April 12, 2024 • 43 mins
Chapter 7 of Heroes in the Bible: Jesus with Dr. Tony Evans is inspired by the Gospels.
My Burden is Light - Jesus begins healing the sick and making enemies in the process. It is at this point Jesus differentiates himself from just a good teacher. He is displaying acts that only God can do.
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 147:3, He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evan jehoasts for heroes in the Bible, Jesus.
If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, please share it
with your family and friends so they can know Jesus
Christ in a personal way, because knowing Jesus is the
key understanding the Bible. Welcome to the greatest story ever told.
It is the greatest story of a shepherd's heart for
(00:21):
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 divine heart of God right into the hearts
of you and me. In this episode, Jesus preaches the
most famous sermon ever told. With powerful passion and compelling prose,
(00:42):
Jesus weaves together a beautiful tapestry portraying the Kingdom of God.
Everyone is captivated by his words, but his sermon is
also a challenge to them. Christ did not just come
to comfort us, He also came to establish God's will
in our hearts. The Sermon on the Mount stands in
opposition against the religious dogma and conal living that would
(01:02):
hold us captive. You will hear him say. You have
heard it said, but I say to you, Jesus is
about to flip people's traditional ideology on his head and
bring them back to the heart of God. This episode
also gives us one of the more compelling moments in scripture.
A pivotal character has a moment of loneliness and despair.
(01:23):
His faith is tested, and he reaches out to Jesus
for answers. What comes after is an emotional plea to
the hearts of mankind to release themselves from bondage and
experienced freedom. I hope you are gripped by the words
and actions of Jesus. It is my fervent prayer that
you and I do not leave unchanged by God's truth.
(01:43):
May the heart of Christ and the Word of God
take hold of our hearts. Here is episode seven. My
burden is light.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Frankly, Chapter seven, Joseph thumped his head against the stone
walls of his prison cell. A small sliver of moonlight
made its way through some cracks in the ceiling. He
stared at the light endlessly, listening to the rustling of
his prison maids beside him. They were fast asleep, but
(02:18):
not Joseph. There was no sleep for him. He continued
to thump his head against the back of the wall,
frustrated at the world, frustrated at God. He had been
the favored son of Jacob. He was loved and adorned
with endless affection from his father. He was a dreamer
(02:38):
and had great expectations for his future. However, his dreams
got the better of him, and jealousy caused his brothers
to sell him into slavery. Joseph was humbled and sought God.
In the midst of all his tragedy. He put his
head down to the plow and showed himself to be
a masterful organizer, and dial and servant. He eventually caught
(03:02):
the eye of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard. He
put him in charge of his entire household, and for
a brief moment, Joseph truly believed he was a favored son.
Once again. In the midst of his ascension as a slave,
he caught the eye of a certain woman, Potterphar's wife.
(03:23):
She demanded his attention and his body. However, Joseph would
not give it.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
I could not commit this sin against my master and
my God.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Joseph retorted. Potiphar's wife, grabbed him and pulled him in close.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
Lie with me, Joseph, she whispered.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Her voice was seductive and smooth. She smelt of berries
and spice. Joseph was a young man and not without
his carnal desires. Yet there was a deep integrity that
had formed within him since he became a slave. Pride
and arrogance made his brothers hate him. He would not
(04:03):
succumb to that same arrogance again. Joseph pulled away, ripping
the piece of clothing she was holding. Joseph knew if
he did not run, he would give in, so he
fled as fast as he could. As he sprinted down
the halls, he could hear echoes of screaming. It was
at that moment he knew what would happen. Joseph was
(04:25):
sent to prison for a crime he did not commit,
assaulting pot Offr's wife. He rotted in a damp cell.
Because he decided to show integrity, Joseph stood to his
feet and yelled. His screams reverberated off the cold stone walls.
He fell to his knees and wept. He felt like
(04:45):
he was cut off from all he had prayed for.
He felt forsaken. He had dreams of being a great
inheritor of his father's land, yet he was sold into slavery.
He had dreams of being a great keeper of his
master's house, yet here he was awaiting his inevitable death.
(05:07):
All he had dedicated his life too was now hidden
from him. The sun rose, or at least Joseph thought
it it. The sun only ever peered dimly through his
forsaken soul. He felt the same way with God, He
only felt his presence dimly. Joseph looked around at the
other men imprisoned with him. They hated their existence. Then
(05:31):
Joseph saw the warden. He too seemed to hate his life.
As the warden was serving bread, Joseph approached him and helped.
As he did this, the warden's face lit up with joy.
Joseph took note of this. He took note of every
act he did in service to the guards and his
(05:52):
fellow prisoners. With every piece of bread served, wound bandaged,
and story told, Joseph began to feel once again the
favor of God. In everything Joseph did, God blessed him.
His bitterness melted away as he felt the love of
God extending through him. He must decrease so God might increase.
(06:18):
This was the solution to Joseph Spain, and it would
be the solution to rid mankind of its selfishness for
all eternity. Chapter seven. My burden is light. Jesus hiked
up a small hill overlooking the plains. The light breeze
(06:39):
took the edge off the harsh sun. It was springtime
and the lilies of the field were in full bloom.
Jesus sat down on the vibrant grass, soaking in the sunlight.
He scanned the crown that was waiting below. It was
a diverse crowd. There were men, women, families, sick people
(07:01):
who had been healed, and sick people who needed healing.
There were also enemies, pharisees who were determined to strike
him down. He loved every one of them. As the
gentle winds swayed the tall grass in several directions, Jesus
began to think about Psalm twenty three.
Speaker 3 (07:21):
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall need nothing. He
makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me
beside gentle waters. He restores my soul.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
That is what Jesus desired to do. He desired to
lead his sheep to green pastures and still waters. He
desired to restore their weary and anxious souls. He was
their shepherd, and he loved his sheep. Jesus looked to
the people down below. The crowd was eager to hear
(07:55):
what Jesus had to say. He had preached many times
from the Word of God.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
God.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
He explained the deep truths of scripture and fulfilled prophecies. However,
this time Jesus chose to speak about the Kingdom of
God in the present. He expounded on the culture of
heaven and how it can be seen in people. He
raised his voice to them, saying.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the
Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for God
shall comfort them. Blessed are those who have strength, yet
keep it under control. They will inherit the earth. Blessed
are those who are hungry and thirsty for the righteousness
(08:41):
of God. They will seek and be satisfied. Blessed are
those who show mercy, and mercy will be shown to them.
Blessed are those with pure hearts, for they shall see
God move greatly. Blessed are the peacemakers, for people will
see them and know that they are children of God.
(09:04):
Blessed are those who are persecuted for the good things
that they do, for they will inherit the kingdom of God.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
Jesus turned to his disciples. They were listening intently to him.
He knew the hardships they would endure for his name.
Still speaking to the crowd, he looked to them and said.
Speaker 4 (09:24):
Blessed are you and others harm or persecute you on
my account, be glad, for you have a glorious reward
stored up for you in heaven.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
They persecuted the prophets of old, and they will do
the same to you.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
Jesus took a handful of dirt in his hand and
let it blow in the wind. He looked at them
and said.
Speaker 3 (09:47):
You, my dear friends, are the salt of the earth.
You give it vibrants and flavor. You are meant to
add to culture and make it better. Yet, if the
salt loses its flavor, what what is it other than
being trampled under foot. You are also like the light
of the world. You, like a city set firmly on
(10:08):
a hill, will be a beacon for those lost and lonely.
Do not hide this light. No one takes a lantern
and stuffs it under a basket. No, you put it
on a stand for all to see. You must do
the same with your light. Let your light so shine
before others that they see you, and they glorify your
(10:29):
Father in heaven.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Jesus then looked at the Pharisees glaring at him from
the back. They were waiting for any excuse to rebuke him.
He knew what they thought of him. They saw him
as a blasphemer in danger to their way of life. However,
Jesus knew that underneath their piety and moral uprightness was
a desperate need for power. He looked at them, predicting
(10:54):
their objections to him, and said.
Speaker 3 (10:57):
Some of you think I may have come to abolish
the law and the prophets, but you could not be
even further from the truth.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Jesus saw the Pharisee stir and look at one another.
