July 20, 2025 • 14 mins
Welcome to the Christmas series! As the weary couple arrives in Bethlehem, there is no family or friends willing to help them. Everywhere they turn, they are turned away. They must find shelter quick… Mary is feeling the pangs of labor…
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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.
For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app.
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):
Though he was very rich, yet for your sakes he
became poor, so that by his poverty he could make
you rich Second Corinthians eight nine. Dear Lord Jesus, you
displayed ultimate humility by leaving the glory of heaven to
dwell among us. Although all power, glory, and praise was
(00:25):
due to you, you humbled yourself and died on a
cross so that we might experience freedom and the riches
of your glorious grace. During this Christmas season, when gifts
and glamor are on full display, inspire us to walk
(00:46):
in humility. May we model your mindset of unconditional love, sacrifice,
and lowliness for the sake of others. When pride seeks
to grip our hearts and graggistown, correct us with your
spirit and push us forward toward righteousness. We pray these
(01:09):
things in Jesus' name.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
Thank you for praying with me today. Stay tuned now
for another episode of Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
The city of Bethlehem lay just ahead, its walls, glowing
with the amber hue of a thousand lanterns. Marry and
Joseph felt both relief and a growing tension. With each step,
a new sensation grew within Mary, a tightening, a quickening
that told her time was of the essence Joseph. She whispered,
(01:48):
her voice catching with both wonder and fear. He's coming.
Joseph's face lost its color, his gaze met hers were
almost there. He gripped the reins of the donkey and
led them down the final switchbacks leading down to the
city gates. Campsites lace the vacant area surrounding the city.
The census had uprooted everyone. Roman soldiers marched in and
(02:12):
out of the gates in groups of ten to twenty.
It seemed like they were searching for something or someone.
Their presence made Joseph nervous.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
Hello and shaloam, Welcome to another episode of the Stories
of the Messiah podcast. I'm your host Rabbi Schneider. Were
discovering the Jewish Jesus. It's Christmas Eve and our Nativity
story is ramping up to the glorious arrival of Christ.
Mary and Joseph have endured ridicule, robbery, and storms to
(02:44):
arrive at Bethlehem. Now, just as the city comes into view,
Mary is experiencing the pangs of childbirth. Joseph and Mary
require some hospitality, will they find it? This episode will
explore themes of hospitality and compassion for those in need.
Mary and Joseph are vulnerable and at the mercy of
(03:06):
the people around them. If they don't find shelter soon,
Mary will have to give birth on the streets. Hospitality
and compassion reflect the character of Christ. Our faith is
shown in how we treat people who are vulnerable and
in need. The Nativity story illustrates that God's providence will
always come through even when we feel lost and without help.
(03:30):
His providence doesn't always look like parted seas or fire
from heaven. Sometimes it's a small act of generosity from
a stranger. Let's dive into this dramatic retelling of Luke II.
Afterward we'll come together to unpack these timeless Christmas themes.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
The streets of Bethlehem were a chaotic smattering of voices, noises,
and sense. The city was alive everywhere they looked. With
travelers and traders gathered for the senses, it became apparent
that finding a quiet space in the city would be
a nearly impossible task. Mary Winston pain her breath becoming
(04:10):
more labored.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Joseph, we need to find somewhere to rest.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
I think he's coming soon. I have distant relatives here,
Joseph said, trying to hold back his panic. This way,
they quickened their pace towards the group of homes tucked
away on the city's outskirts. A vast and open pasture
was behind the property, the very same hills where David
once strummed his harp beside his grazing sheep. Joseph knocked
(04:36):
on the door. Jepter, he said, frantically, it's it's Joseph,
Please open the door. An older, portly man opened the door.
Behind him were dozens of Joseph's distant relatives from far
and wide. Er Joseph, he said, with a furrowed brow,
I was wondering if I see you here. There's no
room for you, Jeppiter. Please my wife she is with child.
(05:00):
I know your wife is pregnant. Joseph.
Speaker 4 (05:03):
We all know the man sneered. We all heard about
the woman you married. It's a disgrace to your father,
my cousin. I won't condonn it by letting you remain
here another minute. With those final insults, he slammed the
door in Joseph's face. Joseph paused for a long while,
words of anger and frustration dangling on his lips.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
He looked back at Mary. She was in pain, straining
for each breath. They needed a safe place. Now. Time
was slippings through their fingers like grains of sand. Mary's
contractions grew more insistent, her pain constant reminder of their
urgent need. Joseph, driven by a blend of fear and determination,
(05:46):
knocked on door after door.
