January 24, 2025 • 53 mins
Chapter 14 of Heroes in the Bible: Jesus with Dr. Tony Evans is inspired by the Gospels.
The Beginning of the End - The Triumphal Entry and driving out of the temple. An entry fit for a king. Crowds cheering and calling for him to take the throne, yet there is a darkness lurking behind the scenes.
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Matthew 21:9, And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
And the multitudes that went before and that followed cried
saying Hosanna to the son of David. Blest is he
that cometh in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in
the highest Matthew twenty one nine. My Lord, I know
that you've called me to be a great leader amongst
your people. As you begin to evaluate my life, give
(00:25):
me the perspective and posture of Jesus. Help me to
be confident that I get to reveal that You've called
me to greater things. When the weight of leadership tries
to get me to shift from my identity, I will
stand steadfast like the colt in to Day's story. I
(00:47):
will remain calm in my resolve to unapologetically be me
and lead how You've created me. As I move in
your presence, Help me to recognis my season. Help me
to remain faithful even when it's time for me to
step out and live out the mission for my life.
(01:10):
Like Jesus, hide me until it's my time to accelerate
and elevate, For it is in the quiet and obscure
moments that you are building my character and integrity, so
that when I step into my calling and I am
forced to carry my cross. I won't buckle under the
(01:31):
weight of the responsibility as I begin my triumphal entry
into my purpose, I will look to you, Jesus, to
see me through. In Jesus' name, Amen, stay tuned to
immerse yourself in the Greatest Stories Ever Told. From pray
(01:52):
dot COM's podcast Heroes in the Bible.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans, and I'm excited for you
to join me on Heroes in the Bible.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
Jesus.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
Please follow this podcast on Apple or Spotify to get
the latest episode so you can continue strengthening your relationship
with Jesus. Welcome to the greatest story ever told. It
is a story of a shepherd's heart for his sheep,
a father's love for his children, and a hero's triumph
over death and darkness. This is a story that continues
to shape and mold the world around us, bringing the
(02:26):
divine heart of God right into the hearts of you
and me. This episode begins the long week leading up
to god Gotha. The Gospels focus heavily on this week,
and so will we for our next few episodes. The
last week of Jesus's life before his death on the
cross is filled with moments of betrayal, violence, love, and triumph.
We will cross the entire spectrum of emotions on the
(02:48):
way to Calvary. This episode is the beginning of the end.
Jesus will set his gaze on Jerusalem and enter like
a king. However, he is not the king anyone expects.
You and I know enough about Jesus by now to
understand he is constantly flipping our expectations on their heads.
Even though Jesus is living his final days before the crucifixion,
(03:09):
he still finds time to minister to the sick, needy,
and downtrodden. He also finds time to challenge the Pharisees.
You think Jesus would want to lay low after learning
there is a bounty on his head, but it doesn't
seem to slow him down one bit. Jesus doesn't hold
back his rebukes, nor does he shrink back when danger mounts. Remember,
(03:30):
Jesus walks toward danger, not away from it. This episode
is one gigantic leap into the belly of the beast. Jesus,
being our ultimate hero and redeemer, doesn't turn back from
the challenge. The prelude of this story takes place under
the Shadows of Jerusalem, where the religious leaders plot to
kill God himself. Their schemes, as evil as they might be,
(03:51):
play into the hand of Jesus perfectly. I can't wait
to join you for this episode. Stay tuned in afterwards
as we unpack some of its theme. Here is episode fourteen,
the beginning of the.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
End prelude to Chapter fourteen. The torchlight flickered, illuminating elaborate
tapestries above a large wooden table. Shadows drifted across the
cold stone walls as a dozen hooded men into the room.
(04:28):
They all took their places at the table, giving preference
to the man in the middle. His face was covered
by the shadow as he leaned back in his place,
listening to the others speak, What do we do?
Speaker 4 (04:42):
One man whispered, We simply cannot allow him to continue.
It has gone too far.
Speaker 3 (04:49):
The torchlight continued to flare as a small draft made
its way into the room.
Speaker 4 (04:54):
He performed signs nobody has seen since Elijah.
Speaker 3 (04:57):
Another said, if we let him.
Speaker 4 (04:59):
Get the Romans will begin to see him as a
threat and punish us for it.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
The men nodded in agreement.
Speaker 4 (05:07):
Is it fair for us to be dragged into the
streets and killed. Because one man thinks he's God. They
have already asked him to be king. What if Herod
decides to do something?
Speaker 3 (05:18):
The robed figures were stirred at the thought. Their low
whispers created a sinister echo through the temple halls.
Speaker 4 (05:27):
Giaphas, what say.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
You, another said, gesturing to the shrouded figure at the
head of the table. Their eyes darted forward with a
high priest sat back, stroking his beard. He was a tall,
slender man with broad shoulders. His blue robes blended in
with the cold stone behind him, and his breastplate of
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precious stones reflected the flickering torchlight. He leaned forward on
the table, peering at the men in front of him.
You know nothing at all, Caiaphas sneered.
Speaker 5 (06:02):
If you did, you would not be debating what you
should do. You ought to know what should be done.
It is better for one man to die so the
rest of the nation can be spared.
Speaker 3 (06:15):
Caiaphas did not understand the true weight of his words.
He suggested that they killed Jesus to spare the rest
of them from the wrath of the Romans. Yet Jesus's
death would accomplish something different. He would indeed die to
spare others from wrath, but it was not from the Romans.
(06:37):
It would be from the punishment of sin and death.
The Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes looked at one another in agreement.
As self proclaimed men of God, they dare not murder.
So they spent the night plotting how they would sway
the people, and it all began with finding a helper
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who was close to Jesus. As the torch slowly ran
out of light, the true darkness enveloped the room, and
the enemy relished in his impending victory. An order was
put out in Jerusalem for Jesus to be arrested on sight. However,
Jesus had already departed for the wilderness in Ephrium. There
(07:24):
he would stay with his disciples, strengthening them for the
battle to come. It was not a battle of bronze
and steel. He was preparing them for a battle of
the spirit. The ultimate clash of good and evil was
about to stir up in the hearts of mankind. Chapter fourteen,
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the beginning of the End, Flies buzzed around the muddied
streets of the Samarican village. Streams of waste and excrement
flowed through the town. Their homes were built with forsaken clay,
and Jesus saw the roof tops rotting away. It was
a blighted area that stunk of death and decay. The
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disciples covered their noses as they walked through. For a
reason beyond them, Jesus had decided to pass through this village.
He visited each home, assessing the needs of the families
within them. Sometimes he would heal, other times he would
repair damaged pieces of their homes. Jesus and his disciples
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connected with the lowest members of society. The words of
Christ resonated in Matthew's head as he carried mud and hay.
Speaker 6 (08:44):
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the
Kingdom of heaven.
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Matthew smiled, understanding what Jesus meant. These people had nothing,
yet they were stamped with a certain treasure he had
not seen in any person of wealth. They were able
to experience the full weight of Jesus's generosity without any
pride or shame. The group made its way to the
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edge of the village, where a seemingly abandoned home leaned
against the stone wall, emerging from the home with ten lepers.
Their spots were oozing with dark liquid, and their limbs
were seemingly hung in place by their bandages. They stood
at a distance, raising their arms to Jesus. The disciples
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used to run from lepers, but they had witnessed enough
of Jesus's ministry to know they did not need to fear. Jesus,
and the twelve stepped forward. Have mercy on Us, the
lepers shouted. Jesus reached out his arms and said.
Speaker 6 (09:52):
Go to Jerusalem and show yourself to the priest.
Speaker 3 (09:56):
The lepers turned and did as they were told. Disciples
watched as the lepers limped towards the road. Slowly, their
pained howls turned into strides, and before a few minutes passed,
they were completely healed, overwhelmed with joy. Nine of them
ran towards Jerusalem to show themselves in the temple as
(10:17):
Jesus had asked. Yet one remained where he stood. Jesus
watched as the figure stood in the distance. He looked
at his hands and feet, examining his new body. The
disciples could see the man was covering his face. He
fell to his knees and wept. The man rose to
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his feet and began to run towards them. The man
came to Jesus with tattered robes and outstretched arms. His
face was beaming with life. His tears ran down his
full cheeks.
Speaker 6 (10:54):
My Lord, thank you.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
As he said this, he fell at Jesus's feet and
were whiped him.
Speaker 7 (11:00):
Thank you, son of David.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Jesus smiled and embraced the man. He looked around and
noticed that only one out of the ten returned. Were
not ten of you healed? Jesus asked, where are the
other nine? The man simply shrugged. He did not care
to ask. He was too intent on thinking, Jesus.
Speaker 6 (11:21):
It is your faith that made you well, my friend,
Go in peace.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
Jesus had blessed many people. He had healed many who
were sick, and cast out many plagued with demons, Yet
only a few truly expressed gratitude. As Jesus ventured closer
to Jerusalem into the outer villages, a small crowd began
to form. As was expected, the Pharisees were not too
(11:47):
far behind. As Jesus taught, the Pharisees bombarded him with
questions and inquiries about the Kingdom of God. They asked
about its coming, its second coming, and the signs of
the age. Jesus answered them honestly, being sure to reassure
his disciples in the process. Teacher, one of the disciples, asked,
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does God answer every prayer? Jesus nodded and began a parable.
Speaker 6 (12:13):
In a certain city, there was a judge who had
no regard for God or man. He was a grump
and a fiend. In that same city, there was a
poor widow who had been robbed by a man. In
that same city, there was a poor widow who had
been robbed by a man. The judge cared not for
the woman and disregarded her please, Yet she was persistent.
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Day after day she came into his courtroom yelling, give
me justice. Although the judge refused her many times. Her
persistent requests annoyed the judge so much that he granted
her her plea. He threw his hands up in the
air and shouted, I fear no one, nor do I
respect anyone. Yet, because you will not cease your laboring,
I will grant you your wish.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
Jesus clapped his hands to get their attention.
Speaker 6 (12:58):
Listen to me and pay attention. This is a faithful saying.
If even the wicked judge regards the persistent requests of
a faithful woman, will not God, who loves you, bend
down and hear you? Will he not give justice to
those he has chosen?
Speaker 3 (13:16):
I tell you, he will give.
Speaker 6 (13:17):
Justice to those who ask. Yet, when justice comes and
the son a man enters, whether it be anyone with
faith to receive?
Speaker 4 (13:27):
Surely God does not listen to every prayer, Jesus.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
A pharisee, shouted. The crowd nodded in agreement.
Speaker 4 (13:35):
The Samaritan dogs, the prostitutes, and the tax collectors. Would
God bend his ear to such wicked people? Sured not.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
The pharisee spat in the direction of Matthew. Matthew took
a step back and lowered his head. Jesus put his
hand on Matthew's shoulder, then walked into the center of
the crowd. People surrounded him as he spelled. He turned
to the crowd, ensuring he had their undivided attention.
