May 29, 2025 • 14 mins
Welcome to the Christmas series! Mary travels to the hillcountry of Judah to be with her cousin, Elizabeth. There, she seeks comfort from the swirling doubt within her.
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As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel.
They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history.
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To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of
Christ Galatian six two. De Heavenly Father, as we celebrate
the birth of your son, we were reminded of the
ultimate act of love and sacrifice he performed for us.
We are also reminded of the beautiful example he set
for us, an example of empathy, compassion, and selflessness. As
(00:27):
we exchange gifts, sing carols, and enjoy festive cheer, let
us not forget to share these blessings with those around
us who may be carrying heavy burdens. Teach us to
extend a helping hand, a comforting word, or a shoulder
to lean on. Let our actions echo the spirit of
(00:48):
your son, our Savior. Fill our hearts with your love
this Christmas and always strengthen us in our resolve to
bear one another's burden. And in doing so, may we
become a source of comfort, peace and joy to all
those around us. In the name of Jesus, the reason
(01:12):
for the season, I pray, Amen, Thank you for spending
time in prayer and reflection. Stay tuned for more tales
of hope with stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
In the stillness of the morning Mary left the quiet
city of Nazareth, her heart was heavy with the new
secret growing within her. She hadn't told her family what
was happening. She didn't even know where to begin. But
one thing was certain. God was on the move. Something
monumental was happening. God's divine plan was unfolding, and Mary
(01:58):
played a vital role. The angel Gabriel told her that
God had already visited her cousin Elizabeth and enabled her
to conceive in her old age, So Mary decided to
visit her to uncover more of the mystery. Mary spent
what little she had on a cart to carry her
from Nazareth to an Korrem. The road was a long
(02:20):
coil of earth, snaking through the undulating Judean hills, shimmering
with emerald foliage. The summer air was filled with the
scent of wild herbs and the distant echoes of bird song.
A symphony of creation surrounded her. Mary looked upon every deer, rabbit,
and bird with curiosity. It was as if they knew
(02:40):
her secret. She felt exposed and vulnerable. Hope and fear
intermingled in her heart. What will come of me? Mary
thought to herself.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
What is God Doing?
Speaker 3 (02:55):
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of Prey dot
COM's Stories Messiah podcast. I'm Rabbi Schneider from discovering the
Jewish Jesus. This month leading up to Christmas, we are
immersing ourselves in the story of Christ's birth. The story
of the Nativity is one of faith, triumph and the
enduring love of God. In our last episode, the angel
(03:19):
Gabriel visited Mary and gave her the news that she
was favored among women and chosen to bear God's child
within her. This calling came with an immense weight, and
Mary would struggle with it her whole life. At this
point in the story, Mary has only been given a
sliver of God's plan. She doesn't know how her family
(03:40):
will react or what will happen when she tells Joseph.
All Mary knows is that Elizabeth, her cousin, is also
a part of the plan, so she ventures off to
uncover what God is doing. This intimate encounter between Mary
and Elizabeth is a heartwarming snapshot of acceptance and mutual
(04:01):
strength amid unimaginable circumstances. As we reflect on this this Christmas,
we learn valuable life lessons. Lessons of acceptance, support, and
strength in the face of adversity. At this point in
our story, Mary's alone with this great secret. She feels
(04:21):
exposed and vulnerable. Mary's feeling of isolation is something many
of us are familiar with. Sometimes we feel like nobody
understands us or supports us in our struggles. Sometimes we
feel like we need to carry our burdens alone. Galatians
chapter six, verse two reminds us to bear one another's burdens.
Mary runs to Zachariah and Elizabeth to seek refuge and understanding.
(04:45):
Will she find it? Let's immerse ourselves in this dramatic
story inspired by the Gospel of Luke. Afterward we'll unpack
its Christmas themes together.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Mary roades silently. Mind was a canvas of emotions, splash
with hues of hope, fear, and wonder. There were so
many questions left unanswered. What would Joseph think? Would her
father disown her? In a small village like Nazareth, Mary
could be publicly stoned without the Roman government even noticing.
She could completely disappear and be forgotten. She found solace
(05:22):
in the angel's words. She clung to them like a
life raft. Mary leaned back and closed her eyes, trying
not to imagine the inevitable look of hurt Joseph would
have on his face. Instead, she held her belly and
thought about what her baby would look like. What would
he sound like? Would he cry like other babies? Would
he stumble and fall like other children. The thought of
(05:43):
her child gave her a smile, that faint flicker of
affection in her mind. She drifted off to sleep. The
cart finally arrived at ain Karem. The home of Zacharia
and Elizabeth was in the center of town. The streets
were alive with hope and anticipation. Although zach her eye,
was mute and couldn't report what he had seen and
heard from the angel, everyone knew Elizabeth's pregnancy was a miracle.