Speaker 4 (05:48):
Can anybody help us, he shouted, Please, my wife is
in labor.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
His pleas were met with nothing but awkward apologies or
cold rejections. The night grew darker, and their home waned
a flickering candle in the relentless wind. But then, as
if guided by a hand unseen, they found themselves before
an inn, its warm glow a beacon in the dark night.
Joseph urgently picked Mary up and hurried down the lane
(06:16):
to the inn. Please help us, someone, Please, we beg
for mercy, he shouted, his voice cracking with desperation. Joseph's
forehead met the heavy wooden door of the inn with
a thud, all the while keeping Mary secure in his embrace.
No response came laughter, and the clinking of glasses echoed
(06:37):
from within. He raised his voice, bellowing, please, anyone. Silence
was the only reply. With Mary tenderly held in his arms,
Joseph reeled back and delivered a powerful kick to the door.
It burst open, yet still failed to catch the attention
of anyone inside. Only then did he understand why his
(06:59):
call had gone unanswered. The inn was overflowing with patrons,
so parked that there was hardly room to move, let
alone notice a cry from outside. Joseph's eyes found the innkeeper,
busy clearing cups in a corner. Innkeeper, Innkeeper, he yelled,
finally catching his attention. The innkeeper was a disheveled man,
(07:20):
his gray hair unkempt, his round face flushed from the heat.
Oh filled to capacity, Sir, as you can plainly see.
His voice trailed off as his eyes met the tear
streaked face of the pregnant Mary. Show compassion upon us.
Mary exhaled, my baby is coming soon. The innkeeper's face
creased with worry as he ran his fingers through his beard.
(07:43):
My own room is taken. Even my wife and I
have nowhere to lay our own heads. Now you see,
his voice filled with sorrow. I wish I had more
to offer, but we have no space, certainly not a
proper place for your particular names. His eyes flickered down
the hill behind the inn. The derl might be a
(08:06):
spot I can show you. Hurry follow me. Joseph helped
Mary on to the donkey, and they found the innkeeper
down a narrow, twisting path to a cave like enclosure
in the hillside where the animals were kept. The sun
was sinking, and Mary's agony intensified. The innkeeper hung a lantern,
casting a soft glow over the stable. Mary's cries grew louder,
(08:30):
her pain more acute, the birth drawing near a I
regret that this is all I can provide, the innkeeper said,
his voice low. Joseph simply nodded his thanks, his focus
solely on Mary. Mary looked around. After the journey she
had just endured, she was about to give birth in
a stable carved from a hill. This was the stage
(08:52):
for a moment of divine significance. Amidst the hay and
the gentle lowing of animals, Mary prepared herself. In the
cool evening air, she whispered softly to the Lord, I
am your servant. In that moment, the veil between the
worldly and the divine was paper thin. Outside the world
(09:13):
continued its restless dance, but time seemed to pause within
the stable's walls. Above the stable, unnoticed by the city's throng,
a star shone with a brilliance that seemed to pierce
the very fabric of the night. Its light, a herald
of a new era, cast a gentle glow over the stable,
where the child of Promise was about to be born.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
Joseph and Mary's journey to bethlamb was filled with obstacles.
You would think that arriving in Bethlam would be the
easiest part, but just as they reached their destination, tension rose.
Doors were shutting their faces around every corner. Even Joseph's
family rejected him. There was a theological precedent for including
Joseph's family in the story. Lutu tells us that there
(10:00):
was no room in the inn, but that could be
taken him in several things. Some scholars believe it was
an all encompassing term. They were refused hospitality in Christ's day,
hospitality to visitors among the Jews was essential based on
biblical examples in the law. In Deuteronomy ten nineteen, God
(10:21):
told the Israelites to love the stranger, and Leviticus nineteen
thirty three states if a stranger dwells with you in
your land, you shall not mistreat him. Denial of hospitality
was shown throughout scripture as an outrage unless it was
established as a sign of disowning that family member. Even
from the very start of his life, Jesus had nowhere
(10:44):
to lay his head. This situation was not by chance,
but rather a symbolic representation of his complete identification with
the oppressed, vulnerable, rejected, underprivileged, and poor. When God took
human form, he saw none of the worldly comforts, luxuries,
and protections many hold. Dear God knew that throughout time,
(11:07):
lonely and homeless people from all corners of the globe
would gaze at the stars, shivering in the cold, and cry, God,
you can't possibly understand what I'm experiencing. To this, Jesus
could respond with truth and compassion. Actually, I know exactly
what you're enduring. The rejection by the people of Bethleem
(11:28):
serves as a painful reminder that judgment and scorn can
cause us to close our doors to those in desperate need.
