July 27, 2025 • 12 mins
Welcome to the Christmas series! In a humble house, nestled near the valley where King David himself once herded sheep, the King of Kings is adorned with gifts. Each gift is a symbol of his identity and prophecy of his fate.
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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):
For where your treasure is, there, your heart will be
also Matthew six twenty one. Dear heavenly Father, help us
to examine our hearts and our priorities to recognize what
we truly value and treasure. May our desires align with
(00:21):
your kingdom and your righteousness, so that our hearts will
be firmly anchored in You. Keep us from being swayed
by the fleeting treasures of this world, which can never satisfy.
Teach us to invest our time, energy, and resources in
what matters Eternally, fill our hearts with a longing for
(00:45):
your presence and your ways, knowing that the true treasure
is found in a relationship with you. May our lives
be a reflection of where our treasure lies. May we
find joy and contentment in pursuing You above all else.
(01:06):
In the name of Jesus, our greatest treasure, we pray, Amen,
Thank you for praying with me to day. Stay tuned
now for another episode of Stories of the Messiah with
Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Sh Sweet Child, I'm here. Mary's voice was a reassuring
balm to the child's cries. Her hands were gentle as
she wrapped Jesus in her arms and swayed him back
and forth. Her voice hummed alongside the crackling fire in
their humble home. Jesus's tiny eyes glistened in the warm glow.
(01:51):
Joseph was by the fire, his eyes dancing with the flames,
a momentary refuse from the labors of life. He had
toiled all day with the Stonemasons while marrying Jesus walk
through the marketplace. Their single room was a sanctuary for
all of them, a refuge from the cold night outside,
(02:11):
filled with the warmth of love. Joseph's eyes found Mary's
and he approached her, gently kissing her forehead before touching
his lips to the baby's nose. A coop escaped Jesus's lips,
and the new parent's faces lit up with joy. In
the chaotic storm of parenting, these tranquil moments were a
glimpse of Heaven's peace.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Hello and welcome to another episode of the Stories of
the Messiah podcast. I'm Rabbi Schneider from discovering the Jewish Jesus.
It has been a joy following the highs and the
lows of this renowned Christmas tale. With you today, we
glimpse an intimate scene between the Magi and Jesus. The
story of the Magi visiting Jesus is more than a
(02:58):
picturesque scene. It's a spiritual lesson on true royalty, meaningful worship,
and heartfelt giving. The Magi have fouled the star, gotten
worried that the child must be in Bethlehem, and are
about to behold the majesty of Jesus. In case any
of you were curious about the timeline of these events,
(03:19):
the Magi most likely visited Jesus when he is between
six and eighteen months old. No doubt, Joseph procured a
job in town, waiting for the right moment to return
to Nazareth. This episode is quiet, warm and profound, but
make no mistake, it's the calm before the final storm.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Let's begin, Mary, Joseph and Jesus shared a tender moment
in the warmth of their humble home, the crackling of
fire intermixed with the chirping of crickets outside. Jesus was
called now eyes fixed on his mother. Marry and Joseph
were in constant awe of him. His eyes reflect did
(04:00):
promise hope and love. He was only an infant, but
their knowledge of who he was caused them to look
at him differently, although they occasionally forgot when it was
time to feed him, change him, or remain up all
night with him. Son of God or not. An infant
was an infant. But for now all was quiet and peaceful.
(04:25):
Suddenly a knock jarred them from their moment of bliss.
Joseph's eyes narrowed, his hands reaching instinctively for his chisel,
who would be visiting at this hour. The knocking grew insistent,
and Joseph's heartbeat quickened, a drum of war, readying him
to protect his family. He gestured for Mary to step
back as he approached the door, the chisel hidden and
(04:48):
ready to strike. He opened the door and immediately cocked
his head in confusion. Three men adorned in rich and
resplendent robes stood before him. Ruels from their head dresses
gleamed like stars. May I help you, Joseph asked, confused
and off kilter.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
We have journeyed far.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Caspar smiled with his eyes. To worship the king, he said,
with his grizzled and low voice. Joseph's breath caught in
his throat. He glanced back at Mary, his eyes wide
with disbelief, before gesturing for the men to step in.