(06:07):
It was as evident in the fact that she was
well past child bearing age. Mary found their house nestled
in a meadow, draped in the shadows of towering fig trees.
Elizabeth was outside tending to her garden. Mary approached silently,
unsure how to begin, Elizabeth I But before Mary could continue,
Elizabeth turned round and looked at her. She was nearly
(06:29):
nine months pregnant and beaming with the glow of and
expectant mother. Yet another aura surrounded Elizabeth, a joy overflowing
in the form of tears. Elizabeth ran to Mary and
held her tight.
Speaker 1 (06:42):
Oh, my sweet cousin.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
She exclaimed with a tender voice. Her embrace was a
balm to Mary's soul. She felt herself melting under Elizabeth's warmth.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
Blessed are you among women? She said?
Speaker 2 (06:56):
Mary froze and backed away. Those were words Gabriel had
used to describe her. But what did you just call me?
I called you blessed Mary, Elizabeth said gently.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
And blessed is that child you hold within your womb?
Speaker 3 (07:12):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (07:14):
How did you? Mary was speechless. How could Elizabeth possibly
know she was pregnant. Elizabeth stepped closer and held Mary's
hands in hers. She kissed them and then placed them
on Mary's womb.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
When I heard your voice, my baby leaped for joy
in my womb.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Here feel. Mary placed a hand on Elizabeth's belly and
felt the exuberant kicks of her little one. His kicks
were a confirmation, resounding in the chords of Mary's heart.
The fears and uncertainty that previously clouded her thoughts dissolved
into the ether. She was not alone. She was chosen
and appointed with a purpose that transcended human comprehension. In
(07:53):
the presence of Elizabeth, Mary felt her soothing balm of acceptance.
Elizabeth's warm smile was a reflect of Mary's inner resolution.
They stood together, two women touched by divine intervention, bearing
the promise of redemption in the womb. In that shared moment,
Mary understood the strength that comes from faith, the courage
(08:14):
that springs from acceptance, and the love that is borne
from God's promises. Elizabeth took Mary inside Zechariah was there
and gave her a hug that only an uncle could.
He spun her in the air and beamed with expectant joy.
Here her burden was understood, her joy shared, and her
fears acknowledged. It was an affirmation that stilled the turmoil
(08:38):
of her thoughts. The world outside could wait, good, doubt
could scoff. Here she was known. She was in a
safe haven. There she found courage. She was carrying the
promise of salvation. A torch amidst the darkness. Mary shook
her head, laughed, and finally got out of her own head.
(08:59):
She was in the home of her beloved arm To and.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Uncle, Elizabeth, you're with child.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Mary shouted with excitement. How can I help you? Do
you need me to cook anything? Also, I brought some
fresh cheese from mother's goats. Everyone left and enjoyed each
other's company. Mary served Elizabeth until the time came for
her to give birth. Being in the presence of Zacharia
and Elizabeth gave her strength. Her journey had barely begun,
but the power of God was renewed in her every day.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
This story perfectly exemplifies how the Holy Spirit moves to
provide comfort, love, and acceptance. Our ministry discovering the Jewish
Jesus is always searching for how God's character is consistently
shown through the Old and New Testaments. This story is
similar to the story of Elijah running for his life.
(09:52):
Elijah was tired and weary. God provided everything Elijah needed.
He provided comfort, care, and sustenance to co puplish the
mission ahead. God provided the same thing for Mary. She
had a tumultuous journey ahead of her, and the home
of Elizabeth and Zachariah was precisely what she needed to
(10:12):
gain her strength. Even as the Lord provided for Elijah, similarly,
he provided for Mary in this Nativity and Christmas story.
This story also highlights key themes we can carry into
the Christmas season. The first theme is acceptance. Upon Mary's arrival, Elizabeth,
filled with the Holy Spirit, immediately recognizes the significance of
(10:36):
Mary's child. In Luke one point two, she said, blessed
are you among women, and blessed is the child you
will bear. Despite the potentially scandalous situation of an unwed,
pregnant mother in their society, Elizabeth does not judge or
reject Mary. Instead, she wholeheartedly accepts and blesses her. She
(11:00):
knew that Mary's child was from God and that Mary
did nothing wrong. Not everyone would feel the same way
about Mary's situation. They would jump to conclusions and reject her.