Speaker 6 (14:06):
Two men went up into the temple to pray, one
a pharisee and the other a tax collector.
Speaker 3 (14:12):
Jesus raised his left hand to the pharisee and the
right to Matthew.
Speaker 6 (14:17):
The pharisee held his head up high, with his nose
to heaven. He strutted along with assurance of his standing
before God. As he sauntered into the temple.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
He did not kneel, No, he did not bow.
Speaker 6 (14:29):
He simply stood with his arms stretched out to God, saying, Lord,
I thank you that I am not like other men, thieves, adulterous,
even this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I
tithe everything I earn. Oh, how lucky are you Lord,
that you have me?
Speaker 3 (14:47):
Jesus mimicked the tone of the tax collector. There was
a small chuckle in the crowd, yet the pharisee was
not amused. Jesus stepped forward closer to the group of pharisees.
Speaker 6 (14:58):
Yet the tax collected, he did not even raise his
eyes to Heaven.
Speaker 3 (15:02):
He couldn't. He was too ashamed.
Speaker 6 (15:04):
He curled into himself, keeping low to the ground. He
beat on his chest, holding back tears as he bowed
before a righteous God and prayed, Lord, have mercy on me.
I am a sinner.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
Jesus put his arm around Matthew and pointed to the pharisees.
Speaker 6 (15:20):
I tell you this man went back from the temple justified.
He who exalts himself will be humbled by the righteousness
of God, and he who humbles himself will be exalted
by the righteousness of God.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
After this, the Pharisees departed. Jesus continued to teach about
coming to God as humble children. He spoke about marriage, divorce,
and the pursuit of holiness through undying devotion. In everything,
he showcased a deep love for the hearts of people
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day by day. It was shown in contrast to the
arrogant lip service of the religious leaders. Listening in the
back of the crowd was a young man. His robes
were perfectly fit and laced with purple. He listened intently,
with his heart beating fast, as he heard Jesus speak
about the eternity of heaven. He was a young ruler
(16:19):
with a great and noble house. He was an honest
man with honest intentions. He treated his family and household well.
He was generous, and he kept the law of God.
Since his youth, all the riches of earth and the
favor of men were available to him. Yet there was
a deep longing in him for something eternal, something with purpose.
(16:45):
He made his way to the front of the crowd.
Speaker 7 (16:47):
Good teacher, he said, politely, what must I do to
inherit eternal life?
Speaker 3 (16:54):
Jesus tilted his head at the question. Why do you
call me good? He asked, there is only one that good,
and that is God. The young ruler shrugged at the question.
He did not have an answer. If he was being honest,
he truly did not fully know who he was speaking to.
Many people debated who Jesus was, yet it remained a
(17:16):
mystery to him. Jesus opened his hands and said.
Speaker 6 (17:20):
I am sure you know the commandments. Do not commit adultery,
do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness.
Honor your father and your mother.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
The young ruler nodded, please to hear Jesus mention the commandments.
Eagerly he responded, saying.
Speaker 7 (17:35):
Byss all these I have kept from my youth. I
strive every day to uphold the law of God and
show myself approved.
Speaker 3 (17:44):
There was a long pause as Jesus looked at the man.
His heart broke for him. He knew that for all
the man's striving to be good, he still lacked a
transformed heart. Jesus sighed and not.
Speaker 6 (18:00):
Yes, I suppose you have. Yet there is still one
thing you lack. Sell your possessions, sell your estate and
your jewels.
Speaker 3 (18:09):
All that you have, sell and.
Speaker 6 (18:11):
Distribute the money to the poor. Then come follow me,
give your whole heart to the Kingdom of God.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
The young ruler looked at Jesus longingly. His very bones
cried out for something greater than money and influence. Yet
he did not own his belongings. His belongings owned him.
He shrunk back into the crowd, ashamed that he did
not have the courage to truly give all that he
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had to God. Jesus watched the man depart. He shook
his head in compassion. Looking to the crowd, he said.
Speaker 6 (18:50):
How hard is it to have wealth and still enter
the Kingdom of God? It would be easier for a
camel to pass through the eye of a needle.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
The people chuckled. He then took the twelve with him
and departed to the back robes. There they hiked, talked,
and laughed. The time he spent with them was his
greatest miracle. Through them, the world would be shaken to
its core. They hiked up the mountain to a small
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ridge overlooking the city of Jerusalem. The sun was setting
and an orange hue shone over the temple at the center.
Just past the city, on the outskirts was a sloping
hill called Golcotha, which means the place of the Skull,
otherwise known as cavalry. Jesus gazed at it intently. The
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light wind blew against his hair, and the sunset warmed
his face as he looked below.
Speaker 6 (19:50):
We will be returning to Jerusalem.
Speaker 3 (19:52):
He said. His disciples turned in surprise. Jesus looked at
them and gestured toward the hill in the distance.
Speaker 6 (20:01):
Everything that has been prophesied about the Son of Man
will soon be accomplished. He will be delivered into the
hands of gentiles. Mocked, beaten, and spit upon.
Speaker 3 (20:12):
The disciples could almost sense a sadness in Jesus's voice.
They could tell this was something he was struggling with.
After torturing him, they will kill him, Jesus said, clearing
his throat.
Speaker 6 (20:26):
Yet there is a reason to rejoice, my brothers, for
he will rise again on the third day.
Speaker 3 (20:32):
The disciples nodded. However, they did not fully grasp what
he was saying. They thought he was speaking in another parable.
They marked it in their minds as yet another thing
they did not understand. The twelve turned their eyes toward
the horizon with Jesus, content to not understand. For now,
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Jesus seemed to peace, so they chose not to fear.
After Jesus calmed the storm, They had learned to not
fear anything as long as Jesus was with them. His
presence meant their safety. The group watched the sun dive
its way into the skylight. Its orange tint disappeared with
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the light, and the stars emerged like splatters of paint
on a dark canvas. They were at peace, like a
calm before the storm. He is leading us to Jerusalem,
James said, I think he's going to take the throne.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
People are already rushing to Jerusalem to meet him there.
Speaker 3 (21:32):
It's a revolution, John explained. Jesus and many of his
followers were waiting through the marketplace in Jericho, storing up
provisions for the road to Jerusalem. James and John walked
in the crowd with their mother, who was regularly in
attendance when Jesus taught and performed his miracles. She listened
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as her two sons shared their experiences with Jesus and
their hopes for the future.
Speaker 8 (21:58):
Well, when he does take the throne, what will your rolls.
Speaker 6 (22:01):
Be, she asked.
Speaker 3 (22:04):
The two of them shrugged. Jesus had not shared his
plans to become king of Israel, but they knew it
was bound to have it.
Speaker 8 (22:11):
Well, I am sure Jesus knows that my boys are
well prepared for any responsibility he gives.
Speaker 3 (22:16):
Them, she said, patting their cheeks. The boys blushed. They
followed Jesus through the market place for a while. Jesus
examined the dried figs and bought some for the journey.
As he was doing this, the mother of James and
John brought her sons up and bowed at his feet.
Speaker 8 (22:36):
My Lord and King, she.
Speaker 3 (22:37):
Greeted in a regal tone. Jesus raised an eyebrow at her,
then looked at James and John. The two of them
were embarrassed and had already regretted speaking to their mother. However,
perhaps she could persuade Jesus. It was worth a try.
How can I help, Jesus asked. The mother stood to
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her feet and flattened her garment.
Speaker 8 (23:00):
Well, my Lord, we know that your kingdom is only
a few weeks away. We are traveling to Jerusalem. After all,
when you take your throne, you will need help. Might
I suggest my two boys? James is faithful, wise and
always up for a challenge. John is passionate, young, and
filled with the fire of heaven. Will you consider my
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boys to sit at your right hand and your left.
Speaker 3 (23:25):
Jesus secured the figs in his pack and looked at
the three of them intently. The other disciples were behind them,
listening in on the conversation. Jesus is brown furrowed. He
was vexed by the question. He did not address the mother,
but looked directly at James and John. Is this what
you want? He asked. The two boys looked at one
(23:47):
another and nodded. Jesus shook his head.
Speaker 6 (23:51):
You have no idea what you're asking, do you? Are
you able to drink the cup that I am about
to drink in Jerusalem?
Speaker 3 (23:57):
Jesus asked, I'm sure of the question, but brimming with confidence.
James and John nodded, yes, Lord, we are. We would
not be following you if we were not sure. Jesus
nodded in agreement. He looked into their eyes for a
long moment. They were unable to see their future. What
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Jesus was he alone was able to peer into the
future of James and John, the Kingdom of God would
look wildly different than they thought. For James, it would
mean an axe driving through his spine and severing his head.
He would be the first disciple to be martyred. For John,
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it meant enduring the loss of every other disciple and
watching them be killed. He would be the last disciple
to die. He would be dumped in a vat of
boiling oil and then exiled to an island alone. The
cup Jesus would drink in Jerusalem was a cup of suffering.
(25:00):
He would endure it, and although they were filled with pride,
he knew James and John would endure it as well.
Speaker 6 (25:06):
Very well, Jesus said, you will drink my cup. However,
sitting at my right hand and my left is not
my decision to make. That has been prepared beforehand by
my father.
Speaker 3 (25:18):
After saying these things, Jesus resumed his errands around the
market place. James and John silently cheered amongst themselves. Their
mother kissed their cheeks and went back to the crowd
behind them. When the other ten heard about James and John,
they were indignant. They bickered and quarreled with one another
about who was greatest among them. They chided one another
(25:42):
and measured their qualifications. Jesus walked in front of them,
enduring their prideful debate for a long while. They sounded
like pharisees, tallying up their good deeds, as if God
kept score. Jesus turned back to them, So, want to
talk about ruling a kingdom?
Speaker 6 (26:01):
Yes, he said.
Speaker 3 (26:03):
The disciples recoiled like children caught breaking the rules.
Speaker 6 (26:08):
The rulers of the gentiles are all about status and authority.
The greatest kings and emperors rise above the rest of
the people, only to press down on them and lord
their power over them.
Speaker 3 (26:19):
Jesus explained. He held out a finger to them, saying.
Speaker 6 (26:23):
It shall not be this way among you, not while
I am here, and not when i'd part. Know for
yourself how God measures greatness. Whoever desires to be great
in God's kingdom must be a servant of all. Whoever
desires to be first must put himself last. For even
the Son of Man did not come to be served,
(26:44):
He came to serve. He came to pour his life
out as a ransom for many.