The child was cradled in Mary's arms, hand firmly grasping
her finger. The magi entered slowly and with great respect.
(05:34):
Their grandeur and extravagant clothes starkly contrasted Joseph and Mary's
humble home. But as their eyes fell on Jesus, all
sense of status and wealth faded. These three men, who
bowed to no one, fell prostrate onto the floor before him,
their faces pressed to the ground, voices quivering with awe.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
It is an honor, arking.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Caspar whispered, his voice a gentle breeze. We have followed
the star, and it led us to you. Marrying Joseph
exchanged glasses, their hearts pounding with wonder. These were not
mere men, but rulers and kings in their own right,
and yet they bowed before their child. We have brought gifts,
(06:19):
Melchia announced in reverence. Caspar brought out a small wooden
chest with silver engravings. He opened the chest to reveal
dozens of gold pieces shimmering in the firelight. Gold for
a king, he said, softly, laying it at Mary's feet.
Melchia brought out a glass flask of refined oil frankencense,
(06:40):
he said, with reverence for the divine Boushazzar brought out
a linen bag of resin glimmering, nearly as bright as
the gold and rh he concluded with a soft voice.
The three magile lingered there for a while. Words failed them,
for they had a sense that this moment was more
profound than they would ever realize. After a final bow,
(07:05):
the men rose, their faces etched with reverence and gratitude.
We must go, Baushassar said, his voice heavy with reluctance.
They departed, their souls forever changed, leaving behind a blessing
that lingered in the air. Joseph and Mary retreated to
their bed, their hearts heavy with awe. They watched Jesus sleep,
(07:27):
his face a picture of serenity, a reflection of God's grace.
The magi returned to their caravan with sober reflection on
the tip of their tongues. What have we just witnessed,
Melchia asked with a sigh. Haspar shook his head in disbelief,
er God's chosen king. In a small home tucked in
(07:49):
the hills of Bethlehem. Was not King David such a
child too. He hailed from Bethlehem, and see how great
he became. Melchia replied. Ushazzar was more serious, keeping his
eyes fixed on Jerusalem. He had a pit in his
stomach ever since leaving Herod's palace. He will become greater
(08:10):
than David, Buchhazzar said. That night, the men slept soundly
in the ornate tents pitched outside Bethlehem. The entire caravan
was at peace, except Balchazzar. He tossed under the blankets,
tormented by visions of fire and blood. The sound of
infant screams surrounded him. Before he woke up in a panic,
(08:32):
Sweat beat down his forehead. He lit his torch and
woke his companions. We must go now, he insisted. Erd
can never know of what we have witnessed. We must
leave before he has the chance to follow us. The
magi agreed to travel into the night, retreating far away
from Herod's sight. Something sinister was at work, but they
(08:55):
knew they had witnessed the beginning of a story that
would change the world, a story of love, sacrifice, and redemption.
In the quiet of the night, they felt the hand
of God guiding them, assuring them that they were a
part of a grand design, a tapestry woven with threads
of gold, frankncense, and merh.
Speaker 3 (09:19):
The story of the magi's visitation to the infant Jesus
is a profound reminder of the nature of true royalty.
It's not in the splendor of garments or the accumulation
of wealth, but in righteousness. The magi, adorned with jewels,
dressed in royal robes, journeyed far to bow down to Jesus.
(09:39):
These were wise men, kings in their own right, who
recognized a king in a child wrapped in swaddling clothes,
in a humble dwelling. They found a royalty that surpassed
all the worldly riches they possessed. Jesus, the King of kings,
was born in a stable, not a palace. His throne
was a manger, not a adorned with gold and precious stones.