Mary situation is a good reminder that we shouldn't be
too quick to judge somebody else's circumstances. Sometimes God is
(11:20):
on the move in ways we can see. It takes
sensitivity to God's spirit and an understanding heart to see
what's happening in people's lives. In fact, the Bible says
judge nothing before its time. Ephesians one reminds us that
we have been accepted and adopted into God's family. Is
there anyone in your life this season that needs your acceptance?
(11:42):
Is there someone without a family or a companion you
need to welcome in pray on these things and perhaps
the Lord will speak to you. Another thing we will
explore is strength and adversity. Both Mary and Elizabeth faced
unique hardships. Mary a young, unwed mother carrying the son
(12:03):
of God, and Elizabeth an elderly woman pregnant for the
first time after a lifetime of barrenness. Yet Elizabeth's words
to Mary were not of fear or worry, but of joy, blessing,
and faith. Elizabeth's encouragement must have brought much needed comfort
to Mary, reminding her she was not alone, was blessed,
(12:26):
and had a supportive companion. Elizabeth's faith fueled strength into
Mary's faith. At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus,
who is God with us. His coming is the ultimate
demonstration of God's acceptance of us and should give us
faith that all of us that put our trust in
(12:48):
Him are truly loved and accepted in Him. During our celebrations,
let us remember the decisive encounter between Mary and Elizabeth.
Your story is a testament to the transformative power of
acceptance and the strength we can offer each other during adversity.
(13:09):
May the Christmas season fill us with the compassion to
accept those around us, the strength to face down our
own adversities, and the faith to recognize the workings of
God in our own lives. Like Mary and Elizabeth, May
we find comfort, companionship, and strength in our relationships, demonstrating
(13:30):
the same love and acceptance that we find at the
heart of the Christmas story. Join us next time as
we are wrapped up in the beautiful song of Mary. Now,
if you want to learn more about Jesus, you can
visit me at Discoveringthejewish Jesus dot com. Also consider checking
out my recent book, Messianic Prophecy Revealed Seeing Messiah in
(13:54):
the pages of the Hebrew Bible. You can get your
hands on it via my website. Now, if this podcast
impacted you, please take a moment to leave a comment
and review. Doing so, make sure others discover these life
changing stories and be sure to download the Prey dot
com app to prioritize prayer and experience the Bible in
(14:15):
your own life in new ways.
Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of
Christ Galatian six two. De Heavenly Father, as we celebrate
the birth of your son, we were reminded of the
ultimate act of love and sacrifice he performed for us.
We are also reminded of the beautiful example he set
for us, an example of empathy, compassion, and selflessness. As
(00:27):
we exchange gifts, sing carols, and enjoy festive cheer, let
us not forget to share these blessings with those around
us who may be carrying heavy burdens. Teach us to
extend a helping hand, a comforting word, or a shoulder
to lean on. Let our actions echo the spirit of
(00:48):
your son, our Savior. Fill our hearts with your love
this Christmas and always strengthen us in our resolve to
bear one another's burden. And in doing so, may we
become a source of comfort, peace and joy to all
those around us. In the name of Jesus, the reason
(01:12):
for the season, I pray, Amen, Thank you for spending
time in prayer and reflection. Stay tuned for more tales
of hope with stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
In the stillness of the morning Mary left the quiet
city of Nazareth, her heart was heavy with the new
secret growing within her. She hadn't told her family what
was happening. She didn't even know where to begin. But
one thing was certain. God was on the move. Something
monumental was happening. God's divine plan was unfolding, and Mary
(01:58):
played a vital role. The angel Gabriel told her that
God had already visited her cousin Elizabeth and enabled her
to conceive in her old age, So Mary decided to
visit her to uncover more of the mystery. Mary spent
what little she had on a cart to carry her
from Nazareth to an Korrem. The road was a long
(02:20):
coil of earth, snaking through the undulating Judean hills, shimmering
with emerald foliage. The summer air was filled with the
scent of wild herbs and the distant echoes of bird song.
A symphony of creation surrounded her. Mary looked upon every deer, rabbit,
and bird with curiosity. It was as if they knew
(02:40):
her secret. She felt exposed and vulnerable. Hope and fear
intermingled in her heart. What will come of me? Mary
thought to herself.
Speaker 1 (02:51):
What is God Doing?