Speaker 3 (26:49):
A large crowd form. As Jesus and his disciples were
leaving Jericho, they were eager to witness his entry into Jerusalem.
They anxiously awaited his rise to power. They bumped shoulder
to shoulder, inching as close as they could to him.
Every single one of them had ambition. They saw Jesus
(27:11):
as their redemption from the oppressive rain of Caesar. The
gates outside of Jericho were massive and thick. Under the
shade of the gates, many beggars and venders sat in
anticipation of travelers. Passover was approaching, and many people were
exiting the gates to travel to the temple. A blind
(27:34):
beggar by the name of Bartimaeus sat leaning against the walls.
His coat was spread out for people to toss coins.
He leaned back and bumped his head against the hard stone.
It was another day of him begging in darkness, another
day in anguish over his blindness. He listened to the
(27:57):
sporadic tinkling of coins hitting his coat. He could hear
a stirring in the crowds beside the gate. It was
a larger crowd than he was used to hearing. Men,
women and children passed by like a stampede. Bartimaeus gestured
to a few of the men begging beside.
Speaker 5 (28:14):
Him, what is the commotion?
Speaker 3 (28:17):
He asked, what am I missing?
Speaker 7 (28:19):
It is Jesus of Nazareth.
Speaker 3 (28:21):
Another beggar said.
Speaker 7 (28:22):
He's leaving Jericho.
Speaker 3 (28:24):
Bartimaeus had heard of Jesus. He heard of his mighty
acts and words. He heard of him healing the sick
and making the lame memoir. Most importantly, he had heard
rumors that Jesus could restore sight to the blind. He
immediately stood to his feet, resting his hand against the
stone wall for balance. He could not see anything, but
(28:48):
he had to get to Jesus. He could hear the
crowds passing through the road like a rushing river. Bartimaeus
knew that every second he wasted, his chances of reaching
Jesus slimmed. Bartimaeus lived in complete darkness. He had no
clue what awaited him in that crowd. His heart raised
(29:09):
and his knees trembled. His entire body urged him not
to run forward, Yet his heart cried out for the
living God to heal him. The blind man dove into
the crowd. He knocked baskets out of people's arms, and
stumbled several times.
Speaker 9 (29:28):
Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.
Speaker 3 (29:32):
He shouted. He continued to run, only to trip on
a foot of the crowd. He fell on his face,
splitting his chin wide open. Blood mixed with the dirt
on his face. However, Bardimaeus ignored the pain.
Speaker 9 (29:49):
Jesus, he shouted again, Lord, son of David, have mercy
on me.
Speaker 3 (29:55):
He shouted into complete darkness, Not even sure if Jesus
was able to hear, Artimaeus was determined. He burst through
the crowd, flailing his arms and stumbling into people. As
he drew closer to Jesus. Many of the men seized him.
Speaker 6 (30:11):
Leave the teacher alone.
Speaker 3 (30:13):
They said, Holding his arms, Bartimaeus threw them off of him.
Speaker 9 (30:18):
Jesus said, up dated, have mercy on me, he roared again.
Speaker 3 (30:23):
His desperate cries for Jesus were almost those of a
screaming infant longing to be held. He had been so
vulnerable for so long. If there was any hope to
see again, he knew ENLiGHT in Jesus. Jesus looked back
to see the blind man fighting off a group of mens.
Speaker 9 (30:44):
Get away from me.
Speaker 3 (30:46):
He shouted, swinging his fists. Blood dripped down his mangled
chin and his knees were still quivering.
Speaker 9 (30:52):
I must get to him.
Speaker 5 (30:54):
You can't stop me.
Speaker 3 (30:55):
Jesus looked at him and gestured to his disciples.
Speaker 6 (30:58):
Why are they holding that man back from me? Bring
him here.
Speaker 3 (31:01):
So the disciples demanded the people release Bartimaeus and bring
him forward. Escordered to the feet of Jesus, Bartimaeus beamed
with excitement. What can I do for you, Jesus asked politely.
Bartimaeus had stared into nothingness for much of his life.
He was plagued with an unquenchable desire to see the
(31:24):
world around him. Yet as Jesus spoke to him, all
bitter and anxious thoughts seemed to melt away. He turned
his head to Jesus and said.
Speaker 9 (31:36):
Son of David, all I asked for his mercy. I
have longed to see the skies again. For so long,
my heart has ached to watch the sunrise and witness
the changing seasons. Yet now as I speak to you,
my greatest desire is that I behold your glory.
Speaker 3 (31:55):
Jesus helped the man to his feet.
Speaker 6 (31:57):
Bartimaeus, arise and go your way. Your faith has made
you well.
Speaker 3 (32:02):
And in that instant, the beggar's sight was restored. Light
shone brightly through the cracks in his eyes, and the
figure of Jesus's smile slowly came into focus. Partimaeus did
not return to his home. He did not pick up
his things and depart for the temple. He followed Jesus
(32:23):
and remained at his side. There was no one else
he would rather see. Jesus talked there on the road side.
As he walked, A throng gathered around him, making an
impenetrable wall of people. Standing outside the crowd was Zacchius.
He was a short man of fine clothes and sandals. However,
(32:46):
despite all his lavishness, he was rejected by the crowd.
Nobody allowed him to see Jesus or to get close
enough to hear him. Zacchius was notorious in the city.
He was a chief tax collector and best known for
making profit off the suffering of his people. Jesus intrigued him.
(33:10):
He had heard about his signs and wonders, but he
also heard that Jesus dined with tax collectors and sinners.
No rabbi in the entire country dared even to talk
to a tax collector. Yet Jesus had one as his disciple,
Zacchias tried to weave through the solidified crowd, but had
no knock. He scanned his surroundings and saw a nearby
(33:33):
sycamore tree. Zacchius rolled up his sleeves and removed his sandals,
and then, with the swing of his arms, he jumped
onto one branch. His dangling legs flailed in the air
as he pushed himself up onto a branch. He climbed
the tree, shimmying up to the highest point possible. He
leaned over to see Jesus. He was not at all
(33:57):
what he expected. He was much more unassuming and humble
in appearance. If he were not in this center, Zacchius
would have never known he was somewhat important. Jesus heard
a rustling in the leaves above him. He peered up
to see a small man hanging on to a branch.
(34:18):
Jesus scanned the tree, seeing that the branch he was
resting on was about to crack. Sacchius, Jesus shouted. The
tax Collector's eyes widened. How does he know my name?
He asked himself. Zacchius felt honored that Jesus would know him.
Speaker 6 (34:35):
Sacchius get down from there, I must stay at your house.
Speaker 3 (34:39):
Today, Jesus shouted again. Yet as he said these words,
Zacchius felt the branch underneath him give way. As the
branch cracked and tears, Zacchius tumbled down every branch below,
until eventually hitting the ground. A cloud of dust turned up,
and Zacchius struggled to prop himself up out of the dust.
(35:02):
Jesus's hand extended to help him up. Zachias clumsily composed
himself and escorted Jesus to his house. He could feel
the judgmental glares of people as Jesus followed him. They knew,
and he knew, that he did not deserve the presence
of Jesus in his home. Questions of doubt filled Zachius
(35:25):
his mind as he hosted Jesus and his disciples. He
wondered if he was a good enough man to even
deserve the favor of Jesus. He did not understand why
he would want to be hosted by a tax collector,
Yet there he was eating and drinking at his table.
Jesus had given up his reputation to bless Zachius. He
(35:52):
had given up a home and riches so he could
travel and heal others. His disciples had given up their
livelihood to follow him. What have I given, Zachius thought
to himself. He pondered for a moment, then stood up
before Jesus and raised his cup. My Lord, Zachius.
Speaker 10 (36:13):
Declared, I have decided to give half of my goods
to the poor, and if there is anything I took
by greed or defrauding, I will restore it to that
person fourfold.
Speaker 3 (36:24):
Jesus raised his cup to Zachias.
Speaker 6 (36:27):
Today salvation has come to your household, Jesus said, for
the Son of God has come to seek and save
those that are lost.
Speaker 3 (36:35):
Jesus did not need to convince Zacheus to be generous.
He did not need to preach an elaborate sermon or
compel him with an argument. The presence and character of
Jesus alone was enough to transform the heart of Zachias,
a corrupt tax collector. Transformation was found in the presence
(36:56):
of Jesus. From there Jesus went to Bethany and stayed
in the house of Simon the Leper. The disciples were
able to let their guards down and finally enjoy a
good meal among one another without the brooding eyes of
the Pharisees. The home smelled of freshly baked bread. Andrew, James,
(37:17):
and John sat by the fire exchanging fishing stories. Matthew
and Thomas stood facing one another, discussing the upcoming passover.
Thaddeus and Simon reclined beside Jesus, content to sit from
their cups and listen. Jesus could feel an aching pain
(37:39):
in his soul. His time was coming. The son of
Man would be delivered soon. The people expected a rebellion,
They expected a revolution leading straight into the courts of Rome.
The words of Isaiah rang in his head. He was oppressed,
and he was a Yet he opened not his mouth
(38:03):
like a lamb that has led to the slaughter. Jesus
knew the suffering that awaited him. He was ready to
endure it. As the men in the room laughed in
exchanged stories, a woman entered through the corner of the room. Mary,
the sister of Lazarus, came with an alabaster flask of
(38:23):
spike mark and expensive ointment. No doubt, it was her
life's savings and the only financial security she had, Yet
she was content to adorn Jesus with it. She poured
out the flask and it spilled onto his hair and feet.
The fragrance filled the room. It was an ointment used
(38:46):
for burial, No doubt she had used some of it
on Lazarus when he died. Judas watched from the corner
of the room.
Speaker 5 (38:56):
What is she doing?
Speaker 3 (38:57):
He shouted. His outburst caught the attention of everyone.
Speaker 4 (39:02):
That is expensive ointment.
Speaker 6 (39:04):
Why not sell it and give the money to the poor.
Speaker 3 (39:07):
Judas was in charge of the money back, and would
often help himself to whatever was put into it. His
outcry to sell the ointment was not out of altruism
but greed. Leave her alone, Jesus.
Speaker 6 (39:19):
Said, see that she keeps the rest for my burial,
for you always have the poor. But my time here
is almost done.
Speaker 3 (39:27):
Jesus saw through the heart of Judas. Mary was willing
to lay down her livelihood to glorify Jesus. Yet Judas,
even with all his exposure to the acts of Jesus,
was gripped by the love of money in a moment
of weakness. He would soon learn just how much damage
(39:47):
the love of money can do to a man. Jesus
arose early in the morning to sit on a hill
pointing towards the city of Jerusalem. It was time to
enter into the day and of lions. Like David once
prepared for battle with Goliath, Jesus prepared his thoughts for
(40:08):
the week to come. The order of heaven and earth
was about to shift, Chaos was going to be reined in,
and darkness was going to be driven out. Jesus set
his gaze upon Jerusalem like an archer. Awaiting him were
enemies seeking to devour him. Yet he knew who the
(40:30):
true enemy was. Death itself was awaiting him at Calvary,
beckoning him to fight. He drew a deep breath and
looked to Heaven. It is time, he whispered. Jesus stood
to his feet and walked down the hill. Peter, James,
(40:51):
and John were waiting for him below.