Hear me, Jesus continued, I.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
Have not come to abolish the Law of Moses, but
to fulfill it. The word of God is as unchangeable
as creation itself.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
As Jesus said these things, the religious leaders began to
boil with frustration. What they could not see is that
the entirety of God's story from Adam until now was
leading up to this moment. Jesus was the crescendo of
human history and the embodiment of God's will. Jesus lifted
(11:38):
his palms up like a weighted scale, and said.
Speaker 3 (11:42):
The law has told you that you shall not murder.
Speaker 2 (11:44):
Jesus's right hand raised higher than the left hand.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
However, I tell you that whoever harbor's deep hatred will
also be judged.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Jesus then raised his left hand to be equal with
the right. He did the same thing with his hands, again, saying, the.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
Law says that you shall not commit adultery. However, I
am here to tell you that whoever lusts after a
woman an objectifies her in his mind, has already been
guilty of such things.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
The men in the crowd began to look around. It
was uncomfortable to hear. However, Jesus was showcasing the importance
of the heart. The Pharisees had become masters at controlling
their actions. However, the sacrifice God truly desired was a
pure and honest heart. Jesus continued speaking of marriage, oath
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and the fickle nature of mankind. Then Jesus's tone shifted.
Speaker 3 (12:39):
An I for an eye. How many of you have
heard that you are to repay an evil deed with
equal force?
Speaker 2 (12:46):
The crowd nodded.
Speaker 3 (12:48):
Wars begin this way. I tell you. If anyone slaps
you on the right cheek, go ahead and turn and
give him the other cheek. If anyone desires to sue
you for your tunic, go ahead and give him your
clothes ook as well.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Jesus then pointed to the Roman guards that were standing nearby.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
If a Roman soldier forces you to carry us things
a mile, you go ahead and carry them for two.
Go the extra mile.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
Jesus made sure to emphasize the next point.
Speaker 3 (13:18):
The culture of this age tells you to love your
neighbor and hate your enemy. However, I say to you,
love your enemies, love them, pray for them, serve them.
For if you only love those who love you, what
separates you from those that are corrupt? Even the most
evil among us loves their friends. Your righteousness must go
(13:40):
above and beyond.
Speaker 2 (13:43):
Jesus's words came with a great deal of authority. These
were timeless truths that had been forgotten under layers of
moral compromise and religious tradition. Jesus did not desire to
establish another regime of pious control, but to break down
the barriers that separated people from experiencing a life honoring God.
Speaker 3 (14:06):
Beware of showcasing your righteousness for all to see, Jesus born.
When some people give to the needy, they sound the
trumpets and beat the drums. They do not desire to
give to the needy. They desire to be seen giving
to the needy. They seek the approval of man, and
they get it. However, that is the only reward they
(14:28):
shall have. When you give, do not let your left
hand know what your right is doing. Serve others with
no recognition. The same goes for your prayers. The hypocrites
love to stand and pray on the street corners or
in the synagogues. But when you pray, do so in secret.
The Lord hears you in secret, and he will bless
(14:48):
you in secret.
Speaker 2 (14:50):
One of the disciples raised his hand and asked.
Speaker 3 (14:52):
Then, please, Lord, teach us how to pray. When you pray,
do not add spectacle or poetry to come off as righteousness.
Others some love to stand on the street corners and
proclaim their devotion to God. When you pray, do so
just between you and the Lord. Pray like this, Our Father,
(15:14):
Holy is your name. May your kingdom come and your
will be done here as it is in heaven. Provide
our daily needs, and forgive us all our sins. And
may we also forgive those who have trespassed against us,
Lead us away from temptation, and deliver us from evil.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
The prayer was simple yet profound, and it spoke of
the relationship man ought to have with God. Jesus placed
his hand on his stomach and smiled.
Speaker 3 (15:43):
When the hypocrites fast, they are gloomy and brooding. They
make sure all can see their hunger.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Jesus then mimicked the pharisee, holding his stomach and drooping
his face. The crowd laughed, and the Pharisees crossed their arms.
Speaker 3 (15:58):
When you fast your face and take care of your
body so that no one knows. Your father in heaven
he knows, he sees. Take heart in that the things
of this world.
Speaker 2 (16:10):
Will pass, Jesus exclaimed.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
Do not lay it for yourselves treasures that will rust
and rot pursue eternal things. Lay it for yourselves treasures
from heaven, for where your treasure is, your heart will
be also.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Jesus held up a finger and made sure all would
pay attention.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
No one can serve two masters, Jesus warned, you will
love the one and hate the other. If you devote
yourself to money, you'll end up hating God. You cannot
serve the pursuit of riches and the pursuit of God.
Speaker 2 (16:45):
It was clear that talking about money made the people uncomfortable.
The Romans had taken much from them, and money had
consumed their thoughts day and night. Jesus had compassion over them.
He the anxiety they felt with a fatherly tone. Jesus
continued to encourage them, saying.
Speaker 3 (17:07):
Do not be anxious about your life. The food you
eat are the clothes on your body. Life is more
than food, and your body is more than the clothing
that's on it.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Jesus looked up at the birds chirping above and pointed.
Speaker 3 (17:21):
Look at these birds. They do not labor a toil,
yet their heavenly father feeds them. Are you not more
precious than they are? No one ever added one moment
to their life by worrying. Do not be anxious about tomorrow.
It has its own troubles, live for today, and seek
God in every moment.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
The people began to look at one another. Jesus saw
husbands looking at their wives, and sisters looking at their brothers.
The nature of humans is to look at the flaws
and one another instead of inward. Jesus knew that and
gave a stiff warning to all who were listening.
Speaker 3 (18:03):
Be careful not to judge others, for you yourself will
be judged. Why would you point out the small piece
of sawdust in someone's eye when you have a large
wooden plank stuck to your own.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
There was a chuckle from among the crowd. Jesus smiled, Be.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
Mindful to understand your own flaws before mentioning the flaws
of others. You will serve them better if you do so.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
Jesus desired for everyone listening to truly understand the power
they had available to them. If they were to simply
seek the face of God, he would move mightily in them.
Jesus's tone was earnest and urgent.
Speaker 3 (18:44):
Seek God and he will answer. How many of you
parents would deny your child bread and instead give them
a stone? If you, being sinful, would not even do
this to your own child. Even more so, God will
happily give to those who seek his favor. See God
as someone who is for you.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
Jesus rose to his feet. The wind began to pick
up behind him. He took a deep breath, being mindful
of every word he was about to say.
Speaker 3 (19:16):
Next, treat others the way you wish to be treated.
Speaker 1 (19:19):
This is the.
Speaker 3 (19:20):
True heart behind the law of God. And understand this.
The gate to the Kingdom of Heaven is narrow. There
are many other paths that are easy and wide open. However,
it is the ease that is deceptive. It is the
way of death. The true path of God is hard.
It requires sacrifice, struggle, and humility. This is why many
(19:44):
will choose to avoid it, and ultimately they will perish.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Jesus began to walk down the hill and place his
hand on people's shoulders as he passed through the crowd.
Speaker 3 (19:55):
Every healthy and good tree bears fruit the people can enjoy.
Bad tree produces thorns and poison. The same as with
our hearts. A good heart will produce good actions. Likewise,
a bad heart will produce corrupt actions. Words are not enough.
Not everyone who declares to know God actually knows him. Personally,
(20:18):
be mindful that you seek him in spirit and truth.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
Jesus was now behind the crowd. He looked down and
saw a stone the size of his palm on the ground.
He picked it up and held it up in the
air for all to see, and said.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts upon them,
as like a wise person who built their house on
a firm foundation. When the rain fell and the floods came,
their house was sturdy and resilient. Yet there will be
those who do not listen and do not do these things.
They are like the people who build their homes on
wavering sand. When trouble comes, they will be washed away.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Jesus looked at the crowd one final time, smiled, and
dropped the stone. He departed with his disciples. The crowd
simply stood there, astonished. Meanwhile, in Copernium, a Roman centurion
sat at the bedside of the servant. He had a
high fever and was coughing out blood. The centurion had
(21:21):
toward many foreign nations, he had seen many diseases take
the body of good soldiers. However, this was unlike any
illness he had seen before. The centurion soldier dabbed his
servant's head with a wet cloth. He was shivering beyond
control and could barely keep his eyes open.
Speaker 5 (21:41):
I'm so sorry.