May we never fall into that same trap. Hebrews thirteen
to two tells us not to forget to show hospitality
to strangers, for some have unwittingly hosted angels. God is
at work in the margins of compassion and generosity. There
(11:51):
is no way to predict the ripple effects of her kindness.
For Mary and Joseph, the act of kindness is all
they needed to usher in the Son of God. The
compassionate innkeeper shines a light on the loving character of Christ.
Though we had no room, he did what he could
provide a place for the Savior to be born. His
(12:12):
actions reflect Christ's teaching in Matthew twenty five, verse thirty
five through forty, where Jesus says, I was a stranger,
and you welcome me. Despite their dire circumstances, God's hand
was evident throughout their journey. The stable, humble though it was,
became a holy place. Here Jesus Christ, the King of Kings,
(12:33):
was born in simplicity and humility. Tomorrow was Christmas, and
no doubt many of you will reflect on why Jesus
came in the way he did. Why was he born
in a stable? Why was he born into a family
with little resources and status. It's simple. God chose the
path of humility so we may have hope in any circumstance.
(12:56):
We do not have a God that doesn't sympathize with
our struggles and needs. As it says in Hebrews four fifteen,
For we do not have a high priest who is
unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who, in
every respect has been tempted as we are. Yet without sin.
Jesus knew what it was like to come from nothing,
suffer and work. Some of you may feel alone, rejected,
(13:19):
and misunderstood, like Mary and Joseph. Know that Jesus understands you,
loves you, and has provided a place for you to
call home, the Kingdom of God. Join us in our
next episode as we behold the glory of Christ's birth.
In the most humble of circumstances, the Son of God
will be born. I'm excited to unwrap the glorious gift
(13:41):
of Christmas with you. If you want more resources on
Jesus in the Old Testament, visit us at Discoveringthejewish Jesus
dot com. Another resource you might find very impactful is
my new book, Messianic Prophecy Revealed Seeing Messiah in the
Pages of the Hebrew Bible, which can be on my website.
(14:01):
If you enjoy today's podcast, give us a review and
share it with a friend. We want the story of
the Bible and the hope of Jesus to spread worldwide.
To make prayer priority and hear more stories to inspire hope.
Visit pray dot com.
Though he was very rich, yet for your sakes he
became poor, so that by his poverty he could make
you rich Second Corinthians eight nine. Dear Lord Jesus, you
displayed ultimate humility by leaving the glory of heaven to
dwell among us. Although all power, glory, and praise was
(00:25):
due to you, you humbled yourself and died on a
cross so that we might experience freedom and the riches
of your glorious grace. During this Christmas season, when gifts
and glamor are on full display, inspire us to walk
(00:46):
in humility. May we model your mindset of unconditional love, sacrifice,
and lowliness for the sake of others. When pride seeks
to grip our hearts and graggistown, correct us with your
spirit and push us forward toward righteousness. We pray these
(01:09):
things in Jesus' name.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Amen.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
Thank you for praying with me today. Stay tuned now
for another episode of Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
The city of Bethlehem lay just ahead, its walls, glowing
with the amber hue of a thousand lanterns. Marry and
Joseph felt both relief and a growing tension. With each step,
a new sensation grew within Mary, a tightening, a quickening
that told her time was of the essence Joseph. She whispered,
(01:48):
her voice catching with both wonder and fear. He's coming.
Joseph's face lost its color, his gaze met hers were
almost there. He gripped the reins of the donkey and
led them down the final switchbacks leading down to the
city gates. Campsites lace the vacant area surrounding the city.
The census had uprooted everyone. Roman soldiers marched in and
(02:12):
out of the gates in groups of ten to twenty.
It seemed like they were searching for something or someone.
Their presence made Joseph nervous.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
Hello and shaloam, Welcome to another episode of the Stories
of the Messiah podcast. I'm your host Rabbi Schneider. Were
discovering the Jewish Jesus. It's Christmas Eve and our Nativity
story is ramping up to the glorious arrival of Christ.
Mary and Joseph have endured ridicule, robbery, and storms to
(02:44):
arrive at Bethlehem. Now, just as the city comes into view,
Mary is experiencing the pangs of childbirth. Joseph and Mary
require some hospitality, will they find it? This episode will
explore themes of hospitality and compassion for those in need.