Speaker 6 (40:54):
My friends, I have a special task for.
Speaker 3 (40:56):
You, Jesus said, greeting them.
Speaker 6 (41:00):
In the nearby village. At the bottom of the hill,
you'll find a colt tied up with its mother. It
will be unruly and dangerous. I want you to take
it for me. If anyone asks why you're taking the donkey,
simply say the Lord has need of it.
Speaker 3 (41:15):
The three men did as Jesus asked and ventured to
the nearby village to find the colt. Sure enough, as
the three men entered the village, the colt was there
at the entrance with its mother. The three disciples looked
at one another, not surprised that Jesus knew, but also
curious as to why. Peter was the first to approach it.
(41:39):
Its hind legs kicked back aggressively, and its neck whipped
from side to side. He leaped to grab the reins,
but it quickly retaliated with a blow of Peter's froehead.
Peter fell back in the mud. John went next, approaching
the colt slowly. It was fearful and stubborn, a deadly
(41:59):
comer nation. The second John grabbed hold of the reins,
the colt lifted its front legs and hit John directly
in the chast Andrew saw it as an opportunity to
strike and leaped towards the colt to grab the reins. Success.
It took three of them to tame the beast. How
will Jesus ever use something so stubborn, Peter thought he
(42:24):
failed to see the irony. The colt writhed and jolted
its head back continually until it approached Jesus. Jesus walked
towards it gently rubbing the front of its nose.
Speaker 6 (42:38):
Hush, now be still.
Speaker 3 (42:41):
He said to the colt. The same authority he had
over the wind and waves he used on the colt.
He mounted the colt with ease and made his way
down the hill towards the gates of Jerusalem. Word had
spread that Jesus was coming. He had healed the lepers,
(43:02):
restored sight to the blind, fed thousands of people, raised
the dead, and spoke power over demons. The people were
ready to coronate him as king, so they gathered in
numbers big enough to make an army. They were ready
for a coronation. Yet Jesus would not be crowned with
gold but thorns. Jesus descended the hill towards God's holy City.
(43:30):
At the gates, a sea of people awaited him. They
parted away for Jesus to enter. In cheering, they shouted
for joy at the sight of him. Hosannah, they cried out.
Their cheers shook the earth below. The entire city was
rising like a tide to meet the son of Man.
Speaker 4 (43:52):
Blessed be the one who comes in the name of
the Lord.
Speaker 3 (43:55):
They shouted. Louder women sang a song of hope. Their
melodies filled disguise. People from all different nations and nationalities
had come every year to worship God at the Temple.
Yet this year they gazed upon the active and moving
presence of God. They laid out Palm Franz to make
(44:19):
a pathway for Jesus. Some of them even removed their
own cloaks for him to walk upon. They saw Jesus
as the chosen hero that would liberate them from the
tight grip of Roman oppression. They gazed upon Jesus as
someone worthy to be called king. They saw him as
a wise and noble ruler destined to sit on the
(44:41):
throne of David. They wanted him to rule over them
and restore Israel to its former glory. They desired a
conquering warrior who would defeat the armies of tyranny and
bring blessing to the people of God once again. As
they sang to Jesus, there was a slight tinge of disappointment.
(45:03):
He did not ride on a white stallion with armor
glistening in the sun. He came riding on a donkey.
Jesus was not the king they expected. He was powerful, mighty,
and able to thwart the corrupt nations of the age.
Yet his mission was not to overthrow a worldly government.
(45:25):
His fight was not with Caesar or Herod. There was
a greater enemy that had enslaved humanity since the Garden
of Eden, Greater than Pharaoh, greater than Goliath. In the Philistines,
Jesus held his gaze high to the end of the city.
The hill of Golgotha loomed like a dragon's den. Cavalry
(45:50):
awaited him. The people sang along to their instruments. Their
praise filled the air like a sweet aroma. Yet Jesus
knew what they would be chanting in just a few days.
Blessed is the King, Blessed is the son of David,
they proclaimed. The Pharisees were also there, awaiting the opportunity
(46:12):
to strike Jesus down.
Speaker 4 (46:14):
Aren't you going to muzzle your disciples, Jesus? They're calling
you God.
Speaker 3 (46:19):
Jesus looked back at them.
Speaker 6 (46:21):
Even if I did silence them, the stones themselves would
cry out.
Speaker 3 (46:26):
As Jesus said this, he entered the gates of Jerusalem.
The entirety of scripture was leading up to this moment.
The crescendo of God's story thus far was about to unfold.
It was the beginning of the end.
Speaker 2 (46:53):
Here we go, the Passion week has begun. Jesus enter
Jerusalem to take the throne. But it was not a
throw when anybody was expecting him to take His throne.
Was not a raid in jewels or covered in fine linen.
His throne was a rugged and splintered cross. These next
few episodes leading up to the crucifixion highlight just how
fine tuned everything had to be in order for Jesus
(47:16):
to accomplish God's will. It all began with our prelude,
where the religious leaders were plotting to kill Jesus. We
got to hear their wicked whispers and providential plotting. We
also got to meet a key character, Caiaphas, the high
priests who presided over the trials that sealed Jesus's fate.
These men come to the conclusion it is better to
(47:37):
kill Jesus than to risk the wrath of the Romans.
In their opinion, even if Jesus was innocent, his death
would stave off the wrath of the Roman overlords. It
is better for one man to die so the rest
of the nation can be spared. Caiaphas said, do you
notice the irony in that statement. Jesus was going to
die so the nation could be spared, but not from
(47:58):
the Romans. Was going to die to take away the
judgment of God. Their plot set everything in motion. The
enemy thought he had won. He was wrong. This episode
gave us a big theme to consider character, whether it
was the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector
or the interaction with the rich young ruler. Jesus pressed
(48:18):
the theme it is better to have conviction and character
than outward morality and religiosity. The humble and contract tax
collector was more righteous than the pious Pharisee. The rich
young ruler had morality but lack the character to sacrifice
his possessions. The theme of character was also highlighted in
the interaction between Jesus and the family of Zebedee. James
(48:42):
and John wanted to be in a position of influence
so badly that they had their mother ask on their behalf.
Spiritual points aside what grown may allows this to happen.
Their mother goes to Jesus in front of all the
disciples to ask for special treatment. Not only was this
embarrassing to witness, but it also showed ignorance. Jesus was
(49:02):
gentle in putting them in their place. Though he asked
them plainly if they were able to drink the cup
he was going to drink. They ignorantly said yes, not
understanding the cup meant suffering. Jesus used the uncomfortable situation
to teach his disciples a lesson about leadership. The rulers
of the gentiles are all about status and authority. The
(49:24):
greatest kings and emperor's rise above the rest of the people,
only to press down on them and lord their power
over them. Jesus explained, it shall not be this way
among you, not while I'm here or when I depart.
Know for yourselves how God measures greatness. Whoever desires to
be great in God's kingdom must be a servant of all.
Whoever desires to be first must put himself last. For
(49:47):
even the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but he came to serve. He came to pour his
life out as a ransom for many. Jesus is inviting
you and me to redefine what we think greatness means.
While the world is in mad dash to grasp that power.
You and I are invited to humble ourselves and serve.
True greatness is measured in the positive impact we have
(50:09):
on people's lives, not in positions of authority or promotions. Greatness,
in Jesus's eyes, also required suffering for the sake of others.
This was exemplified in this episode as Jesus turned his
face toward Jerusalem. Although there was a warrn out for
his arrest, Jesus chose to go to Jerusalem. Isaiah fifty
(50:29):
verse seven prophesied the resolute nature of Jesus facing the
cross to obtain the glory set before him. But the
Lord God helps me. Therefore I have not been disgraced.
Therefore I have set my face like a flint, and
I know that I shall not be put to shame.
Don't you love that line? He set his face like
a flint, ready to set the world on fire. We
(50:52):
worship a God who pursued death like an adversary. He
was not a victim of the cross. He actively took
steps in pursuit of it. The pursuit began with the
triumphant entrant. Thousands of people rushed the border of the
city to welcome Jesus as their king. They shouted praises,
calling him the son of David. The crowd meant well,
but their cheers were under some false expectations. They thought
(51:15):
they were ushering in a king who was going to
overthrow Rome and restore autonomy to Israel. Jesus came to
do much more than that. His mission was the redemption
of men souls, not political liberation. Nevertheless, this scene was brilliant.
I love the imagery of Jesus getting the praise of
the people. When the Pharisees tried to shut them up,
(51:35):
Jesus reminded them that if they don't praise him, even
the rocks will cry out. Zachari nine to nine prophesied
that Messiah would ride on a colt. Rejoice greatly, O
daughter of Zion, shout aloud, oh daughter of Jerusalem. Behold
your king is coming to you, righteous and having salvation,
as he humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt,
(51:57):
the foal of a donkey. So why was it the donkey?
Whether donkey holds some cultural and biblical significance, We would
be wise to notice in the ancient Middle Eastern world,
conquerors and warriors rode horses in the war, but they
rode donkeys if they came in peace. Solomon rode a
donkey on the day he was chosen as the new
(52:17):
king of Israel. Zachari nine ten highlighted this idea of
peace when it said, I will take away the chariots
from Ephrium and the war horses from Jerusalem, and the
battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to
the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea,
and from river to the ends of the earth. This
prophecy of Messiah should have been enough of a clue
(52:39):
to the people that Jesus did not come to conquer
Rome with an iron fist. He came to restore peace
between mankind and God. Jesus's enemy was not a political regime, empire,
or nation. His war was not against a group of people,
even the Pharisees. Jesus sought to battle sin and death.
Death itself was awaiting him at Calvary, beckoning him to fight.
(53:03):
Our hero will respond to the call. Join us next time,
as the tension mounts and Jesus disrupts the religious system
from the inside out, join us for episode fifteen. Diner
These Thanks again for listening for more inspiring stories Daily
prayers and wisdom to last a lifetime. Go to pray
dot com. And to expand your heroes in the Bible journey,
(53:26):
download the Heroes of the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org.
