jesus Stories on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

As we open this week’s Jesus Story, the disciples of Jesus think that they are in competition with John the Baptist. However, Jesus sets them straight on this point. Even John informs us of his non-competitive position; he will become less while Jesus becomes greater. Jesus and his disciples leave Judea and head to Galilee. They use the short route which takes them through the region of Samaria. Jesus stops to rest and we drop in on another interesting conversation between Jesus and a woman from Samaria – a person whom Jesus shouldn’t have been talking with – if he listened to the culture. Jesus spoke with her, identified himself to her, and gave her water that would be life for her and her village. Scriptures used in this story are: John 3:22-36 John 4:1-42 Don’t forget! We’re on social media! Follow Jesus Stories on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter. And leave a review on iTunes. This will help people to find us! Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This episode picks up with the conclusion to Jesus visit to the Samaritan village of Sychar and how one conversation changed that village. He then travels north and revisits Cana, the village where we saw his first miracle. He heals a government official’s son from 25 miles away! From there, he proceeds to Capernaum – the town where he would base his ministry for the next couple of years. But, his ministry requires travelling. So, he will press on from there to visit his home town, Nazareth. After teaching in the synagogue there, he is almost killed, because, as he says, “No prophet is accepted in his own home town.” When his hometown folks try to kill him, he escapes and goes down to the Sea of Galilee where he teaches and calls more to be his disciples. Then we follow him back to his base, Capernaum, where we meet an evil spirit! This week’s scriptures are: John 4:39-54 Luke 3:19-20 Matthew 4:12-17 Luke 4:14-30 Luke 5:1-11 Matthew4:18-22 Mark 1:21-28 The demonstration of Jesus teaching from the boat can be found on this YouTube link. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This week’s Jesus Stories podcast continues the narrative of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. We start in Capernaum – Jesus’ home base – where he teaches and, again, confronts an evil spirit. This is followed by more teaching and lots of healings. We’ll see two well-known healings: Peter’s mother-in-law and the man let down through the roof of an over-crowded house. Jesus calls Levi (Matthew) and then attends a party which Levi throws for him. In both of these last instances, Jesus confronts the attitudes of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law. I reference a map of the region in today’s show. Here it is! Map of Jesus's Ministry in Galilee. (Click to enlarge.) Scripture references for today’s show are: Mark 1:29-34 Matthew 4:23-25 Mark 1:40-45 Leviticus 13:1-46 Leviticus 14 Mark 2:1-14 John 9:1-3 Luke 5:27-39 Matthew 9:9-13 Hosea 6:6 Don’t forget to share this podcast with your social media friends. You’ll find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and You Tube (coming). You can also find a template for making up business cards to share with your friends and acquaintances here. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Episode Ten of Jesus Stories takes us into some deep theological territory. Jesus will heal a man on the Sabbath and then be taken to task for such an action by the religious leaders of the day. So, Jesus takes the time to explain exactly who he is and by what authority he is able to do such a thing. Such authority, he says, comes from His Father – a blasphemous statement to these religious leaders. But, Jesus doesn’t back down. We learn much about Jesus in this episode. Our scripture references for this episode come from these verses: John 5:1-30 Exodus 20:8-11 Exodus 31:14-17a Genesis 2:15-17 Genesis 3:6 Genesis 3:8 Genesis 3:22-23 John 3:19-21 You can also find and follow us on social media. Check out Jesus Stories- the Podcast on Facebook and Instagram. On Twitter, we’re called Jesus Stories Pod. Links to everything are on the web-site – Jesus Stories dot info. (I want to apologize for my voice on this episode. Spring brings on the allergies – even when you take an antihistamine regularly. So, my voice suffers.) Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In this episode of Jesus Stories, we will complete the confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders of the day; including the arguments Jesus presents to prove his identity. He will make them even madder when his disciples “harvest” grain and eat it on the Sabbath and heal a man in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Finally, he leaves the city and goes out to the Sea Galilee only to be met with a crowd of people needing healing and exorcisms.  But all of this fulfills prophecy told 600 years before by Isaiah. There are lots of Scriptures used in today’s episode. They include: John 5:31-47 Numbers 35:30 John 1:23, 29, 34, 36 Luke 5:1-10 Mark 1:21-22 Mark 1:29-31 Mark 1:40-45 Mark 2:1-5 John 5:1-9 Deuteronomy 18:15-59 Matthew 12:1-21 1 Samuel 21 Hosea 6:6 Daniel 7:14 Luke 6:6-11 Mark 3:1-12 Matthew 12:18-21 Map of Jesus's Ministry in Galilee You can also find and follow us on social media. Check out Jesus Stories- the Podcast on Facebook and Instagram. On Twitter, we’re called Jesus Stories Pod. Links to everything is on the web-site – Jesus Stories dot info.

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 today’s podcast are: Luke 6:12-19 Ephesians 2:20 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 Matthew 5:1-12 Exodus 20:18-19 If you’d like to sponsor one or more of these podcasts, I invite you to contact me. Just visit the podcast web-site, Jesus Stories, and click on the contact tab. You can also find and follow us on social media. Check out “Jesus Stories- the Podcast” on Facebook and Instagram. On Twitter, we’re called “Jesus Stories Pod”. Don’t forget about the YouTube channel , tool. Links to everything are on the web-site – Jesus Stories.info. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In this Jesus Story episode, we continue to break down the famous Sermon on the Mount. We move on from the Beatitudes to the next set of teachings. In contrast to the Beatitudes, Jesus speaks woes – the opposite of blessings – for those who are not seeking and submitting to Jehovah. Then he considers the character of his followers as salt and light and then begins to address what may have been some misconceptions about his teaching that were raised by the religious leaders of the day. Jesus then contrasts the teachings of the law with the teaching of those religious leaders. He specifically addresses six teachings. We’ll talk about the first two of those teachings. The scriptures used in today’s podcast are: Luke 6:24-26 Matthew 5:13-28 2 Corinthians 3:18. See also Ephesians 5:6-7 and Philippians 2:15. If you’d like to sponsor one or more of these podcasts, I invite you to contact me. Just visit the podcast website, Jesus Stories, and click on the contact tab. You can also find and follow us on social media. Check out Jesus Stories- the Podcast on Facebook and Instagram. On Twitter, we’re called Jesus Stories Pod. Links to everything are on the web-site – Jesus Stories.info. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.