Speaker 2 (21:42):
The centurion whispered. Although the centurions were known as brutal
men of war, this man adored his servants. Every man
and woman under his command was precious to him. Saddened
by the bleak state of the servant, the centurion mounted
his horse to go do rounds around the city. He
(22:02):
was barely paying attention, mostly riding to clear his mind. However,
he did notice a stirring among the people. Shop owners
were closing early and headed for the city entrance. Women
were gathering their children and going that way as well.
He found a shop owner who was packing up and
stopped him.
Speaker 5 (22:21):
You there, why are you people leaving early? What is happening?
Speaker 2 (22:26):
The shop owner was distracted, frantically trying to close.
Speaker 5 (22:30):
Have you not heard Jesus of Nazareth is on his
way here. He will be here any moment now. He
commands demons to flee, and heals the sick. He commands
demons to flee. The centurion asked, by what authority? Not
even your Jewish priests do that.
Speaker 2 (22:47):
The shop owner shrugged.
Speaker 5 (22:49):
The Pharisees say his authority comes from the devil himself. However,
many people believe it is Elijah returning from heaven.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
The centurion nodded for the shop owner to leave. He
rode back to his estate and gathered some of the
Jewish elders.
Speaker 5 (23:04):
Have you heard of Jesus of Nazareth.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
He asked. The elders nodded. Every Jew had heard of him.
He had made quite a name for himself for his
teaching in the synagogues, then for his miracles.
Speaker 5 (23:17):
I am what you call a gentile. I do not
want to insult him by asking him a favor. However,
my servant is sick, and I believe this Jesus to
be my last hope. Would you ask Jesus to use
his authority to heal my servant.
Speaker 2 (23:33):
The elders did as they were told and found Jesus
entering the city. A crowd had already formed around Jesus.
As he entered Capernaum, the elders made way for themselves
and came in front of him. The elders paid respect
to him, bowing at his feet.
Speaker 6 (23:50):
Jesus of Nazareth, we have come down behalf of a centurion,
in need of your help. A servant who is very
precious to him is dying. Is a man worthy of
your health. He loves our nation, although it is not
his own. He even built our local synagogue.
Speaker 2 (24:06):
Jesus waved goodbye to the crowns and went with them.
They weaved through the streets and approached the large estate
owned by the centurion. As they approached one of the
soldier's friends in running towards them, the man looked like
he was also a part of nobility. He looked out
of place, running out of the property into the street.
(24:27):
My lord, the man said.
Speaker 5 (24:29):
I speak on behalf of the centurion. He says, please
do not trouble yourself by coming to me. I'm not
worthy to have you come under my roof, and I,
being a gentile, do not presume to enter your presence either.
I know that all you have to do is say
the word, and my servant will be healed. I am
also a man of authority. Whatever I command of my men,
(24:51):
they do it without question. My word holds power. I
know that you are a man of even greater authority
than me.
Speaker 2 (25:00):
Bowed and departed back into the estate. The elders were
shocked at what they had just heard. Jesus seemed even
more shocked than they did. He marveled at him, astonished
by his faith. This gentile, a Roman soldier, had managed
to cause the Son of God to be in awe.
(25:21):
Jesus's eyes widened.
Speaker 3 (25:24):
I have never seen such faith, not even in Israel.
Speaker 2 (25:28):
And with that Jesus departed. The centurion watched Jesus leave
through the lattice of his window. He prayed that Jesus
would understand. He walked down the halls to where his
servant was resting. He opened the door, and to his dismay,
the servant was sitting up in his bed, eyes alert
(25:49):
and full of life. The centurion laughed and embraced his servant.
The entire house rejoiced and glorified the one who had
more authority than all all the resources of Rome. Jesus
departed Copernian and headed south. His disciples and a large
crowd of people followed him like ducklings. They were eagerly
(26:13):
anticipating Jesus's next move. Was he going to storm the
temple again? Was he going to cast out a demon
in Jerusalem? Was he going to confront the religious elite
and a debate. Jesus never ceased to surprise them word,
so they followed him anxiously, looking around for what was
(26:34):
going to come next. However, most of them were disappointed
to see Jesus leading them to the town of name.
Name was unremarkable, dull, and devoid of any sort of excitement.
The disciples lowered their expectation as greatly. However, Jesus seemed
(26:54):
to be alert. He was looking for something or perhaps
some way. They approached the gate of the town, which
was only two thin wood pillars. Short fencing surrounded the city.
Nane's Gate was a monument to its poverty. Most of
the people were laborers in nearby cities and could not
(27:16):
afford much going through the gate. Exiting the city was
a large funeral procession. Four men carried a man on
a bier as his mother mourned beside him. Behind them
was half the town. The man who died was a
beloved member of his community, and he had left his
(27:37):
mother without a husband or son to provide for her.
This is why Jesus had come. He did not wander
into any place without purpose. Every step he took was purposeful.
The spirit of God had led him here to bless
this woman, and to showcase his authority over death. Jesus
(28:01):
approached the front of the procession. The men stopped and
the woman looked up at him. A cracked face was
swollen from tears. Jesus placed his hand on the man
lying on the bier and looked at his mother. Do
not weep, little one, he said. The entire procession was
(28:21):
completely still. The crowd behind Jesus was silent, holding their breath.
Jesus turned his head towards the man and said, young man,
I say to you you eyes. At first there was nothing.
The silence was thick enough to cut with a knife.
(28:43):
Then the once pale and lifeless skin of the man
had its color restored. A gasp of air broke the silence.
As he sat up, the men carrying the beard dropped
it out of shock. The man fell to the floor,
groaning from the impact. Jesus knelt down, smiled, and lifted
(29:04):
him to his feet. The once dead man was in shock,
looking around in confusion. Then he saw his mother. Tears
welled up in his face, and the two of them embraced.
Fear gripped the hearts of every one in attendance.
Speaker 7 (29:21):
There's a great prophet in a midst they shouted, God
is with us. The people cheered, and reports spread throughout
the whole country. Jesus had raised a man from the dead.
It was not a soldier, a governor, or a priest.
He did not raise a member of the temple, a rabbi,
(29:41):
or one of his disciples. He raised an unknown man
from an unknown place. Jesus, with purpose in his heart,
pursued him so he might come back to life.
Speaker 2 (29:54):
This is the heart of God, to pursue and give life.
Word of Jesus raising the man from the dead had
reached every corner of the country, even the jail cells
of Herod the palace. There in the cold dungeon underneath
the palace, John the Baptist sat echoes of jesus mighty
(30:17):
deeds had reached his ears. Often as he rotted away
in his cell, he thumped the back of his head
against the stone walls and peered up to Heaven. A
small sliver of light broke through a crack in the prison.
He had been arrested for speaking out against Herod. He
had been persecuted for proclaiming the truth, and now he
(30:41):
had to suffer his own words echoed through his head.
Speaker 5 (30:46):
I must decrease so he might increase.
Speaker 2 (30:50):
This was not what he had in mind. He had
dreams of being a witness to Christ's coming salvation. Yet
here he was awaiting him his inevitable death. All he
had dedicated his life to was now hidden from him.
He desired to see the coming kingdom, and now he
(31:10):
was forced to only hear whispers from the outside. Bitter
thoughts began to enter his mind. If Jesus was able
to raise the dead, then why not release him from prison?
If he truly was the Messiah, then how come his
most trusted servant was rotting away in a dark dungeon.
(31:30):
John stood to his feet and yelled. His screams reverberated
off the cold stone walls. He fell to his knees
and wept. He felt like he was cut off from
all he had prayed for. He felt fors sake. Still
able to send messages, John reached out to Jesus. His
(31:54):
question was simple, yet behind it was deep pain. His
message asked.
Speaker 5 (32:02):
Are you the one? Or should we look for another?
Speaker 2 (32:07):
Jesus winced hearing John's question. He knew the pain John
had endured. Yet John's life was but a foreshadowing his
suffering did not come close to what Jesus would soon
endure on his behalf. Jesus knew that John only needed
to be reminded of what they had dreamed of for
(32:30):
so long. He looked at the messenger and said.
Speaker 3 (32:34):
Go and tell John all that you have heard me.
Speaker 2 (32:37):
Do.
Speaker 3 (32:38):
Tell him that the blind had been given their sight,
the lame walk, and the lepers are cleansed, had given purpose.
The death can hear, and the dead have been raised
up again. The poor have good news given to them.