(10:03):
This story in vices us to reflect on our own
perception of greatness and success. Are we captivated by the
glitter of worldly success? Are the true royalty found in righteousness, humility,
and service to others. Jesus' kingship challenges the world's understanding
of power and prestige, leading us to a new way
(10:24):
of living. The Magi fill with awe and reverence, give
three famous gifts to Jesus. The gifts that the Magi
presented to Jesus were not arbitrary. Each had a symbolic significance. Gold,
symbolizing Jesus's royalty. Gold reminds us that Christ is the
king of all creation. Gold as a royal medal, pointed
(10:46):
to Jesus's dominion and reign. Gold is a pure metal
and is valued above all others. Frankncense, representing Jesus's divinity.
Frank concense was used in worship and portrayed Jesus as
God incarnate. It speaks of his heavenly origin and his
role as our eternal high Priest. MRR alluding to Jesus's
(11:10):
eventual death. MRR was used for embalming bodies. Even at
his birth, the shadow of the cross loomed, and this
gift prophetically pointed to his sacrificial death. These gifts were
not just valuable, but full of meaning connected with the
identity and mission of Jesus. They'll remind us that our
(11:31):
worship and gifts to him should be thoughtful and profound,
reflecting our understanding of who he is. We are reminded
of the Magi's offerings to Jesus as we exchange gifts
during Christmas. Our gifts are symbols of love, kindness, and joy.
But let's also remember the true gift of Christmas, Jesus Christ.
(11:52):
The connection between the magized gifts and our Christmas presence
lies in the heart behind the giving. Let our guests
be expressions of our love for one another, mirroring the
love God showed us by sending his son, Whether richly
adorned like the Magi, or simple and humble. Let our
giving be sincere, reflecting the values and virtues of Christ's kingdom.
(12:16):
As we celebrate Christmas, May we bow down before Jesus,
our righteous King, with hearts full of worship and hands
filled with love. May our gifts reflect his love, his sacrifice,
and his redemption. Jesus said in Matthew six twenty one,
for where your treasure is there, your heart will be also.
(12:37):
The Magi's story invites us to treasure Jesus above all else.
May this Christmas season be a time to draw near
to him, discover his love anew and share it with
those around us
For where your treasure is, there, your heart will be
also Matthew six twenty one. Dear heavenly Father, help us
to examine our hearts and our priorities to recognize what
we truly value and treasure. May our desires align with
(00:21):
your kingdom and your righteousness, so that our hearts will
be firmly anchored in You. Keep us from being swayed
by the fleeting treasures of this world, which can never satisfy.
Teach us to invest our time, energy, and resources in
what matters Eternally, fill our hearts with a longing for
(00:45):
your presence and your ways, knowing that the true treasure
is found in a relationship with you. May our lives
be a reflection of where our treasure lies. May we
find joy and contentment in pursuing You above all else.
(01:06):
In the name of Jesus, our greatest treasure, we pray, Amen,
Thank you for praying with me to day. Stay tuned
now for another episode of Stories of the Messiah with
Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Sh Sweet Child, I'm here. Mary's voice was a reassuring
balm to the child's cries. Her hands were gentle as
she wrapped Jesus in her arms and swayed him back
and forth. Her voice hummed alongside the crackling fire in
their humble home. Jesus's tiny eyes glistened in the warm glow.
(01:51):
Joseph was by the fire, his eyes dancing with the flames,
a momentary refuse from the labors of life. He had
toiled all day with the Stonemasons while marrying Jesus walk
through the marketplace. Their single room was a sanctuary for
all of them, a refuge from the cold night outside,
(02:11):
filled with the warmth of love. Joseph's eyes found Mary's
and he approached her, gently kissing her forehead before touching
his lips to the baby's nose. A coop escaped Jesus's lips,
and the new parent's faces lit up with joy. In
the chaotic storm of parenting, these tranquil moments were a
glimpse of Heaven's peace.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Hello and welcome to another episode of the Stories of
the Messiah podcast. I'm Rabbi Schneider from discovering the Jewish Jesus.