Mary and Joseph are vulnerable and at the mercy of
(03:06):
the people around them. If they don't find shelter soon,
Mary will have to give birth on the streets. Hospitality
and compassion reflect the character of Christ. Our faith is
shown in how we treat people who are vulnerable and
in need. The Nativity story illustrates that God's providence will
always come through even when we feel lost and without help.
(03:30):
His providence doesn't always look like parted seas or fire
from heaven. Sometimes it's a small act of generosity from
a stranger. Let's dive into this dramatic retelling of Luke II.
Afterward we'll come together to unpack these timeless Christmas themes.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
The streets of Bethlehem were a chaotic smattering of voices, noises,
and sense. The city was alive everywhere they looked. With
travelers and traders gathered for the senses, it became apparent
that finding a quiet space in the city would be
a nearly impossible task. Mary Winston pain her breath becoming
(04:10):
more labored.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
Joseph, we need to find somewhere to rest.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
I think he's coming soon. I have distant relatives here,
Joseph said, trying to hold back his panic. This way,
they quickened their pace towards the group of homes tucked
away on the city's outskirts. A vast and open pasture
was behind the property, the very same hills where David
once strummed his harp beside his grazing sheep. Joseph knocked
(04:36):
on the door. Jepter, he said, frantically, it's it's Joseph,
Please open the door. An older, portly man opened the door.
Behind him were dozens of Joseph's distant relatives from far
and wide. Er Joseph, he said, with a furrowed brow,
I was wondering if I see you here. There's no
room for you, Jeppiter. Please my wife she is with child.
(05:00):
I know your wife is pregnant. Joseph.
Speaker 4 (05:03):
We all know the man sneered. We all heard about
the woman you married. It's a disgrace to your father,
my cousin. I won't condonn it by letting you remain
here another minute. With those final insults, he slammed the
door in Joseph's face. Joseph paused for a long while,
words of anger and frustration dangling on his lips.
Speaker 2 (05:24):
He looked back at Mary. She was in pain, straining
for each breath. They needed a safe place. Now. Time
was slippings through their fingers like grains of sand. Mary's
contractions grew more insistent, her pain constant reminder of their
urgent need. Joseph, driven by a blend of fear and determination,
(05:46):
knocked on door after door.
Speaker 4 (05:48):
Can anybody help us, he shouted, Please, my wife is
in labor.
Speaker 2 (05:53):
His pleas were met with nothing but awkward apologies or
cold rejections. The night grew darker, and their home waned
a flickering candle in the relentless wind. But then, as
if guided by a hand unseen, they found themselves before
an inn, its warm glow a beacon in the dark night.
Joseph urgently picked Mary up and hurried down the lane
(06:16):
to the inn. Please help us, someone, Please, we beg
for mercy, he shouted, his voice cracking with desperation. Joseph's
forehead met the heavy wooden door of the inn with
a thud, all the while keeping Mary secure in his embrace.
No response came laughter, and the clinking of glasses echoed
(06:37):
from within. He raised his voice, bellowing, please, anyone. Silence
was the only reply. With Mary tenderly held in his arms,
Joseph reeled back and delivered a powerful kick to the door.
It burst open, yet still failed to catch the attention
of anyone inside. Only then did he understand why his
(06:59):
call had gone unanswered. The inn was overflowing with patrons,
so parked that there was hardly room to move, let
alone notice a cry from outside. Joseph's eyes found the innkeeper,
busy clearing cups in a corner. Innkeeper, Innkeeper, he yelled,
finally catching his attention. The innkeeper was a disheveled man,
(07:20):
his gray hair unkempt, his round face flushed from the heat.
Oh filled to capacity, Sir, as you can plainly see.
His voice trailed off as his eyes met the tear
streaked face of the pregnant Mary. Show compassion upon us.
Mary exhaled, my baby is coming soon. The innkeeper's face
creased with worry as he ran his fingers through his beard.