And blessed be any one who is not offended by
my purpose.
Speaker 2 (32:55):
John's messengers departed. Jesus could hear a mumbling from the crowd.
They mocked John under their breath for doubting Jesus. This
irked Jesus.
Speaker 3 (33:07):
What did you expect when you went into the wilderness
to listen to John? Did you expect a pampered prince
or a prophet of God? He is the prophet Malachi
spoke of when he said, behold, I send my messenger
to prepare your way before you.
Speaker 2 (33:22):
The people were silent. They could sense Jesus's passion rising.
He spoke louder for all to hear, saying, there is no.
Speaker 3 (33:31):
Greater man than John the baptist.
Speaker 6 (33:34):
The madman baptized sinners.
Speaker 2 (33:37):
The Pharisees shouted. Jesus turned his head swiftly, his eyes
filled with fire. The tax collectors, soldiers, and prostitutes all
felt the need to be baptized by John. They knew
the value of repentance. Yet the Pharisees still could not understand.
Speaker 3 (33:56):
How shall I compare your.
Speaker 2 (33:57):
Generation, Jesus asked the Pharisees. You are like.
Speaker 3 (34:01):
Children sitting in the market place with their music, saying,
we played a happy song and you didn't dance, And
we played a sad song and you did not cry.
Speaker 2 (34:10):
The rest of the crowd laughed.
Speaker 3 (34:12):
John came vowing to never drink wine or eat bread,
so you called him a madman for not partaking in
those pleasures. Now I come, and I eat bread and
I drink wine. Yet you called me a glutton and
a drunk. You criticize us both for doing the opposite
of each other.
Speaker 2 (34:29):
Jesus raised his arms, inviting a response, yet they were silent.
He shook his head.
Speaker 3 (34:36):
Wisdom is justified by actions.
Speaker 2 (34:40):
Jesus paced for a moment, looking at the sea of faces.
They were confused at the tension between the Pharisees and himself.
They had followed the Pharisees for so long and saw
them as the authority on how to pursue God. He
looked at them, then raised his head to heaven.
Speaker 3 (35:00):
I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and Earth, that
you have hidden deep truths from the pompous, but have
revealed it to little children.
Speaker 2 (35:08):
He then turned to the crowd and said.
Speaker 3 (35:10):
All things have been given to me by the Father.
Are you weary? Are you heavy laden? Are you filled
with burdens? Come to me. Come to me, all you
who labor and are weary, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. I
am gentle and humble of heart. Come to me, and
(35:33):
you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke
is easy and my burden is light.
Speaker 2 (35:40):
Jesus offered a peace who was not offered by the
religious system of the day. The Pharisees brought nothing but
false holiness and added to God's law. The people were
not just oppressed by Rome. They were oppressed by men
who were supposed to lead them into a good relationship
with God. The people were weary. They needed to be delivered.
(36:05):
They needed a shepherd to make them lie down in
green pastures. They needed a shepherd to lead them beside
still waters. They needed someone to restore their souls.
Speaker 1 (36:22):
What you and I just witnessed was the greatest sermon
ever priest. The Sermon on the Mount is a foundational
passage for Christians, as it laid out the culture of
God's kingdom. It was Jesus's desire to communicate clearly what
citizens of the Kingdom of God looked like and how
they should act. Some of the things Jesus said don't
come as a surprise to us. Truths like treat others
(36:44):
the way you want to be treated, and judge not
unless you be judged, or common sayings. However, there were
a few things Jesus said that can be jarring to listeners,
things like whoever harbor's hatred for his brother will be
judged as murderers, or whoever lust after someone in their
hearts committing adulterial all much harder to year and even
harder to live out in real life. The Sermon on
(37:05):
the Mount was this glorious blend of relief and restraint.
It relieves us from some of the burdens we put
on ourselves, while also restraining us from letting our hearts wonder.
It is Christ's gold to remind his disciples and us
that sin begins and ends in the heart. We should
merely stop at not killing someone. We should aim to
not hate anyone either, since that is where it all begins.
(37:29):
We should merely measure our fidelity to our spouses based
on whether we commit adultery or not, but we should
cleanse our minds of any lustful thoughts toward another. Many
people think Jesus lowered the standards of sin, but that
wasn't the case at all. He knew that sin began
in the heart. Religions can try to change your actions,
but if you are caught up in bitterness and captured
(37:50):
by us, then you are bound to sin sooner or later.
The Kingdom of God needs to be established in our
hearts before it can be established in culture. Whatever hatred, lust, bitterness,
or anxiety that enslaves our lives must be dealt with
before we can change the world around us. Jesus raised
the standard for how we treat people as well. The
culture of this age tells you to love your neighbor,
(38:11):
and hate your enemies. However, I say to you, love
your enemies, love them, pray for them, and serve them.
And if you only love those who love you, what
separates you from those who are corrupt? Even the most
evil among us love their friends. Your righteousness must go
above and beyond our prayers. Patience and partiality should not
(38:33):
just be given to our people, but to all people.
Even our enemies are made in the image of God,
meaning even they deserve some semblance of dignity and honor.
This virtue was acted out in our prelude by Joseph,
who suffered greatly because he gave his service to those
who caused his suffering. God was gracious to us when
we were his enemies, so it stands to reason that
(38:55):
those who bear his name should do the same. This
is what I meant when I said some of Jesus's
words were challenging. It is important for us to remember
that Jesus didn't just come to forgive us of our sins,
but he also came to empower us to live a
holier and more fulfilling life. Towards the end of Jesus's sermon,
he says that whoever listens to his words and does
(39:17):
them as like a wise person who built his house
on a firm foundation. But whoever hears his words and
refuses to do them is like someone who built their
house on sand. This reminds us of a common theme
in the teachings of Jesus. Although some of his words
are hard to hear, they are ultimately meant to strengthen
us and make us better. The Gospel tells us this.
(39:38):
You are abundantly and unconditionally loved, and there is more
potential that can be drawn out of you. The world
will tell you that you are perfect the way you are,
but that is not the Gospel. You are loved the
way you are, and it is Christ's love that compels
us to be better every day. The sermon ends and
we immediately meet a new person who needs Jesus. This
(40:00):
person is not a blind beggar, crippled child, or outcast.
He is a powerful, influential and respected centurion. Centurions were
enforcers and peacemakers in the city on behalf of Rome.
Most were feared and few were loved. This particular centurion
was convinced that Jesus was the only one who could
help his sick servant. He sent someone to find Jesus
(40:22):
and asked for his help, But when Jesus approached, something
ought happened. The centurion showed sensitivity to Jesus's culture while
also acknowledging his power. He said, please, do not trouble
yourself by coming to me. I am not worthy to
have you come under my roof. But I, being a gentile,
do not presume to enter your presence either. I know
(40:44):
that all you have to do is say the word,
and my servant will be healed. I am a man
of authority. Whatever I command of my men, they do
it without question. My word holds power. I know that
you are a man of even greater authority than me.
His reaction is only found twice in scripture. It says
that he marveled at the centurion's faith. You can imagine
(41:07):
that it would probably take a lot to surprise Jesus
or lead him to be astonished in any way. The
only other time Jesus marvels is that the unbelief of
his kinsmen in Nazareth. The episode reaches a compelling conclusion
with John the Baptist in prison. He leans his head
against the prison cell and We're immediately taken back to
(41:27):
the prelude with Joseph. Much like Joseph, John suffered for
doing the right thing. There's a special type of grief
when we suffer after having done what's right. Our relationship
with God can come into question because we thought we
will owe something for our faithfulness. John's doubt and grief
are understandable and certainly relatable. In some ways, it is
(41:47):
comforting to see John Russell with his belief. If somebody
like him struggles with doubt, then we don't feel as
bad when we have moments of disbelief. John's question of
Jesus was honest and came from a place of suffering.
Are you the one or should we look for another?
He asked. Jesus sent John an honest answer the work
John so desperately wanted to see what's happening and blessed
(42:11):
to those who aren't stumbling by it. Thank you for
listening to today's episode of Heroes in the Bible Jesus.
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, download the Heroes of
the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org. Forward Slash Heroes
(42:34):
share this podcast with a family member or friend so
that they can know Jesus Christ in a personal way.