Forward Slash Heroes. Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify
to get the newest episodes right as they come out,
so you can strengthen your relationship with Jesus God bless
And the multitudes that went before and that followed cried
saying Hosanna to the son of David. Blest is he
that cometh in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in
the highest Matthew twenty one nine. My Lord, I know
that you've called me to be a great leader amongst
your people. As you begin to evaluate my life, give
(00:25):
me the perspective and posture of Jesus. Help me to
be confident that I get to reveal that You've called
me to greater things. When the weight of leadership tries
to get me to shift from my identity, I will
stand steadfast like the colt in to Day's story. I
(00:47):
will remain calm in my resolve to unapologetically be me
and lead how You've created me. As I move in
your presence, Help me to recognis my season. Help me
to remain faithful even when it's time for me to
step out and live out the mission for my life.
(01:10):
Like Jesus, hide me until it's my time to accelerate
and elevate, For it is in the quiet and obscure
moments that you are building my character and integrity, so
that when I step into my calling and I am
forced to carry my cross. I won't buckle under the
(01:31):
weight of the responsibility as I begin my triumphal entry
into my purpose, I will look to you, Jesus, to
see me through. In Jesus' name, Amen, stay tuned to
immerse yourself in the Greatest Stories Ever Told. From pray
(01:52):
dot COM's podcast Heroes in the Bible.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evans, and I'm excited for you
to join me on Heroes in the Bible.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
Jesus.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
Please follow this podcast on Apple or Spotify to get
the latest episode so you can continue strengthening your relationship
with Jesus. Welcome to the greatest story ever told. It
is a story of a shepherd's heart for his sheep,
a father's love for his children, and a hero's triumph
over death and darkness. This is a story that continues
to shape and mold the world around us, bringing the
(02:26):
divine heart of God right into the hearts of you
and me. This episode begins the long week leading up
to god Gotha. The Gospels focus heavily on this week,
and so will we for our next few episodes. The
last week of Jesus's life before his death on the
cross is filled with moments of betrayal, violence, love, and triumph.
We will cross the entire spectrum of emotions on the
(02:48):
way to Calvary. This episode is the beginning of the end.
Jesus will set his gaze on Jerusalem and enter like
a king. However, he is not the king anyone expects.
You and I know enough about Jesus by now to
understand he is constantly flipping our expectations on their heads.
Even though Jesus is living his final days before the crucifixion,
(03:09):
he still finds time to minister to the sick, needy,
and downtrodden. He also finds time to challenge the Pharisees.
You think Jesus would want to lay low after learning
there is a bounty on his head, but it doesn't
seem to slow him down one bit. Jesus doesn't hold
back his rebukes, nor does he shrink back when danger mounts. Remember,
(03:30):
Jesus walks toward danger, not away from it. This episode
is one gigantic leap into the belly of the beast. Jesus,
being our ultimate hero and redeemer, doesn't turn back from
the challenge. The prelude of this story takes place under
the Shadows of Jerusalem, where the religious leaders plot to
kill God himself. Their schemes, as evil as they might be,
(03:51):
play into the hand of Jesus perfectly. I can't wait
to join you for this episode. Stay tuned in afterwards
as we unpack some of its theme. Here is episode fourteen,
the beginning of the.
Speaker 3 (04:03):
End prelude to Chapter fourteen. The torchlight flickered, illuminating elaborate
tapestries above a large wooden table. Shadows drifted across the
cold stone walls as a dozen hooded men into the room.
(04:28):
They all took their places at the table, giving preference
to the man in the middle. His face was covered
by the shadow as he leaned back in his place,
listening to the others speak, What do we do?
Speaker 4 (04:42):
One man whispered, We simply cannot allow him to continue.
It has gone too far.
Speaker 3 (04:49):
The torchlight continued to flare as a small draft made
its way into the room.
Speaker 4 (04:54):
He performed signs nobody has seen since Elijah.
Speaker 3 (04:57):
Another said, if we let him.
Speaker 4 (04:59):
Get the Romans will begin to see him as a
threat and punish us for it.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
The men nodded in agreement.
Speaker 4 (05:07):
Is it fair for us to be dragged into the
streets and killed. Because one man thinks he's God. They
have already asked him to be king. What if Herod
decides to do something?
Speaker 3 (05:18):
The robed figures were stirred at the thought. Their low
whispers created a sinister echo through the temple halls.
Speaker 4 (05:27):
Giaphas, what say.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
You, another said, gesturing to the shrouded figure at the
head of the table. Their eyes darted forward with a
high priest sat back, stroking his beard. He was a tall,
slender man with broad shoulders. His blue robes blended in
with the cold stone behind him, and his breastplate of
(05:49):
precious stones reflected the flickering torchlight. He leaned forward on
the table, peering at the men in front of him.
You know nothing at all, Caiaphas sneered.
Speaker 5 (06:02):
If you did, you would not be debating what you
should do. You ought to know what should be done.
It is better for one man to die so the
rest of the nation can be spared.
Speaker 3 (06:15):
Caiaphas did not understand the true weight of his words.
He suggested that they killed Jesus to spare the rest
of them from the wrath of the Romans. Yet Jesus's
death would accomplish something different. He would indeed die to
spare others from wrath, but it was not from the Romans.
(06:37):
It would be from the punishment of sin and death.
The Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes looked at one another in agreement.
As self proclaimed men of God, they dare not murder.
So they spent the night plotting how they would sway
the people, and it all began with finding a helper
(06:59):
who was close to Jesus. As the torch slowly ran
out of light, the true darkness enveloped the room, and
the enemy relished in his impending victory. An order was
put out in Jerusalem for Jesus to be arrested on sight. However,
Jesus had already departed for the wilderness in Ephrium. There
(07:24):
he would stay with his disciples, strengthening them for the
battle to come. It was not a battle of bronze
and steel. He was preparing them for a battle of
the spirit. The ultimate clash of good and evil was
about to stir up in the hearts of mankind. Chapter fourteen,
(07:47):
the beginning of the End, Flies buzzed around the muddied
streets of the Samarican village. Streams of waste and excrement
flowed through the town. Their homes were built with forsaken clay,
and Jesus saw the roof tops rotting away. It was
a blighted area that stunk of death and decay. The
(08:12):
disciples covered their noses as they walked through. For a
reason beyond them, Jesus had decided to pass through this village.
He visited each home, assessing the needs of the families
within them. Sometimes he would heal, other times he would
repair damaged pieces of their homes. Jesus and his disciples
(08:34):
connected with the lowest members of society. The words of
Christ resonated in Matthew's head as he carried mud and hay.
Speaker 6 (08:44):
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the
Kingdom of heaven.
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Matthew smiled, understanding what Jesus meant. These people had nothing,
yet they were stamped with a certain treasure he had
not seen in any person of wealth. They were able
to experience the full weight of Jesus's generosity without any
pride or shame. The group made its way to the
(09:12):
edge of the village, where a seemingly abandoned home leaned
against the stone wall, emerging from the home with ten lepers.
Their spots were oozing with dark liquid, and their limbs
were seemingly hung in place by their bandages. They stood
at a distance, raising their arms to Jesus. The disciples
(09:34):
used to run from lepers, but they had witnessed enough
of Jesus's ministry to know they did not need to fear. Jesus,
and the twelve stepped forward. Have mercy on Us, the
lepers shouted. Jesus reached out his arms and said.
Speaker 6 (09:52):
Go to Jerusalem and show yourself to the priest.
Speaker 3 (09:56):
The lepers turned and did as they were told. Disciples
watched as the lepers limped towards the road. Slowly, their
pained howls turned into strides, and before a few minutes passed,
they were completely healed, overwhelmed with joy. Nine of them
ran towards Jerusalem to show themselves in the temple as
(10:17):
Jesus had asked. Yet one remained where he stood. Jesus
watched as the figure stood in the distance. He looked
at his hands and feet, examining his new body. The
disciples could see the man was covering his face. He
fell to his knees and wept. The man rose to
(10:40):
his feet and began to run towards them. The man
came to Jesus with tattered robes and outstretched arms. His
face was beaming with life. His tears ran down his
full cheeks.
Speaker 6 (10:54):
My Lord, thank you.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
As he said this, he fell at Jesus's feet and
were whiped him.
Speaker 7 (11:00):
Thank you, son of David.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Jesus smiled and embraced the man. He looked around and
noticed that only one out of the ten returned. Were
not ten of you healed? Jesus asked, where are the
other nine? The man simply shrugged. He did not care
to ask. He was too intent on thinking, Jesus.
Speaker 6 (11:21):
It is your faith that made you well, my friend,
Go in peace.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
Jesus had blessed many people. He had healed many who
were sick, and cast out many plagued with demons, Yet
only a few truly expressed gratitude. As Jesus ventured closer
to Jerusalem into the outer villages, a small crowd began
to form. As was expected, the Pharisees were not too
(11:47):
far behind. As Jesus taught, the Pharisees bombarded him with
questions and inquiries about the Kingdom of God. They asked
about its coming, its second coming, and the signs of
the age. Jesus answered them honestly, being sure to reassure
his disciples in the process. Teacher, one of the disciples, asked,
(12:08):
does God answer every prayer? Jesus nodded and began a parable.
Speaker 6 (12:13):
In a certain city, there was a judge who had
no regard for God or man. He was a grump
and a fiend. In that same city, there was a
poor widow who had been robbed by a man. In
that same city, there was a poor widow who had
been robbed by a man. The judge cared not for
the woman and disregarded her please, Yet she was persistent.
(12:33):
Day after day she came into his courtroom yelling, give
me justice. Although the judge refused her many times. Her
persistent requests annoyed the judge so much that he granted
her her plea. He threw his hands up in the
air and shouted, I fear no one, nor do I
respect anyone. Yet, because you will not cease your laboring,
I will grant you your wish.
Speaker 3 (12:54):
Jesus clapped his hands to get their attention.
Speaker 6 (12:58):
Listen to me and pay attention. This is a faithful saying.
If even the wicked judge regards the persistent requests of
a faithful woman, will not God, who loves you, bend
down and hear you? Will he not give justice to
those he has chosen?
Speaker 3 (13:16):
I tell you, he will give.
Speaker 6 (13:17):
Justice to those who ask. Yet, when justice comes and
the son a man enters, whether it be anyone with
faith to receive?
Speaker 4 (13:27):
Surely God does not listen to every prayer, Jesus.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
A pharisee, shouted. The crowd nodded in agreement.
Speaker 4 (13:35):
The Samaritan dogs, the prostitutes, and the tax collectors. Would
God bend his ear to such wicked people? Sured not.
Speaker 3 (13:44):
The pharisee spat in the direction of Matthew. Matthew took
a step back and lowered his head. Jesus put his
hand on Matthew's shoulder, then walked into the center of
the crowd. People surrounded him as he spelled. He turned
to the crowd, ensuring he had their undivided attention.