Speaker 3 (02:55):
Hello everyone, and welcome to another episode of Prey dot
COM's Stories Messiah podcast. I'm Rabbi Schneider from discovering the
Jewish Jesus. This month leading up to Christmas, we are
immersing ourselves in the story of Christ's birth. The story
of the Nativity is one of faith, triumph and the
enduring love of God. In our last episode, the angel
(03:19):
Gabriel visited Mary and gave her the news that she
was favored among women and chosen to bear God's child
within her. This calling came with an immense weight, and
Mary would struggle with it her whole life. At this
point in the story, Mary has only been given a
sliver of God's plan. She doesn't know how her family
(03:40):
will react or what will happen when she tells Joseph.
All Mary knows is that Elizabeth, her cousin, is also
a part of the plan, so she ventures off to
uncover what God is doing. This intimate encounter between Mary
and Elizabeth is a heartwarming snapshot of acceptance and mutual
(04:01):
strength amid unimaginable circumstances. As we reflect on this this Christmas,
we learn valuable life lessons. Lessons of acceptance, support, and
strength in the face of adversity. At this point in
our story, Mary's alone with this great secret. She feels
(04:21):
exposed and vulnerable. Mary's feeling of isolation is something many
of us are familiar with. Sometimes we feel like nobody
understands us or supports us in our struggles. Sometimes we
feel like we need to carry our burdens alone. Galatians
chapter six, verse two reminds us to bear one another's burdens.
Mary runs to Zachariah and Elizabeth to seek refuge and understanding.
(04:45):
Will she find it? Let's immerse ourselves in this dramatic
story inspired by the Gospel of Luke. Afterward we'll unpack
its Christmas themes together.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Mary roades silently. Mind was a canvas of emotions, splash
with hues of hope, fear, and wonder. There were so
many questions left unanswered. What would Joseph think? Would her
father disown her? In a small village like Nazareth, Mary
could be publicly stoned without the Roman government even noticing.
She could completely disappear and be forgotten. She found solace
(05:22):
in the angel's words. She clung to them like a
life raft. Mary leaned back and closed her eyes, trying
not to imagine the inevitable look of hurt Joseph would
have on his face. Instead, she held her belly and
thought about what her baby would look like. What would
he sound like? Would he cry like other babies? Would
he stumble and fall like other children. The thought of
(05:43):
her child gave her a smile, that faint flicker of
affection in her mind. She drifted off to sleep. The
cart finally arrived at ain Karem. The home of Zacharia
and Elizabeth was in the center of town. The streets
were alive with hope and anticipation. Although zach her eye,
was mute and couldn't report what he had seen and
heard from the angel, everyone knew Elizabeth's pregnancy was a miracle.
(06:07):
It was as evident in the fact that she was
well past child bearing age. Mary found their house nestled
in a meadow, draped in the shadows of towering fig trees.
Elizabeth was outside tending to her garden. Mary approached silently,
unsure how to begin, Elizabeth I But before Mary could continue,
Elizabeth turned round and looked at her. She was nearly
(06:29):
nine months pregnant and beaming with the glow of and
expectant mother. Yet another aura surrounded Elizabeth, a joy overflowing
in the form of tears. Elizabeth ran to Mary and
held her tight.
Speaker 1 (06:42):
Oh, my sweet cousin.
Speaker 2 (06:44):
She exclaimed with a tender voice. Her embrace was a
balm to Mary's soul. She felt herself melting under Elizabeth's warmth.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
Blessed are you among women? She said?
Speaker 2 (06:56):
Mary froze and backed away. Those were words Gabriel had
used to describe her. But what did you just call me?
I called you blessed Mary, Elizabeth said gently.
Speaker 1 (07:07):
And blessed is that child you hold within your womb?
Speaker 3 (07:12):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (07:14):
How did you? Mary was speechless. How could Elizabeth possibly
know she was pregnant. Elizabeth stepped closer and held Mary's
hands in hers. She kissed them and then placed them
on Mary's womb.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
When I heard your voice, my baby leaped for joy
in my womb.
Speaker 2 (07:31):
Here feel. Mary placed a hand on Elizabeth's belly and
felt the exuberant kicks of her little one. His kicks
were a confirmation, resounding in the chords of Mary's heart.
The fears and uncertainty that previously clouded her thoughts dissolved
into the ether. She was not alone. She was chosen
and appointed with a purpose that transcended human comprehension. In
(07:53):
the presence of Elizabeth, Mary felt her soothing balm of acceptance.
Elizabeth's warm smile was a reflect of Mary's inner resolution.
They stood together, two women touched by divine intervention, bearing
the promise of redemption in the womb. In that shared moment,
Mary understood the strength that comes from faith, the courage
(08:14):
that springs from acceptance, and the love that is borne
from God's promises. Elizabeth took Mary inside Zechariah was there
and gave her a hug that only an uncle could.