You never know how great of an impact the Bible
and this podcast can have on someone's life. God bless
Hi, I'm doctor Tony Evan jehoasts for heroes in the Bible, Jesus.
If you've enjoyed this podcast so far, please share it
with your family and friends so they can know Jesus
Christ in a personal way, because knowing Jesus is the
key understanding the Bible. Welcome to the greatest story ever told.
It is the greatest story of a shepherd's heart for
(00:21):
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 divine heart of God right into the hearts
of you and me. In this episode, Jesus preaches the
most famous sermon ever told. With powerful passion and compelling prose,
(00:42):
Jesus weaves together a beautiful tapestry portraying the Kingdom of God.
Everyone is captivated by his words, but his sermon is
also a challenge to them. Christ did not just come
to comfort us, He also came to establish God's will
in our hearts. The Sermon on the Mount stands in
opposition against the religious dogma and conal living that would
(01:02):
hold us captive. You will hear him say. You have
heard it said, but I say to you, Jesus is
about to flip people's traditional ideology on his head and
bring them back to the heart of God. This episode
also gives us one of the more compelling moments in scripture.
A pivotal character has a moment of loneliness and despair.
(01:23):
His faith is tested, and he reaches out to Jesus
for answers. What comes after is an emotional plea to
the hearts of mankind to release themselves from bondage and
experienced freedom. I hope you are gripped by the words
and actions of Jesus. It is my fervent prayer that
you and I do not leave unchanged by God's truth.
(01:43):
May the heart of Christ and the Word of God
take hold of our hearts. Here is episode seven. My
burden is light.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Frankly, Chapter seven, Joseph thumped his head against the stone
walls of his prison cell. A small sliver of moonlight
made its way through some cracks in the ceiling. He
stared at the light endlessly, listening to the rustling of
his prison maids beside him. They were fast asleep, but
(02:18):
not Joseph. There was no sleep for him. He continued
to thump his head against the back of the wall,
frustrated at the world, frustrated at God. He had been
the favored son of Jacob. He was loved and adorned
with endless affection from his father. He was a dreamer
(02:38):
and had great expectations for his future. However, his dreams
got the better of him, and jealousy caused his brothers
to sell him into slavery. Joseph was humbled and sought God.
In the midst of all his tragedy. He put his
head down to the plow and showed himself to be
a masterful organizer, and dial and servant. He eventually caught
(03:02):
the eye of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard. He
put him in charge of his entire household, and for
a brief moment, Joseph truly believed he was a favored son.
Once again. In the midst of his ascension as a slave,
he caught the eye of a certain woman, Potterphar's wife.
(03:23):
She demanded his attention and his body. However, Joseph would
not give it.
Speaker 3 (03:28):
I could not commit this sin against my master and
my God.
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Joseph retorted. Potiphar's wife, grabbed him and pulled him in close.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
Lie with me, Joseph, she whispered.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
Her voice was seductive and smooth. She smelt of berries
and spice. Joseph was a young man and not without
his carnal desires. Yet there was a deep integrity that
had formed within him since he became a slave. Pride
and arrogance made his brothers hate him. He would not
(04:03):
succumb to that same arrogance again. Joseph pulled away, ripping
the piece of clothing she was holding. Joseph knew if
he did not run, he would give in, so he
fled as fast as he could. As he sprinted down
the halls, he could hear echoes of screaming. It was
at that moment he knew what would happen. Joseph was
(04:25):
sent to prison for a crime he did not commit,
assaulting pot Offr's wife. He rotted in a damp cell.
Because he decided to show integrity, Joseph stood to his
feet and yelled. His screams reverberated off the cold stone walls.
He fell to his knees and wept. He felt like
(04:45):
he was cut off from all he had prayed for.
He felt forsaken. He had dreams of being a great
inheritor of his father's land, yet he was sold into slavery.
He had dreams of being a great keeper of his
master's house, yet here he was awaiting his inevitable death.
(05:07):
All he had dedicated his life too was now hidden
from him. The sun rose, or at least Joseph thought
it it. The sun only ever peered dimly through his
forsaken soul. He felt the same way with God, He
only felt his presence dimly. Joseph looked around at the
other men imprisoned with him. They hated their existence. Then
(05:31):
Joseph saw the warden. He too seemed to hate his life.
As the warden was serving bread, Joseph approached him and helped.
As he did this, the warden's face lit up with joy.
Joseph took note of this. He took note of every
act he did in service to the guards and his
(05:52):
fellow prisoners. With every piece of bread served, wound bandaged,
and story told, Joseph began to feel once again the
favor of God. In everything Joseph did, God blessed him.
His bitterness melted away as he felt the love of
God extending through him. He must decrease so God might increase.
(06:18):
This was the solution to Joseph Spain, and it would
be the solution to rid mankind of its selfishness for
all eternity. Chapter seven. My burden is light. Jesus hiked
up a small hill overlooking the plains. The light breeze
(06:39):
took the edge off the harsh sun. It was springtime
and the lilies of the field were in full bloom.
Jesus sat down on the vibrant grass, soaking in the sunlight.
He scanned the crown that was waiting below. It was
a diverse crowd. There were men, women, families, sick people
(07:01):
who had been healed, and sick people who needed healing.
There were also enemies, pharisees who were determined to strike
him down. He loved every one of them. As the
gentle winds swayed the tall grass in several directions, Jesus
began to think about Psalm twenty three.
Speaker 3 (07:21):
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall need nothing. He
makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me
beside gentle waters. He restores my soul.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
That is what Jesus desired to do. He desired to
lead his sheep to green pastures and still waters. He
desired to restore their weary and anxious souls. He was
their shepherd, and he loved his sheep. Jesus looked to
the people down below. The crowd was eager to hear
(07:55):
what Jesus had to say. He had preached many times
from the Word of God.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
God.
Speaker 2 (08:00):
He explained the deep truths of scripture and fulfilled prophecies. However,
this time Jesus chose to speak about the Kingdom of
God in the present. He expounded on the culture of
heaven and how it can be seen in people. He
raised his voice to them, saying.
Speaker 3 (08:20):
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the
Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for God
shall comfort them. Blessed are those who have strength, yet
keep it under control. They will inherit the earth. Blessed
are those who are hungry and thirsty for the righteousness
(08:41):
of God. They will seek and be satisfied. Blessed are
those who show mercy, and mercy will be shown to them.
Blessed are those with pure hearts, for they shall see
God move greatly. Blessed are the peacemakers, for people will
see them and know that they are children of God.
(09:04):
Blessed are those who are persecuted for the good things
that they do, for they will inherit the kingdom of God.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
Jesus turned to his disciples. They were listening intently to him.
He knew the hardships they would endure for his name.
Still speaking to the crowd, he looked to them and said.
Speaker 4 (09:24):
Blessed are you and others harm or persecute you on
my account, be glad, for you have a glorious reward
stored up for you in heaven.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
They persecuted the prophets of old, and they will do
the same to you.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
Jesus took a handful of dirt in his hand and
let it blow in the wind. He looked at them
and said.
Speaker 3 (09:47):
You, my dear friends, are the salt of the earth.
You give it vibrants and flavor. You are meant to
add to culture and make it better. Yet, if the
salt loses its flavor, what what is it other than
being trampled under foot. You are also like the light
of the world. You, like a city set firmly on
(10:08):
a hill, will be a beacon for those lost and lonely.
Do not hide this light. No one takes a lantern
and stuffs it under a basket. No, you put it
on a stand for all to see. You must do
the same with your light. Let your light so shine
before others that they see you, and they glorify your
(10:29):
Father in heaven.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Jesus then looked at the Pharisees glaring at him from
the back. They were waiting for any excuse to rebuke him.
He knew what they thought of him. They saw him
as a blasphemer in danger to their way of life. However,
Jesus knew that underneath their piety and moral uprightness was
a desperate need for power. He looked at them, predicting
(10:54):
their objections to him, and said.
Speaker 3 (10:57):
Some of you think I may have come to abolish
the law and the prophets, but you could not be
even further from the truth.
Speaker 2 (11:03):
Jesus saw the Pharisee stir and look at one another.
Hear me, Jesus continued, I.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
Have not come to abolish the Law of Moses, but
to fulfill it. The word of God is as unchangeable
as creation itself.