Speaker 6 (14:06):
Two men went up into the temple to pray, one
a pharisee and the other a tax collector.
Speaker 3 (14:12):
Jesus raised his left hand to the pharisee and the
right to Matthew.
Speaker 6 (14:17):
The pharisee held his head up high, with his nose
to heaven. He strutted along with assurance of his standing
before God. As he sauntered into the temple.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
He did not kneel, No, he did not bow.
Speaker 6 (14:29):
He simply stood with his arms stretched out to God, saying, Lord,
I thank you that I am not like other men, thieves, adulterous,
even this tax collector. I fast twice a week. I
tithe everything I earn. Oh, how lucky are you Lord,
that you have me?
Speaker 3 (14:47):
Jesus mimicked the tone of the tax collector. There was
a small chuckle in the crowd, yet the pharisee was
not amused. Jesus stepped forward closer to the group of pharisees.
Speaker 6 (14:58):
Yet the tax collected, he did not even raise his
eyes to Heaven.
Speaker 3 (15:02):
He couldn't. He was too ashamed.
Speaker 6 (15:04):
He curled into himself, keeping low to the ground. He
beat on his chest, holding back tears as he bowed
before a righteous God and prayed, Lord, have mercy on me.
I am a sinner.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
Jesus put his arm around Matthew and pointed to the pharisees.
Speaker 6 (15:20):
I tell you this man went back from the temple justified.
He who exalts himself will be humbled by the righteousness
of God, and he who humbles himself will be exalted
by the righteousness of God.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
After this, the Pharisees departed. Jesus continued to teach about
coming to God as humble children. He spoke about marriage, divorce,
and the pursuit of holiness through undying devotion. In everything,
he showcased a deep love for the hearts of people
(15:55):
day by day. It was shown in contrast to the
arrogant lip service of the religious leaders. Listening in the
back of the crowd was a young man. His robes
were perfectly fit and laced with purple. He listened intently,
with his heart beating fast, as he heard Jesus speak
about the eternity of heaven. He was a young ruler
(16:19):
with a great and noble house. He was an honest
man with honest intentions. He treated his family and household well.
He was generous, and he kept the law of God.
Since his youth, all the riches of earth and the
favor of men were available to him. Yet there was
a deep longing in him for something eternal, something with purpose.
(16:45):
He made his way to the front of the crowd.
Speaker 7 (16:47):
Good teacher, he said, politely, what must I do to
inherit eternal life?
Speaker 3 (16:54):
Jesus tilted his head at the question. Why do you
call me good? He asked, there is only one that good,
and that is God. The young ruler shrugged at the question.
He did not have an answer. If he was being honest,
he truly did not fully know who he was speaking to.
Many people debated who Jesus was, yet it remained a
(17:16):
mystery to him. Jesus opened his hands and said.
Speaker 6 (17:20):
I am sure you know the commandments. Do not commit adultery,
do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness.
Honor your father and your mother.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
The young ruler nodded, please to hear Jesus mention the commandments.
Eagerly he responded, saying.
Speaker 7 (17:35):
Byss all these I have kept from my youth. I
strive every day to uphold the law of God and
show myself approved.
Speaker 3 (17:44):
There was a long pause as Jesus looked at the man.
His heart broke for him. He knew that for all
the man's striving to be good, he still lacked a
transformed heart. Jesus sighed and not.
Speaker 6 (18:00):
Yes, I suppose you have. Yet there is still one
thing you lack. Sell your possessions, sell your estate and
your jewels.
Speaker 3 (18:09):
All that you have, sell and.
Speaker 6 (18:11):
Distribute the money to the poor. Then come follow me,
give your whole heart to the Kingdom of God.
Speaker 3 (18:18):
The young ruler looked at Jesus longingly. His very bones
cried out for something greater than money and influence. Yet
he did not own his belongings. His belongings owned him.
He shrunk back into the crowd, ashamed that he did
not have the courage to truly give all that he
(18:40):
had to God. Jesus watched the man depart. He shook
his head in compassion. Looking to the crowd, he said.
Speaker 6 (18:50):
How hard is it to have wealth and still enter
the Kingdom of God? It would be easier for a
camel to pass through the eye of a needle.
Speaker 3 (18:58):
The people chuckled. He then took the twelve with him
and departed to the back robes. There they hiked, talked,
and laughed. The time he spent with them was his
greatest miracle. Through them, the world would be shaken to
its core. They hiked up the mountain to a small
(19:19):
ridge overlooking the city of Jerusalem. The sun was setting
and an orange hue shone over the temple at the center.
Just past the city, on the outskirts was a sloping
hill called Golcotha, which means the place of the Skull,
otherwise known as cavalry. Jesus gazed at it intently. The
(19:45):
light wind blew against his hair, and the sunset warmed
his face as he looked below.
Speaker 6 (19:50):
We will be returning to Jerusalem.
Speaker 3 (19:52):
He said. His disciples turned in surprise. Jesus looked at
them and gestured toward the hill in the distance.
Speaker 6 (20:01):
Everything that has been prophesied about the Son of Man
will soon be accomplished. He will be delivered into the
hands of gentiles. Mocked, beaten, and spit upon.
Speaker 3 (20:12):
The disciples could almost sense a sadness in Jesus's voice.
They could tell this was something he was struggling with.
After torturing him, they will kill him, Jesus said, clearing
his throat.
Speaker 6 (20:26):
Yet there is a reason to rejoice, my brothers, for
he will rise again on the third day.
Speaker 3 (20:32):
The disciples nodded. However, they did not fully grasp what
he was saying. They thought he was speaking in another parable.
They marked it in their minds as yet another thing
they did not understand. The twelve turned their eyes toward
the horizon with Jesus, content to not understand. For now,
(20:53):
Jesus seemed to peace, so they chose not to fear.
After Jesus calmed the storm, They had learned to not
fear anything as long as Jesus was with them. His
presence meant their safety. The group watched the sun dive
its way into the skylight. Its orange tint disappeared with
(21:14):
the light, and the stars emerged like splatters of paint
on a dark canvas. They were at peace, like a
calm before the storm. He is leading us to Jerusalem,
James said, I think he's going to take the throne.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
People are already rushing to Jerusalem to meet him there.
Speaker 3 (21:32):
It's a revolution, John explained. Jesus and many of his
followers were waiting through the marketplace in Jericho, storing up
provisions for the road to Jerusalem. James and John walked
in the crowd with their mother, who was regularly in
attendance when Jesus taught and performed his miracles. She listened
(21:53):
as her two sons shared their experiences with Jesus and
their hopes for the future.
Speaker 8 (21:58):
Well, when he does take the throne, what will your rolls.
Speaker 6 (22:01):
Be, she asked.
Speaker 3 (22:04):
The two of them shrugged. Jesus had not shared his
plans to become king of Israel, but they knew it
was bound to have it.
Speaker 8 (22:11):
Well, I am sure Jesus knows that my boys are
well prepared for any responsibility he gives.
Speaker 3 (22:16):
Them, she said, patting their cheeks. The boys blushed. They
followed Jesus through the market place for a while. Jesus
examined the dried figs and bought some for the journey.
As he was doing this, the mother of James and
John brought her sons up and bowed at his feet.
Speaker 8 (22:36):
My Lord and King, she.
Speaker 3 (22:37):
Greeted in a regal tone. Jesus raised an eyebrow at her,
then looked at James and John. The two of them
were embarrassed and had already regretted speaking to their mother. However,
perhaps she could persuade Jesus. It was worth a try.
How can I help, Jesus asked. The mother stood to
(22:57):
her feet and flattened her garment.
Speaker 8 (23:00):
Well, my Lord, we know that your kingdom is only
a few weeks away. We are traveling to Jerusalem. After all,
when you take your throne, you will need help. Might
I suggest my two boys? James is faithful, wise and
always up for a challenge. John is passionate, young, and
filled with the fire of heaven. Will you consider my
(23:22):
boys to sit at your right hand and your left.
Speaker 3 (23:25):
Jesus secured the figs in his pack and looked at
the three of them intently. The other disciples were behind them,
listening in on the conversation. Jesus is brown furrowed. He
was vexed by the question. He did not address the mother,
but looked directly at James and John. Is this what
you want? He asked. The two boys looked at one
(23:47):
another and nodded. Jesus shook his head.
Speaker 6 (23:51):
You have no idea what you're asking, do you? Are
you able to drink the cup that I am about
to drink in Jerusalem?
Speaker 3 (23:57):
Jesus asked, I'm sure of the question, but brimming with confidence.
James and John nodded, yes, Lord, we are. We would
not be following you if we were not sure. Jesus
nodded in agreement. He looked into their eyes for a
long moment. They were unable to see their future. What
(24:18):
Jesus was he alone was able to peer into the
future of James and John, the Kingdom of God would
look wildly different than they thought. For James, it would
mean an axe driving through his spine and severing his head.
He would be the first disciple to be martyred. For John,
(24:39):
it meant enduring the loss of every other disciple and
watching them be killed. He would be the last disciple
to die. He would be dumped in a vat of
boiling oil and then exiled to an island alone. The
cup Jesus would drink in Jerusalem was a cup of suffering.
(25:00):
He would endure it, and although they were filled with pride,
he knew James and John would endure it as well.
Speaker 6 (25:06):
Very well, Jesus said, you will drink my cup. However,
sitting at my right hand and my left is not
my decision to make. That has been prepared beforehand by
my father.
Speaker 3 (25:18):
After saying these things, Jesus resumed his errands around the
market place. James and John silently cheered amongst themselves. Their
mother kissed their cheeks and went back to the crowd
behind them. When the other ten heard about James and John,
they were indignant. They bickered and quarreled with one another
about who was greatest among them. They chided one another
(25:42):
and measured their qualifications. Jesus walked in front of them,
enduring their prideful debate for a long while. They sounded
like pharisees, tallying up their good deeds, as if God
kept score. Jesus turned back to them, So, want to
talk about ruling a kingdom?
Speaker 6 (26:01):
Yes, he said.
Speaker 3 (26:03):
The disciples recoiled like children caught breaking the rules.
Speaker 6 (26:08):
The rulers of the gentiles are all about status and authority.
The greatest kings and emperors rise above the rest of
the people, only to press down on them and lord
their power over them.
Speaker 3 (26:19):
Jesus explained. He held out a finger to them, saying.
Speaker 6 (26:23):
It shall not be this way among you, not while
I am here, and not when i'd part. Know for
yourself how God measures greatness. Whoever desires to be great
in God's kingdom must be a servant of all. Whoever
desires to be first must put himself last. For even
the Son of Man did not come to be served,
(26:44):
He came to serve. He came to pour his life
out as a ransom for many.