It has been a joy following the highs and the
lows of this renowned Christmas tale. With you today, we
glimpse an intimate scene between the Magi and Jesus. The
story of the Magi visiting Jesus is more than a
(02:58):
picturesque scene. It's a spiritual lesson on true royalty, meaningful worship,
and heartfelt giving. The Magi have fouled the star, gotten
worried that the child must be in Bethlehem, and are
about to behold the majesty of Jesus. In case any
of you were curious about the timeline of these events,
(03:19):
the Magi most likely visited Jesus when he is between
six and eighteen months old. No doubt, Joseph procured a
job in town, waiting for the right moment to return
to Nazareth. This episode is quiet, warm and profound, but
make no mistake, it's the calm before the final storm.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Let's begin, Mary, Joseph and Jesus shared a tender moment
in the warmth of their humble home, the crackling of
fire intermixed with the chirping of crickets outside. Jesus was
called now eyes fixed on his mother. Marry and Joseph
were in constant awe of him. His eyes reflect did
(04:00):
promise hope and love. He was only an infant, but
their knowledge of who he was caused them to look
at him differently, although they occasionally forgot when it was
time to feed him, change him, or remain up all
night with him. Son of God or not. An infant
was an infant. But for now all was quiet and peaceful.
(04:25):
Suddenly a knock jarred them from their moment of bliss.
Joseph's eyes narrowed, his hands reaching instinctively for his chisel,
who would be visiting at this hour. The knocking grew insistent,
and Joseph's heartbeat quickened, a drum of war, readying him
to protect his family. He gestured for Mary to step
back as he approached the door, the chisel hidden and
(04:48):
ready to strike. He opened the door and immediately cocked
his head in confusion. Three men adorned in rich and
resplendent robes stood before him. Ruels from their head dresses
gleamed like stars. May I help you, Joseph asked, confused
and off kilter.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
We have journeyed far.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Caspar smiled with his eyes. To worship the king, he said,
with his grizzled and low voice. Joseph's breath caught in
his throat. He glanced back at Mary, his eyes wide
with disbelief, before gesturing for the men to step in.
The child was cradled in Mary's arms, hand firmly grasping
her finger. The magi entered slowly and with great respect.
(05:34):
Their grandeur and extravagant clothes starkly contrasted Joseph and Mary's
humble home. But as their eyes fell on Jesus, all
sense of status and wealth faded. These three men, who
bowed to no one, fell prostrate onto the floor before him,
their faces pressed to the ground, voices quivering with awe.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
It is an honor, arking.
Speaker 2 (05:58):
Caspar whispered, his voice a gentle breeze. We have followed
the star, and it led us to you. Marrying Joseph
exchanged glasses, their hearts pounding with wonder. These were not
mere men, but rulers and kings in their own right,
and yet they bowed before their child. We have brought gifts,
(06:19):
Melchia announced in reverence. Caspar brought out a small wooden
chest with silver engravings. He opened the chest to reveal
dozens of gold pieces shimmering in the firelight. Gold for
a king, he said, softly, laying it at Mary's feet.
Melchia brought out a glass flask of refined oil frankencense,
(06:40):
he said, with reverence for the divine Boushazzar brought out
a linen bag of resin glimmering, nearly as bright as
the gold and rh he concluded with a soft voice.
The three magile lingered there for a while. Words failed them,
for they had a sense that this moment was more
profound than they would ever realize. After a final bow,
(07:05):
the men rose, their faces etched with reverence and gratitude.
We must go, Baushassar said, his voice heavy with reluctance.
They departed, their souls forever changed, leaving behind a blessing
that lingered in the air. Joseph and Mary retreated to
their bed, their hearts heavy with awe. They watched Jesus sleep,
(07:27):
his face a picture of serenity, a reflection of God's grace.