He spun her in the air and beamed with expectant joy.
Here her burden was understood, her joy shared, and her
fears acknowledged. It was an affirmation that stilled the turmoil
(08:38):
of her thoughts. The world outside could wait, good, doubt
could scoff. Here she was known. She was in a
safe haven. There she found courage. She was carrying the
promise of salvation. A torch amidst the darkness. Mary shook
her head, laughed, and finally got out of her own head.
(08:59):
She was in the home of her beloved arm To and.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Uncle, Elizabeth, you're with child.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Mary shouted with excitement. How can I help you? Do
you need me to cook anything? Also, I brought some
fresh cheese from mother's goats. Everyone left and enjoyed each
other's company. Mary served Elizabeth until the time came for
her to give birth. Being in the presence of Zacharia
and Elizabeth gave her strength. Her journey had barely begun,
but the power of God was renewed in her every day.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
This story perfectly exemplifies how the Holy Spirit moves to
provide comfort, love, and acceptance. Our ministry discovering the Jewish
Jesus is always searching for how God's character is consistently
shown through the Old and New Testaments. This story is
similar to the story of Elijah running for his life.
(09:52):
Elijah was tired and weary. God provided everything Elijah needed.
He provided comfort, care, and sustenance to co puplish the
mission ahead. God provided the same thing for Mary. She
had a tumultuous journey ahead of her, and the home
of Elizabeth and Zachariah was precisely what she needed to
(10:12):
gain her strength. Even as the Lord provided for Elijah, similarly,
he provided for Mary in this Nativity and Christmas story.
This story also highlights key themes we can carry into
the Christmas season. The first theme is acceptance. Upon Mary's arrival, Elizabeth,
filled with the Holy Spirit, immediately recognizes the significance of
(10:36):
Mary's child. In Luke one point two, she said, blessed
are you among women, and blessed is the child you
will bear. Despite the potentially scandalous situation of an unwed,
pregnant mother in their society, Elizabeth does not judge or
reject Mary. Instead, she wholeheartedly accepts and blesses her. She
(11:00):
knew that Mary's child was from God and that Mary
did nothing wrong. Not everyone would feel the same way
about Mary's situation. They would jump to conclusions and reject her.
Mary situation is a good reminder that we shouldn't be
too quick to judge somebody else's circumstances. Sometimes God is
(11:20):
on the move in ways we can see. It takes
sensitivity to God's spirit and an understanding heart to see
what's happening in people's lives. In fact, the Bible says
judge nothing before its time. Ephesians one reminds us that
we have been accepted and adopted into God's family. Is
there anyone in your life this season that needs your acceptance?
(11:42):
Is there someone without a family or a companion you
need to welcome in pray on these things and perhaps
the Lord will speak to you. Another thing we will
explore is strength and adversity. Both Mary and Elizabeth faced
unique hardships. Mary a young, unwed mother carrying the son
(12:03):
of God, and Elizabeth an elderly woman pregnant for the
first time after a lifetime of barrenness. Yet Elizabeth's words
to Mary were not of fear or worry, but of joy, blessing,
and faith. Elizabeth's encouragement must have brought much needed comfort
to Mary, reminding her she was not alone, was blessed,
(12:26):
and had a supportive companion. Elizabeth's faith fueled strength into
Mary's faith. At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus,
who is God with us. His coming is the ultimate
demonstration of God's acceptance of us and should give us
faith that all of us that put our trust in
(12:48):
Him are truly loved and accepted in Him. During our celebrations,
let us remember the decisive encounter between Mary and Elizabeth.
Your story is a testament to the transformative power of
acceptance and the strength we can offer each other during adversity.
(13:09):
May the Christmas season fill us with the compassion to
accept those around us, the strength to face down our
own adversities, and the faith to recognize the workings of
God in our own lives. Like Mary and Elizabeth, May
we find comfort, companionship, and strength in our relationships, demonstrating
(13:30):
the same love and acceptance that we find at the
heart of the Christmas story. Join us next time as
we are wrapped up in the beautiful song of Mary. Now,
if you want to learn more about Jesus, you can
visit me at Discoveringthejewish Jesus dot com. Also consider checking
out my recent book, Messianic Prophecy Revealed Seeing Messiah in
(13:54):
the pages of the Hebrew Bible. You can get your
hands on it via my website. Now, if this podcast
impacted you, please take a moment to leave a comment
and review. Doing so, make sure others discover these life
changing stories and be sure to download the Prey dot
com app to prioritize prayer and experience the Bible in
(14:15):
your own life in new ways.
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