Speaker 3 (26:49):
A large crowd form. As Jesus and his disciples were
leaving Jericho, they were eager to witness his entry into Jerusalem.
They anxiously awaited his rise to power. They bumped shoulder
to shoulder, inching as close as they could to him.
Every single one of them had ambition. They saw Jesus
(27:11):
as their redemption from the oppressive rain of Caesar. The
gates outside of Jericho were massive and thick. Under the
shade of the gates, many beggars and venders sat in
anticipation of travelers. Passover was approaching, and many people were
exiting the gates to travel to the temple. A blind
(27:34):
beggar by the name of Bartimaeus sat leaning against the walls.
His coat was spread out for people to toss coins.
He leaned back and bumped his head against the hard stone.
It was another day of him begging in darkness, another
day in anguish over his blindness. He listened to the
(27:57):
sporadic tinkling of coins hitting his coat. He could hear
a stirring in the crowds beside the gate. It was
a larger crowd than he was used to hearing. Men,
women and children passed by like a stampede. Bartimaeus gestured
to a few of the men begging beside.
Speaker 5 (28:14):
Him, what is the commotion?
Speaker 3 (28:17):
He asked, what am I missing?
Speaker 7 (28:19):
It is Jesus of Nazareth.
Speaker 3 (28:21):
Another beggar said.
Speaker 7 (28:22):
He's leaving Jericho.
Speaker 3 (28:24):
Bartimaeus had heard of Jesus. He heard of his mighty
acts and words. He heard of him healing the sick
and making the lame memoir. Most importantly, he had heard
rumors that Jesus could restore sight to the blind. He
immediately stood to his feet, resting his hand against the
stone wall for balance. He could not see anything, but
(28:48):
he had to get to Jesus. He could hear the
crowds passing through the road like a rushing river. Bartimaeus
knew that every second he wasted, his chances of reaching
Jesus slimmed. Bartimaeus lived in complete darkness. He had no
clue what awaited him in that crowd. His heart raised
(29:09):
and his knees trembled. His entire body urged him not
to run forward, Yet his heart cried out for the
living God to heal him. The blind man dove into
the crowd. He knocked baskets out of people's arms, and
stumbled several times.
Speaker 9 (29:28):
Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.
Speaker 3 (29:32):
He shouted. He continued to run, only to trip on
a foot of the crowd. He fell on his face,
splitting his chin wide open. Blood mixed with the dirt
on his face. However, Bardimaeus ignored the pain.
Speaker 9 (29:49):
Jesus, he shouted again, Lord, son of David, have mercy
on me.
Speaker 3 (29:55):
He shouted into complete darkness, Not even sure if Jesus
was able to hear, Artimaeus was determined. He burst through
the crowd, flailing his arms and stumbling into people. As
he drew closer to Jesus. Many of the men seized him.
Speaker 6 (30:11):
Leave the teacher alone.
Speaker 3 (30:13):
They said, Holding his arms, Bartimaeus threw them off of him.
Speaker 9 (30:18):
Jesus said, up dated, have mercy on me, he roared again.
Speaker 3 (30:23):
His desperate cries for Jesus were almost those of a
screaming infant longing to be held. He had been so
vulnerable for so long. If there was any hope to
see again, he knew ENLiGHT in Jesus. Jesus looked back
to see the blind man fighting off a group of mens.
Speaker 9 (30:44):
Get away from me.
Speaker 3 (30:46):
He shouted, swinging his fists. Blood dripped down his mangled
chin and his knees were still quivering.
Speaker 9 (30:52):
I must get to him.
Speaker 5 (30:54):
You can't stop me.
Speaker 3 (30:55):
Jesus looked at him and gestured to his disciples.
Speaker 6 (30:58):
Why are they holding that man back from me? Bring
him here.
Speaker 3 (31:01):
So the disciples demanded the people release Bartimaeus and bring
him forward. Escordered to the feet of Jesus, Bartimaeus beamed
with excitement. What can I do for you, Jesus asked politely.
Bartimaeus had stared into nothingness for much of his life.
He was plagued with an unquenchable desire to see the
(31:24):
world around him. Yet as Jesus spoke to him, all
bitter and anxious thoughts seemed to melt away. He turned
his head to Jesus and said.
Speaker 9 (31:36):
Son of David, all I asked for his mercy. I
have longed to see the skies again. For so long,
my heart has ached to watch the sunrise and witness
the changing seasons. Yet now as I speak to you,
my greatest desire is that I behold your glory.
Speaker 3 (31:55):
Jesus helped the man to his feet.
Speaker 6 (31:57):
Bartimaeus, arise and go your way. Your faith has made
you well.
Speaker 3 (32:02):
And in that instant, the beggar's sight was restored. Light
shone brightly through the cracks in his eyes, and the
figure of Jesus's smile slowly came into focus. Partimaeus did
not return to his home. He did not pick up
his things and depart for the temple. He followed Jesus
(32:23):
and remained at his side. There was no one else
he would rather see. Jesus talked there on the road side.
As he walked, A throng gathered around him, making an
impenetrable wall of people. Standing outside the crowd was Zacchius.
He was a short man of fine clothes and sandals. However,
(32:46):
despite all his lavishness, he was rejected by the crowd.
Nobody allowed him to see Jesus or to get close
enough to hear him. Zacchius was notorious in the city.
He was a chief tax collector and best known for
making profit off the suffering of his people. Jesus intrigued him.
(33:10):
He had heard about his signs and wonders, but he
also heard that Jesus dined with tax collectors and sinners.
No rabbi in the entire country dared even to talk
to a tax collector. Yet Jesus had one as his disciple,
Zacchias tried to weave through the solidified crowd, but had
no knock. He scanned his surroundings and saw a nearby
(33:33):
sycamore tree. Zacchius rolled up his sleeves and removed his sandals,
and then, with the swing of his arms, he jumped
onto one branch. His dangling legs flailed in the air
as he pushed himself up onto a branch. He climbed
the tree, shimmying up to the highest point possible. He
leaned over to see Jesus. He was not at all
(33:57):
what he expected. He was much more unassuming and humble
in appearance. If he were not in this center, Zacchius
would have never known he was somewhat important. Jesus heard
a rustling in the leaves above him. He peered up
to see a small man hanging on to a branch.
(34:18):
Jesus scanned the tree, seeing that the branch he was
resting on was about to crack. Sacchius, Jesus shouted. The
tax Collector's eyes widened. How does he know my name?
He asked himself. Zacchius felt honored that Jesus would know him.
Speaker 6 (34:35):
Sacchius get down from there, I must stay at your house.
Speaker 3 (34:39):
Today, Jesus shouted again. Yet as he said these words,
Zacchius felt the branch underneath him give way. As the
branch cracked and tears, Zacchius tumbled down every branch below,
until eventually hitting the ground. A cloud of dust turned up,
and Zacchius struggled to prop himself up out of the dust.
(35:02):
Jesus's hand extended to help him up. Zachias clumsily composed
himself and escorted Jesus to his house. He could feel
the judgmental glares of people as Jesus followed him. They knew,
and he knew, that he did not deserve the presence
of Jesus in his home. Questions of doubt filled Zachius
(35:25):
his mind as he hosted Jesus and his disciples. He
wondered if he was a good enough man to even
deserve the favor of Jesus. He did not understand why
he would want to be hosted by a tax collector,
Yet there he was eating and drinking at his table.
Jesus had given up his reputation to bless Zachius. He
(35:52):
had given up a home and riches so he could
travel and heal others. His disciples had given up their
livelihood to follow him. What have I given, Zachius thought
to himself. He pondered for a moment, then stood up
before Jesus and raised his cup. My Lord, Zachius.
Speaker 10 (36:13):
Declared, I have decided to give half of my goods
to the poor, and if there is anything I took
by greed or defrauding, I will restore it to that
person fourfold.
Speaker 3 (36:24):
Jesus raised his cup to Zachias.
Speaker 6 (36:27):
Today salvation has come to your household, Jesus said, for
the Son of God has come to seek and save
those that are lost.
Speaker 3 (36:35):
Jesus did not need to convince Zacheus to be generous.
He did not need to preach an elaborate sermon or
compel him with an argument. The presence and character of
Jesus alone was enough to transform the heart of Zachias,
a corrupt tax collector. Transformation was found in the presence
(36:56):
of Jesus. From there Jesus went to Bethany and stayed
in the house of Simon the Leper. The disciples were
able to let their guards down and finally enjoy a
good meal among one another without the brooding eyes of
the Pharisees. The home smelled of freshly baked bread. Andrew, James,
(37:17):
and John sat by the fire exchanging fishing stories. Matthew
and Thomas stood facing one another, discussing the upcoming passover.
Thaddeus and Simon reclined beside Jesus, content to sit from
their cups and listen. Jesus could feel an aching pain
(37:39):
in his soul. His time was coming. The son of
Man would be delivered soon. The people expected a rebellion,
They expected a revolution leading straight into the courts of Rome.
The words of Isaiah rang in his head. He was oppressed,
and he was a Yet he opened not his mouth
(38:03):
like a lamb that has led to the slaughter. Jesus
knew the suffering that awaited him. He was ready to
endure it. As the men in the room laughed in
exchanged stories, a woman entered through the corner of the room. Mary,
the sister of Lazarus, came with an alabaster flask of
(38:23):
spike mark and expensive ointment. No doubt, it was her
life's savings and the only financial security she had, Yet
she was content to adorn Jesus with it. She poured
out the flask and it spilled onto his hair and feet.
The fragrance filled the room. It was an ointment used
(38:46):
for burial, No doubt she had used some of it
on Lazarus when he died. Judas watched from the corner
of the room.
Speaker 5 (38:56):
What is she doing?
Speaker 3 (38:57):
He shouted. His outburst caught the attention of everyone.
Speaker 4 (39:02):
That is expensive ointment.
Speaker 6 (39:04):
Why not sell it and give the money to the poor.
Speaker 3 (39:07):
Judas was in charge of the money back, and would
often help himself to whatever was put into it. His
outcry to sell the ointment was not out of altruism
but greed. Leave her alone, Jesus.
Speaker 6 (39:19):
Said, see that she keeps the rest for my burial,
for you always have the poor. But my time here
is almost done.
Speaker 3 (39:27):
Jesus saw through the heart of Judas. Mary was willing
to lay down her livelihood to glorify Jesus. Yet Judas,
even with all his exposure to the acts of Jesus,
was gripped by the love of money in a moment
of weakness. He would soon learn just how much damage
(39:47):
the love of money can do to a man. Jesus
arose early in the morning to sit on a hill
pointing towards the city of Jerusalem. It was time to
enter into the day and of lions. Like David once
prepared for battle with Goliath, Jesus prepared his thoughts for
(40:08):
the week to come. The order of heaven and earth
was about to shift, Chaos was going to be reined in,
and darkness was going to be driven out. Jesus set
his gaze upon Jerusalem like an archer. Awaiting him were
enemies seeking to devour him. Yet he knew who the
(40:30):
true enemy was. Death itself was awaiting him at Calvary,
beckoning him to fight. He drew a deep breath and
looked to Heaven. It is time, he whispered. Jesus stood
to his feet and walked down the hill. Peter, James,
(40:51):
and John were waiting for him below.