Speaker 2 (11:18):
As Jesus said these things, the religious leaders began to
boil with frustration. What they could not see is that
the entirety of God's story from Adam until now was
leading up to this moment. Jesus was the crescendo of
human history and the embodiment of God's will. Jesus lifted
(11:38):
his palms up like a weighted scale, and said.
Speaker 3 (11:42):
The law has told you that you shall not murder.
Speaker 2 (11:44):
Jesus's right hand raised higher than the left hand.
Speaker 3 (11:48):
However, I tell you that whoever harbor's deep hatred will
also be judged.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Jesus then raised his left hand to be equal with
the right. He did the same thing with his hands, again, saying, the.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
Law says that you shall not commit adultery. However, I
am here to tell you that whoever lusts after a
woman an objectifies her in his mind, has already been
guilty of such things.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
The men in the crowd began to look around. It
was uncomfortable to hear. However, Jesus was showcasing the importance
of the heart. The Pharisees had become masters at controlling
their actions. However, the sacrifice God truly desired was a
pure and honest heart. Jesus continued speaking of marriage, oath
(12:35):
and the fickle nature of mankind. Then Jesus's tone shifted.
Speaker 3 (12:39):
An I for an eye. How many of you have
heard that you are to repay an evil deed with
equal force?
Speaker 2 (12:46):
The crowd nodded.
Speaker 3 (12:48):
Wars begin this way. I tell you. If anyone slaps
you on the right cheek, go ahead and turn and
give him the other cheek. If anyone desires to sue
you for your tunic, go ahead and give him your
clothes ook as well.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Jesus then pointed to the Roman guards that were standing nearby.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
If a Roman soldier forces you to carry us things
a mile, you go ahead and carry them for two.
Go the extra mile.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
Jesus made sure to emphasize the next point.
Speaker 3 (13:18):
The culture of this age tells you to love your
neighbor and hate your enemy. However, I say to you,
love your enemies, love them, pray for them, serve them.
For if you only love those who love you, what
separates you from those that are corrupt? Even the most
evil among us loves their friends. Your righteousness must go
(13:40):
above and beyond.
Speaker 2 (13:43):
Jesus's words came with a great deal of authority. These
were timeless truths that had been forgotten under layers of
moral compromise and religious tradition. Jesus did not desire to
establish another regime of pious control, but to break down
the barriers that separated people from experiencing a life honoring God.
Speaker 3 (14:06):
Beware of showcasing your righteousness for all to see, Jesus born.
When some people give to the needy, they sound the
trumpets and beat the drums. They do not desire to
give to the needy. They desire to be seen giving
to the needy. They seek the approval of man, and
they get it. However, that is the only reward they
(14:28):
shall have. When you give, do not let your left
hand know what your right is doing. Serve others with
no recognition. The same goes for your prayers. The hypocrites
love to stand and pray on the street corners or
in the synagogues. But when you pray, do so in secret.
The Lord hears you in secret, and he will bless
(14:48):
you in secret.
Speaker 2 (14:50):
One of the disciples raised his hand and asked.
Speaker 3 (14:52):
Then, please, Lord, teach us how to pray. When you pray,
do not add spectacle or poetry to come off as righteousness.
Others some love to stand on the street corners and
proclaim their devotion to God. When you pray, do so
just between you and the Lord. Pray like this, Our Father,
(15:14):
Holy is your name. May your kingdom come and your
will be done here as it is in heaven. Provide
our daily needs, and forgive us all our sins. And
may we also forgive those who have trespassed against us,
Lead us away from temptation, and deliver us from evil.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
The prayer was simple yet profound, and it spoke of
the relationship man ought to have with God. Jesus placed
his hand on his stomach and smiled.
Speaker 3 (15:43):
When the hypocrites fast, they are gloomy and brooding. They
make sure all can see their hunger.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
Jesus then mimicked the pharisee, holding his stomach and drooping
his face. The crowd laughed, and the Pharisees crossed their arms.
Speaker 3 (15:58):
When you fast your face and take care of your
body so that no one knows. Your father in heaven
he knows, he sees. Take heart in that the things
of this world.
Speaker 2 (16:10):
Will pass, Jesus exclaimed.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
Do not lay it for yourselves treasures that will rust
and rot pursue eternal things. Lay it for yourselves treasures
from heaven, for where your treasure is, your heart will
be also.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
Jesus held up a finger and made sure all would
pay attention.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
No one can serve two masters, Jesus warned, you will
love the one and hate the other. If you devote
yourself to money, you'll end up hating God. You cannot
serve the pursuit of riches and the pursuit of God.
Speaker 2 (16:45):
It was clear that talking about money made the people uncomfortable.
The Romans had taken much from them, and money had
consumed their thoughts day and night. Jesus had compassion over them.
He the anxiety they felt with a fatherly tone. Jesus
continued to encourage them, saying.
Speaker 3 (17:07):
Do not be anxious about your life. The food you
eat are the clothes on your body. Life is more
than food, and your body is more than the clothing
that's on it.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Jesus looked up at the birds chirping above and pointed.
Speaker 3 (17:21):
Look at these birds. They do not labor a toil,
yet their heavenly father feeds them. Are you not more
precious than they are? No one ever added one moment
to their life by worrying. Do not be anxious about tomorrow.
It has its own troubles, live for today, and seek
God in every moment.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
The people began to look at one another. Jesus saw
husbands looking at their wives, and sisters looking at their brothers.
The nature of humans is to look at the flaws
and one another instead of inward. Jesus knew that and
gave a stiff warning to all who were listening.
Speaker 3 (18:03):
Be careful not to judge others, for you yourself will
be judged. Why would you point out the small piece
of sawdust in someone's eye when you have a large
wooden plank stuck to your own.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
There was a chuckle from among the crowd. Jesus smiled, Be.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
Mindful to understand your own flaws before mentioning the flaws
of others. You will serve them better if you do so.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
Jesus desired for everyone listening to truly understand the power
they had available to them. If they were to simply
seek the face of God, he would move mightily in them.
Jesus's tone was earnest and urgent.
Speaker 3 (18:44):
Seek God and he will answer. How many of you
parents would deny your child bread and instead give them
a stone? If you, being sinful, would not even do
this to your own child. Even more so, God will
happily give to those who seek his favor. See God
as someone who is for you.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
Jesus rose to his feet. The wind began to pick
up behind him. He took a deep breath, being mindful
of every word he was about to say.
Speaker 3 (19:16):
Next, treat others the way you wish to be treated.
Speaker 1 (19:19):
This is the.
Speaker 3 (19:20):
True heart behind the law of God. And understand this.
The gate to the Kingdom of Heaven is narrow. There
are many other paths that are easy and wide open. However,
it is the ease that is deceptive. It is the
way of death. The true path of God is hard.
It requires sacrifice, struggle, and humility. This is why many
(19:44):
will choose to avoid it, and ultimately they will perish.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Jesus began to walk down the hill and place his
hand on people's shoulders as he passed through the crowd.
Speaker 3 (19:55):
Every healthy and good tree bears fruit the people can enjoy.
Bad tree produces thorns and poison. The same as with
our hearts. A good heart will produce good actions. Likewise,
a bad heart will produce corrupt actions. Words are not enough.
Not everyone who declares to know God actually knows him. Personally,
(20:18):
be mindful that you seek him in spirit and truth.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
Jesus was now behind the crowd. He looked down and
saw a stone the size of his palm on the ground.
He picked it up and held it up in the
air for all to see, and said.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts upon them,
as like a wise person who built their house on
a firm foundation. When the rain fell and the floods came,
their house was sturdy and resilient. Yet there will be
those who do not listen and do not do these things.
They are like the people who build their homes on
wavering sand. When trouble comes, they will be washed away.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Jesus looked at the crowd one final time, smiled, and
dropped the stone. He departed with his disciples. The crowd
simply stood there, astonished. Meanwhile, in Copernium, a Roman centurion
sat at the bedside of the servant. He had a
high fever and was coughing out blood. The centurion had
(21:21):
toward many foreign nations, he had seen many diseases take
the body of good soldiers. However, this was unlike any
illness he had seen before. The centurion soldier dabbed his
servant's head with a wet cloth. He was shivering beyond
control and could barely keep his eyes open.
Speaker 5 (21:41):
I'm so sorry.