The magi returned to their caravan with sober reflection on
the tip of their tongues. What have we just witnessed,
Melchia asked with a sigh. Haspar shook his head in disbelief,
er God's chosen king. In a small home tucked in
(07:49):
the hills of Bethlehem. Was not King David such a
child too. He hailed from Bethlehem, and see how great
he became. Melchia replied. Ushazzar was more serious, keeping his
eyes fixed on Jerusalem. He had a pit in his
stomach ever since leaving Herod's palace. He will become greater
(08:10):
than David, Buchhazzar said. That night, the men slept soundly
in the ornate tents pitched outside Bethlehem. The entire caravan
was at peace, except Balchazzar. He tossed under the blankets,
tormented by visions of fire and blood. The sound of
infant screams surrounded him. Before he woke up in a panic,
(08:32):
Sweat beat down his forehead. He lit his torch and
woke his companions. We must go now, he insisted. Erd
can never know of what we have witnessed. We must
leave before he has the chance to follow us. The
magi agreed to travel into the night, retreating far away
from Herod's sight. Something sinister was at work, but they
(08:55):
knew they had witnessed the beginning of a story that
would change the world, a story of love, sacrifice, and redemption.
In the quiet of the night, they felt the hand
of God guiding them, assuring them that they were a
part of a grand design, a tapestry woven with threads
of gold, frankncense, and merh.
Speaker 3 (09:19):
The story of the magi's visitation to the infant Jesus
is a profound reminder of the nature of true royalty.
It's not in the splendor of garments or the accumulation
of wealth, but in righteousness. The magi, adorned with jewels,
dressed in royal robes, journeyed far to bow down to Jesus.
(09:39):
These were wise men, kings in their own right, who
recognized a king in a child wrapped in swaddling clothes,
in a humble dwelling. They found a royalty that surpassed
all the worldly riches they possessed. Jesus, the King of kings,
was born in a stable, not a palace. His throne
was a manger, not a adorned with gold and precious stones.
(10:03):
This story in vices us to reflect on our own
perception of greatness and success. Are we captivated by the
glitter of worldly success? Are the true royalty found in righteousness, humility,
and service to others. Jesus' kingship challenges the world's understanding
of power and prestige, leading us to a new way
(10:24):
of living. The Magi fill with awe and reverence, give
three famous gifts to Jesus. The gifts that the Magi
presented to Jesus were not arbitrary. Each had a symbolic significance. Gold,
symbolizing Jesus's royalty. Gold reminds us that Christ is the
king of all creation. Gold as a royal medal, pointed
(10:46):
to Jesus's dominion and reign. Gold is a pure metal
and is valued above all others. Frankncense, representing Jesus's divinity.
Frank concense was used in worship and portrayed Jesus as
God incarnate. It speaks of his heavenly origin and his
role as our eternal high Priest. MRR alluding to Jesus's
(11:10):
eventual death. MRR was used for embalming bodies. Even at
his birth, the shadow of the cross loomed, and this
gift prophetically pointed to his sacrificial death. These gifts were
not just valuable, but full of meaning connected with the
identity and mission of Jesus. They'll remind us that our
(11:31):
worship and gifts to him should be thoughtful and profound,
reflecting our understanding of who he is. We are reminded
of the Magi's offerings to Jesus as we exchange gifts
during Christmas. Our gifts are symbols of love, kindness, and joy.
But let's also remember the true gift of Christmas, Jesus Christ.
(11:52):
The connection between the magized gifts and our Christmas presence
lies in the heart behind the giving. Let our guests
be expressions of our love for one another, mirroring the
love God showed us by sending his son, Whether richly
adorned like the Magi, or simple and humble. Let our
giving be sincere, reflecting the values and virtues of Christ's kingdom.
(12:16):
As we celebrate Christmas, May we bow down before Jesus,
our righteous King, with hearts full of worship and hands
filled with love. May our gifts reflect his love, his sacrifice,
and his redemption. Jesus said in Matthew six twenty one,
for where your treasure is there, your heart will be also.
(12:37):
The Magi's story invites us to treasure Jesus above all else.
May this Christmas season be a time to draw near
to him, discover his love anew and share it with
those around us
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