Speaker 6 (40:54):
My friends, I have a special task for.
Speaker 3 (40:56):
You, Jesus said, greeting them.
Speaker 6 (41:00):
In the nearby village. At the bottom of the hill,
you'll find a colt tied up with its mother. It
will be unruly and dangerous. I want you to take
it for me. If anyone asks why you're taking the donkey,
simply say the Lord has need of it.
Speaker 3 (41:15):
The three men did as Jesus asked and ventured to
the nearby village to find the colt. Sure enough, as
the three men entered the village, the colt was there
at the entrance with its mother. The three disciples looked
at one another, not surprised that Jesus knew, but also
curious as to why. Peter was the first to approach it.
(41:39):
Its hind legs kicked back aggressively, and its neck whipped
from side to side. He leaped to grab the reins,
but it quickly retaliated with a blow of Peter's froehead.
Peter fell back in the mud. John went next, approaching
the colt slowly. It was fearful and stubborn, a deadly
(41:59):
comer nation. The second John grabbed hold of the reins,
the colt lifted its front legs and hit John directly
in the chast Andrew saw it as an opportunity to
strike and leaped towards the colt to grab the reins. Success.
It took three of them to tame the beast. How
will Jesus ever use something so stubborn, Peter thought he
(42:24):
failed to see the irony. The colt writhed and jolted
its head back continually until it approached Jesus. Jesus walked
towards it gently rubbing the front of its nose.
Speaker 6 (42:38):
Hush, now be still.
Speaker 3 (42:41):
He said to the colt. The same authority he had
over the wind and waves he used on the colt.
He mounted the colt with ease and made his way
down the hill towards the gates of Jerusalem. Word had
spread that Jesus was coming. He had healed the lepers,
(43:02):
restored sight to the blind, fed thousands of people, raised
the dead, and spoke power over demons. The people were
ready to coronate him as king, so they gathered in
numbers big enough to make an army. They were ready
for a coronation. Yet Jesus would not be crowned with
gold but thorns. Jesus descended the hill towards God's holy City.
(43:30):
At the gates, a sea of people awaited him. They
parted away for Jesus to enter. In cheering, they shouted
for joy at the sight of him. Hosannah, they cried out.
Their cheers shook the earth below. The entire city was
rising like a tide to meet the son of Man.
Speaker 4 (43:52):
Blessed be the one who comes in the name of
the Lord.
Speaker 3 (43:55):
They shouted. Louder women sang a song of hope. Their
melodies filled disguise. People from all different nations and nationalities
had come every year to worship God at the Temple.
Yet this year they gazed upon the active and moving
presence of God. They laid out Palm Franz to make
(44:19):
a pathway for Jesus. Some of them even removed their
own cloaks for him to walk upon. They saw Jesus
as the chosen hero that would liberate them from the
tight grip of Roman oppression. They gazed upon Jesus as
someone worthy to be called king. They saw him as
a wise and noble ruler destined to sit on the
(44:41):
throne of David. They wanted him to rule over them
and restore Israel to its former glory. They desired a
conquering warrior who would defeat the armies of tyranny and
bring blessing to the people of God once again. As
they sang to Jesus, there was a slight tinge of disappointment.
(45:03):
He did not ride on a white stallion with armor
glistening in the sun. He came riding on a donkey.
Jesus was not the king they expected. He was powerful, mighty,
and able to thwart the corrupt nations of the age.
Yet his mission was not to overthrow a worldly government.
(45:25):
His fight was not with Caesar or Herod. There was
a greater enemy that had enslaved humanity since the Garden
of Eden, Greater than Pharaoh, greater than Goliath. In the Philistines,
Jesus held his gaze high to the end of the city.
The hill of Golgotha loomed like a dragon's den. Cavalry
(45:50):
awaited him. The people sang along to their instruments. Their
praise filled the air like a sweet aroma. Yet Jesus
knew what they would be chanting in just a few days.
Blessed is the King, Blessed is the son of David,
they proclaimed. The Pharisees were also there, awaiting the opportunity
(46:12):
to strike Jesus down.
Speaker 4 (46:14):
Aren't you going to muzzle your disciples, Jesus? They're calling
you God.
Speaker 3 (46:19):
Jesus looked back at them.
Speaker 6 (46:21):
Even if I did silence them, the stones themselves would
cry out.
Speaker 3 (46:26):
As Jesus said this, he entered the gates of Jerusalem.
The entirety of scripture was leading up to this moment.
The crescendo of God's story thus far was about to unfold.
It was the beginning of the end.
Speaker 2 (46:53):
Here we go, the Passion week has begun. Jesus enter
Jerusalem to take the throne. But it was not a
throw when anybody was expecting him to take His throne.
Was not a raid in jewels or covered in fine linen.
His throne was a rugged and splintered cross. These next
few episodes leading up to the crucifixion highlight just how
fine tuned everything had to be in order for Jesus
(47:16):
to accomplish God's will. It all began with our prelude,
where the religious leaders were plotting to kill Jesus. We
got to hear their wicked whispers and providential plotting. We
also got to meet a key character, Caiaphas, the high
priests who presided over the trials that sealed Jesus's fate.
These men come to the conclusion it is better to
(47:37):
kill Jesus than to risk the wrath of the Romans.
In their opinion, even if Jesus was innocent, his death
would stave off the wrath of the Roman overlords. It
is better for one man to die so the rest
of the nation can be spared. Caiaphas said, do you
notice the irony in that statement. Jesus was going to
die so the nation could be spared, but not from
(47:58):
the Romans. Was going to die to take away the
judgment of God. Their plot set everything in motion. The
enemy thought he had won. He was wrong. This episode
gave us a big theme to consider character, whether it
was the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector
or the interaction with the rich young ruler. Jesus pressed
(48:18):
the theme it is better to have conviction and character
than outward morality and religiosity. The humble and contract tax
collector was more righteous than the pious Pharisee. The rich
young ruler had morality but lack the character to sacrifice
his possessions. The theme of character was also highlighted in
the interaction between Jesus and the family of Zebedee. James
(48:42):
and John wanted to be in a position of influence
so badly that they had their mother ask on their behalf.
Spiritual points aside what grown may allows this to happen.
Their mother goes to Jesus in front of all the
disciples to ask for special treatment. Not only was this
embarrassing to witness, but it also showed ignorance. Jesus was
(49:02):
gentle in putting them in their place. Though he asked
them plainly if they were able to drink the cup
he was going to drink. They ignorantly said yes, not
understanding the cup meant suffering. Jesus used the uncomfortable situation
to teach his disciples a lesson about leadership. The rulers
of the gentiles are all about status and authority. The
(49:24):
greatest kings and emperor's rise above the rest of the people,
only to press down on them and lord their power
over them. Jesus explained, it shall not be this way
among you, not while I'm here or when I depart.
Know for yourselves how God measures greatness. Whoever desires to
be great in God's kingdom must be a servant of all.
Whoever desires to be first must put himself last. For
(49:47):
even the Son of Man did not come to be served,
but he came to serve. He came to pour his
life out as a ransom for many. Jesus is inviting
you and me to redefine what we think greatness means.
While the world is in mad dash to grasp that power.
You and I are invited to humble ourselves and serve.
True greatness is measured in the positive impact we have
(50:09):
on people's lives, not in positions of authority or promotions. Greatness,
in Jesus's eyes, also required suffering for the sake of others.
This was exemplified in this episode as Jesus turned his
face toward Jerusalem. Although there was a warrn out for
his arrest, Jesus chose to go to Jerusalem. Isaiah fifty
(50:29):
verse seven prophesied the resolute nature of Jesus facing the
cross to obtain the glory set before him. But the
Lord God helps me. Therefore I have not been disgraced.
Therefore I have set my face like a flint, and
I know that I shall not be put to shame.
Don't you love that line? He set his face like
a flint, ready to set the world on fire. We
(50:52):
worship a God who pursued death like an adversary. He
was not a victim of the cross. He actively took
steps in pursuit of it. The pursuit began with the
triumphant entrant. Thousands of people rushed the border of the
city to welcome Jesus as their king. They shouted praises,
calling him the son of David. The crowd meant well,
but their cheers were under some false expectations. They thought
(51:15):
they were ushering in a king who was going to
overthrow Rome and restore autonomy to Israel. Jesus came to
do much more than that. His mission was the redemption
of men souls, not political liberation. Nevertheless, this scene was brilliant.
I love the imagery of Jesus getting the praise of
the people. When the Pharisees tried to shut them up,
(51:35):
Jesus reminded them that if they don't praise him, even
the rocks will cry out. Zachari nine to nine prophesied
that Messiah would ride on a colt. Rejoice greatly, O
daughter of Zion, shout aloud, oh daughter of Jerusalem. Behold
your king is coming to you, righteous and having salvation,
as he humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt,
(51:57):
the foal of a donkey. So why was it the donkey?
Whether donkey holds some cultural and biblical significance, We would
be wise to notice in the ancient Middle Eastern world,
conquerors and warriors rode horses in the war, but they
rode donkeys if they came in peace. Solomon rode a
donkey on the day he was chosen as the new
(52:17):
king of Israel. Zachari nine ten highlighted this idea of
peace when it said, I will take away the chariots
from Ephrium and the war horses from Jerusalem, and the
battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to
the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea,
and from river to the ends of the earth. This
prophecy of Messiah should have been enough of a clue
(52:39):
to the people that Jesus did not come to conquer
Rome with an iron fist. He came to restore peace
between mankind and God. Jesus's enemy was not a political regime, empire,
or nation. His war was not against a group of people,
even the Pharisees. Jesus sought to battle sin and death.
Death itself was awaiting him at Calvary, beckoning him to fight.
(53:03):
Our hero will respond to the call. Join us next time,
as the tension mounts and Jesus disrupts the religious system
from the inside out, join us for episode fifteen. Diner
These Thanks again for listening for more inspiring stories Daily
prayers and wisdom to last a lifetime. Go to pray
dot com. And to expand your heroes in the Bible journey,
(53:26):
download the Heroes of the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org.
Forward Slash Heroes. Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify
to get the newest episodes right as they come out,
so you can strengthen your relationship with Jesus God bless
Host
Dr. Tony Evans
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