Speaker 2 (21:42):
The centurion whispered. Although the centurions were known as brutal
men of war, this man adored his servants. Every man
and woman under his command was precious to him. Saddened
by the bleak state of the servant, the centurion mounted
his horse to go do rounds around the city. He
(22:02):
was barely paying attention, mostly riding to clear his mind. However,
he did notice a stirring among the people. Shop owners
were closing early and headed for the city entrance. Women
were gathering their children and going that way as well.
He found a shop owner who was packing up and
stopped him.
Speaker 5 (22:21):
You there, why are you people leaving early? What is happening?
Speaker 2 (22:26):
The shop owner was distracted, frantically trying to close.
Speaker 5 (22:30):
Have you not heard Jesus of Nazareth is on his
way here. He will be here any moment now. He
commands demons to flee, and heals the sick. He commands
demons to flee. The centurion asked, by what authority? Not
even your Jewish priests do that.
Speaker 2 (22:47):
The shop owner shrugged.
Speaker 5 (22:49):
The Pharisees say his authority comes from the devil himself. However,
many people believe it is Elijah returning from heaven.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
The centurion nodded for the shop owner to leave. He
rode back to his estate and gathered some of the
Jewish elders.
Speaker 5 (23:04):
Have you heard of Jesus of Nazareth.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
He asked. The elders nodded. Every Jew had heard of him.
He had made quite a name for himself for his
teaching in the synagogues, then for his miracles.
Speaker 5 (23:17):
I am what you call a gentile. I do not
want to insult him by asking him a favor. However,
my servant is sick, and I believe this Jesus to
be my last hope. Would you ask Jesus to use
his authority to heal my servant.
Speaker 2 (23:33):
The elders did as they were told and found Jesus
entering the city. A crowd had already formed around Jesus.
As he entered Capernaum, the elders made way for themselves
and came in front of him. The elders paid respect
to him, bowing at his feet.
Speaker 6 (23:50):
Jesus of Nazareth, we have come down behalf of a centurion,
in need of your help. A servant who is very
precious to him is dying. Is a man worthy of
your health. He loves our nation, although it is not
his own. He even built our local synagogue.
Speaker 2 (24:06):
Jesus waved goodbye to the crowns and went with them.
They weaved through the streets and approached the large estate
owned by the centurion. As they approached one of the
soldier's friends in running towards them, the man looked like
he was also a part of nobility. He looked out
of place, running out of the property into the street.
(24:27):
My lord, the man said.
Speaker 5 (24:29):
I speak on behalf of the centurion. He says, please
do not trouble yourself by coming to me. I'm not
worthy to have you come under my roof, and I,
being a gentile, do not presume to enter your presence either.
I know that all you have to do is say
the word, and my servant will be healed. I am
also a man of authority. Whatever I command of my men,
(24:51):
they do it without question. My word holds power. I
know that you are a man of even greater authority
than me.
Speaker 2 (25:00):
Bowed and departed back into the estate. The elders were
shocked at what they had just heard. Jesus seemed even
more shocked than they did. He marveled at him, astonished
by his faith. This gentile, a Roman soldier, had managed
to cause the Son of God to be in awe.
(25:21):
Jesus's eyes widened.
Speaker 3 (25:24):
I have never seen such faith, not even in Israel.
Speaker 2 (25:28):
And with that Jesus departed. The centurion watched Jesus leave
through the lattice of his window. He prayed that Jesus
would understand. He walked down the halls to where his
servant was resting. He opened the door, and to his dismay,
the servant was sitting up in his bed, eyes alert
(25:49):
and full of life. The centurion laughed and embraced his servant.
The entire house rejoiced and glorified the one who had
more authority than all all the resources of Rome. Jesus
departed Copernian and headed south. His disciples and a large
crowd of people followed him like ducklings. They were eagerly
(26:13):
anticipating Jesus's next move. Was he going to storm the
temple again? Was he going to cast out a demon
in Jerusalem? Was he going to confront the religious elite
and a debate. Jesus never ceased to surprise them word,
so they followed him anxiously, looking around for what was
(26:34):
going to come next. However, most of them were disappointed
to see Jesus leading them to the town of name.
Name was unremarkable, dull, and devoid of any sort of excitement.
The disciples lowered their expectation as greatly. However, Jesus seemed
(26:54):
to be alert. He was looking for something or perhaps
some way. They approached the gate of the town, which
was only two thin wood pillars. Short fencing surrounded the city.
Nane's Gate was a monument to its poverty. Most of
the people were laborers in nearby cities and could not
(27:16):
afford much going through the gate. Exiting the city was
a large funeral procession. Four men carried a man on
a bier as his mother mourned beside him. Behind them
was half the town. The man who died was a
beloved member of his community, and he had left his
(27:37):
mother without a husband or son to provide for her.
This is why Jesus had come. He did not wander
into any place without purpose. Every step he took was purposeful.
The spirit of God had led him here to bless
this woman, and to showcase his authority over death. Jesus
(28:01):
approached the front of the procession. The men stopped and
the woman looked up at him. A cracked face was
swollen from tears. Jesus placed his hand on the man
lying on the bier and looked at his mother. Do
not weep, little one, he said. The entire procession was
(28:21):
completely still. The crowd behind Jesus was silent, holding their breath.
Jesus turned his head towards the man and said, young man,
I say to you you eyes. At first there was nothing.
The silence was thick enough to cut with a knife.
(28:43):
Then the once pale and lifeless skin of the man
had its color restored. A gasp of air broke the silence.
As he sat up, the men carrying the beard dropped
it out of shock. The man fell to the floor,
groaning from the impact. Jesus knelt down, smiled, and lifted
(29:04):
him to his feet. The once dead man was in shock,
looking around in confusion. Then he saw his mother. Tears
welled up in his face, and the two of them embraced.
Fear gripped the hearts of every one in attendance.
Speaker 7 (29:21):
There's a great prophet in a midst they shouted, God
is with us. The people cheered, and reports spread throughout
the whole country. Jesus had raised a man from the dead.
It was not a soldier, a governor, or a priest.
He did not raise a member of the temple, a rabbi,
(29:41):
or one of his disciples. He raised an unknown man
from an unknown place. Jesus, with purpose in his heart,
pursued him so he might come back to life.
Speaker 2 (29:54):
This is the heart of God, to pursue and give life.
Word of Jesus raising the man from the dead had
reached every corner of the country, even the jail cells
of Herod the palace. There in the cold dungeon underneath
the palace, John the Baptist sat echoes of jesus mighty
(30:17):
deeds had reached his ears. Often as he rotted away
in his cell, he thumped the back of his head
against the stone walls and peered up to Heaven. A
small sliver of light broke through a crack in the prison.
He had been arrested for speaking out against Herod. He
had been persecuted for proclaiming the truth, and now he
(30:41):
had to suffer his own words echoed through his head.
Speaker 5 (30:46):
I must decrease so he might increase.
Speaker 2 (30:50):
This was not what he had in mind. He had
dreams of being a witness to Christ's coming salvation. Yet
here he was awaiting him his inevitable death. All he
had dedicated his life to was now hidden from him.
He desired to see the coming kingdom, and now he
(31:10):
was forced to only hear whispers from the outside. Bitter
thoughts began to enter his mind. If Jesus was able
to raise the dead, then why not release him from prison?
If he truly was the Messiah, then how come his
most trusted servant was rotting away in a dark dungeon.
(31:30):
John stood to his feet and yelled. His screams reverberated
off the cold stone walls. He fell to his knees
and wept. He felt like he was cut off from
all he had prayed for. He felt fors sake. Still
able to send messages, John reached out to Jesus. His
(31:54):
question was simple, yet behind it was deep pain. His
message asked.
Speaker 5 (32:02):
Are you the one? Or should we look for another?
Speaker 2 (32:07):
Jesus winced hearing John's question. He knew the pain John
had endured. Yet John's life was but a foreshadowing his
suffering did not come close to what Jesus would soon
endure on his behalf. Jesus knew that John only needed
to be reminded of what they had dreamed of for
(32:30):
so long. He looked at the messenger and said.
Speaker 3 (32:34):
Go and tell John all that you have heard me.
Speaker 2 (32:37):
Do.
Speaker 3 (32:38):
Tell him that the blind had been given their sight,
the lame walk, and the lepers are cleansed, had given purpose.
The death can hear, and the dead have been raised
up again. The poor have good news given to them.