(07:43):
My own room is taken. Even my wife and I
have nowhere to lay our own heads. Now you see,
his voice filled with sorrow. I wish I had more
to offer, but we have no space, certainly not a
proper place for your particular names. His eyes flickered down
the hill behind the inn. The derl might be a
(08:06):
spot I can show you. Hurry follow me. Joseph helped
Mary on to the donkey, and they found the innkeeper
down a narrow, twisting path to a cave like enclosure
in the hillside where the animals were kept. The sun
was sinking, and Mary's agony intensified. The innkeeper hung a lantern,
casting a soft glow over the stable. Mary's cries grew louder,
(08:30):
her pain more acute, the birth drawing near a I
regret that this is all I can provide, the innkeeper said,
his voice low. Joseph simply nodded his thanks, his focus
solely on Mary. Mary looked around. After the journey she
had just endured, she was about to give birth in
a stable carved from a hill. This was the stage
(08:52):
for a moment of divine significance. Amidst the hay and
the gentle lowing of animals, Mary prepared herself. In the
cool evening air, she whispered softly to the Lord, I
am your servant. In that moment, the veil between the
worldly and the divine was paper thin. Outside the world
(09:13):
continued its restless dance, but time seemed to pause within
the stable's walls. Above the stable, unnoticed by the city's throng,
a star shone with a brilliance that seemed to pierce
the very fabric of the night. Its light, a herald
of a new era, cast a gentle glow over the stable,
where the child of Promise was about to be born.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
Joseph and Mary's journey to bethlamb was filled with obstacles.
You would think that arriving in Bethlam would be the
easiest part, but just as they reached their destination, tension rose.
Doors were shutting their faces around every corner. Even Joseph's
family rejected him. There was a theological precedent for including
Joseph's family in the story. Lutu tells us that there
(10:00):
was no room in the inn, but that could be
taken him in several things. Some scholars believe it was
an all encompassing term. They were refused hospitality in Christ's day,
hospitality to visitors among the Jews was essential based on
biblical examples in the law. In Deuteronomy ten nineteen, God
(10:21):
told the Israelites to love the stranger, and Leviticus nineteen
thirty three states if a stranger dwells with you in
your land, you shall not mistreat him. Denial of hospitality
was shown throughout scripture as an outrage unless it was
established as a sign of disowning that family member. Even
from the very start of his life, Jesus had nowhere
(10:44):
to lay his head. This situation was not by chance,
but rather a symbolic representation of his complete identification with
the oppressed, vulnerable, rejected, underprivileged, and poor. When God took
human form, he saw none of the worldly comforts, luxuries,
and protections many hold. Dear God knew that throughout time,
(11:07):
lonely and homeless people from all corners of the globe
would gaze at the stars, shivering in the cold, and cry, God,
you can't possibly understand what I'm experiencing. To this, Jesus
could respond with truth and compassion. Actually, I know exactly
what you're enduring. The rejection by the people of Bethleem
(11:28):
serves as a painful reminder that judgment and scorn can
cause us to close our doors to those in desperate need.
May we never fall into that same trap. Hebrews thirteen
to two tells us not to forget to show hospitality
to strangers, for some have unwittingly hosted angels. God is
at work in the margins of compassion and generosity. There
(11:51):
is no way to predict the ripple effects of her kindness.
For Mary and Joseph, the act of kindness is all
they needed to usher in the Son of God. The
compassionate innkeeper shines a light on the loving character of Christ.
Though we had no room, he did what he could
provide a place for the Savior to be born. His
(12:12):
actions reflect Christ's teaching in Matthew twenty five, verse thirty
five through forty, where Jesus says, I was a stranger,
and you welcome me. Despite their dire circumstances, God's hand
was evident throughout their journey. The stable, humble though it was,
became a holy place. Here Jesus Christ, the King of Kings,
(12:33):
was born in simplicity and humility. Tomorrow was Christmas, and
no doubt many of you will reflect on why Jesus
came in the way he did. Why was he born
in a stable? Why was he born into a family
with little resources and status. It's simple. God chose the
path of humility so we may have hope in any circumstance.
(12:56):
We do not have a God that doesn't sympathize with
our struggles and needs. As it says in Hebrews four fifteen,
For we do not have a high priest who is
unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who, in
every respect has been tempted as we are. Yet without sin.
Jesus knew what it was like to come from nothing,
suffer and work. Some of you may feel alone, rejected,
(13:19):
and misunderstood, like Mary and Joseph. Know that Jesus understands you,
loves you, and has provided a place for you to
call home, the Kingdom of God. Join us in our
next episode as we behold the glory of Christ's birth.
In the most humble of circumstances, the Son of God
will be born. I'm excited to unwrap the glorious gift
(13:41):
of Christmas with you. If you want more resources on
Jesus in the Old Testament, visit us at Discoveringthejewish Jesus
dot com. Another resource you might find very impactful is
my new book, Messianic Prophecy Revealed Seeing Messiah in the
Pages of the Hebrew Bible, which can be on my website.
(14:01):
If you enjoy today's podcast, give us a review and
share it with a friend. We want the story of
the Bible and the hope of Jesus to spread worldwide.
To make prayer priority and hear more stories to inspire hope.
Visit pray dot com.
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