And blessed be any one who is not offended by
my purpose.
Speaker 2 (32:55):
John's messengers departed. Jesus could hear a mumbling from the crowd.
They mocked John under their breath for doubting Jesus. This
irked Jesus.
Speaker 3 (33:07):
What did you expect when you went into the wilderness
to listen to John? Did you expect a pampered prince
or a prophet of God? He is the prophet Malachi
spoke of when he said, behold, I send my messenger
to prepare your way before you.
Speaker 2 (33:22):
The people were silent. They could sense Jesus's passion rising.
He spoke louder for all to hear, saying, there is no.
Speaker 3 (33:31):
Greater man than John the baptist.
Speaker 6 (33:34):
The madman baptized sinners.
Speaker 2 (33:37):
The Pharisees shouted. Jesus turned his head swiftly, his eyes
filled with fire. The tax collectors, soldiers, and prostitutes all
felt the need to be baptized by John. They knew
the value of repentance. Yet the Pharisees still could not understand.
Speaker 3 (33:56):
How shall I compare your.
Speaker 2 (33:57):
Generation, Jesus asked the Pharisees. You are like.
Speaker 3 (34:01):
Children sitting in the market place with their music, saying,
we played a happy song and you didn't dance, And
we played a sad song and you did not cry.
Speaker 2 (34:10):
The rest of the crowd laughed.
Speaker 3 (34:12):
John came vowing to never drink wine or eat bread,
so you called him a madman for not partaking in
those pleasures. Now I come, and I eat bread and
I drink wine. Yet you called me a glutton and
a drunk. You criticize us both for doing the opposite
of each other.
Speaker 2 (34:29):
Jesus raised his arms, inviting a response, yet they were silent.
He shook his head.
Speaker 3 (34:36):
Wisdom is justified by actions.
Speaker 2 (34:40):
Jesus paced for a moment, looking at the sea of faces.
They were confused at the tension between the Pharisees and himself.
They had followed the Pharisees for so long and saw
them as the authority on how to pursue God. He
looked at them, then raised his head to heaven.
Speaker 3 (35:00):
I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and Earth, that
you have hidden deep truths from the pompous, but have
revealed it to little children.
Speaker 2 (35:08):
He then turned to the crowd and said.
Speaker 3 (35:10):
All things have been given to me by the Father.
Are you weary? Are you heavy laden? Are you filled
with burdens? Come to me. Come to me, all you
who labor and are weary, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. I
am gentle and humble of heart. Come to me, and
(35:33):
you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke
is easy and my burden is light.
Speaker 2 (35:40):
Jesus offered a peace who was not offered by the
religious system of the day. The Pharisees brought nothing but
false holiness and added to God's law. The people were
not just oppressed by Rome. They were oppressed by men
who were supposed to lead them into a good relationship
with God. The people were weary. They needed to be delivered.
(36:05):
They needed a shepherd to make them lie down in
green pastures. They needed a shepherd to lead them beside
still waters. They needed someone to restore their souls.
Speaker 1 (36:22):
What you and I just witnessed was the greatest sermon
ever priest. The Sermon on the Mount is a foundational
passage for Christians, as it laid out the culture of
God's kingdom. It was Jesus's desire to communicate clearly what
citizens of the Kingdom of God looked like and how
they should act. Some of the things Jesus said don't
come as a surprise to us. Truths like treat others
(36:44):
the way you want to be treated, and judge not
unless you be judged, or common sayings. However, there were
a few things Jesus said that can be jarring to listeners,
things like whoever harbor's hatred for his brother will be
judged as murderers, or whoever lust after someone in their
hearts committing adulterial all much harder to year and even
harder to live out in real life. The Sermon on
(37:05):
the Mount was this glorious blend of relief and restraint.
It relieves us from some of the burdens we put
on ourselves, while also restraining us from letting our hearts wonder.
It is Christ's gold to remind his disciples and us
that sin begins and ends in the heart. We should
merely stop at not killing someone. We should aim to
not hate anyone either, since that is where it all begins.
(37:29):
We should merely measure our fidelity to our spouses based
on whether we commit adultery or not, but we should
cleanse our minds of any lustful thoughts toward another. Many
people think Jesus lowered the standards of sin, but that
wasn't the case at all. He knew that sin began
in the heart. Religions can try to change your actions,
but if you are caught up in bitterness and captured
(37:50):
by us, then you are bound to sin sooner or later.
The Kingdom of God needs to be established in our
hearts before it can be established in culture. Whatever hatred, lust, bitterness,
or anxiety that enslaves our lives must be dealt with
before we can change the world around us. Jesus raised
the standard for how we treat people as well. The
culture of this age tells you to love your neighbor,
(38:11):
and hate your enemies. However, I say to you, love
your enemies, love them, pray for them, and serve them.
And if you only love those who love you, what
separates you from those who are corrupt? Even the most
evil among us love their friends. Your righteousness must go
above and beyond our prayers. Patience and partiality should not
(38:33):
just be given to our people, but to all people.
Even our enemies are made in the image of God,
meaning even they deserve some semblance of dignity and honor.
This virtue was acted out in our prelude by Joseph,
who suffered greatly because he gave his service to those
who caused his suffering. God was gracious to us when
we were his enemies, so it stands to reason that
(38:55):
those who bear his name should do the same. This
is what I meant when I said some of Jesus's
words were challenging. It is important for us to remember
that Jesus didn't just come to forgive us of our sins,
but he also came to empower us to live a
holier and more fulfilling life. Towards the end of Jesus's sermon,
he says that whoever listens to his words and does
(39:17):
them as like a wise person who built his house
on a firm foundation. But whoever hears his words and
refuses to do them is like someone who built their
house on sand. This reminds us of a common theme
in the teachings of Jesus. Although some of his words
are hard to hear, they are ultimately meant to strengthen
us and make us better. The Gospel tells us this.
(39:38):
You are abundantly and unconditionally loved, and there is more
potential that can be drawn out of you. The world
will tell you that you are perfect the way you are,
but that is not the Gospel. You are loved the
way you are, and it is Christ's love that compels
us to be better every day. The sermon ends and
we immediately meet a new person who needs Jesus. This
(40:00):
person is not a blind beggar, crippled child, or outcast.
He is a powerful, influential and respected centurion. Centurions were
enforcers and peacemakers in the city on behalf of Rome.
Most were feared and few were loved. This particular centurion
was convinced that Jesus was the only one who could
help his sick servant. He sent someone to find Jesus
(40:22):
and asked for his help, But when Jesus approached, something
ought happened. The centurion showed sensitivity to Jesus's culture while
also acknowledging his power. He said, please, do not trouble
yourself by coming to me. I am not worthy to
have you come under my roof. But I, being a gentile,
do not presume to enter your presence either. I know
(40:44):
that all you have to do is say the word,
and my servant will be healed. I am a man
of authority. Whatever I command of my men, they do
it without question. My word holds power. I know that
you are a man of even greater authority than me.
His reaction is only found twice in scripture. It says
that he marveled at the centurion's faith. You can imagine
(41:07):
that it would probably take a lot to surprise Jesus
or lead him to be astonished in any way. The
only other time Jesus marvels is that the unbelief of
his kinsmen in Nazareth. The episode reaches a compelling conclusion
with John the Baptist in prison. He leans his head
against the prison cell and We're immediately taken back to
(41:27):
the prelude with Joseph. Much like Joseph, John suffered for
doing the right thing. There's a special type of grief
when we suffer after having done what's right. Our relationship
with God can come into question because we thought we
will owe something for our faithfulness. John's doubt and grief
are understandable and certainly relatable. In some ways, it is
(41:47):
comforting to see John Russell with his belief. If somebody
like him struggles with doubt, then we don't feel as
bad when we have moments of disbelief. John's question of
Jesus was honest and came from a place of suffering.
Are you the one or should we look for another?
He asked. Jesus sent John an honest answer the work
John so desperately wanted to see what's happening and blessed
(42:11):
to those who aren't stumbling by it. Thank you for
listening to today's episode of Heroes in the Bible Jesus.
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, download the Heroes of
the Faith devotional at Tonyevans dot org. Forward Slash Heroes
(42:34):
share this podcast with a family member or friend so
that they can know Jesus Christ in a personal way.
You never know how great of an impact the Bible
and this podcast can have on someone's life. God bless
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