May 26, 2025 • 14 mins
Welcome to the Christmas series! For thousands of years, God followed his people and spoke mightily through heroes, kings, poets, and prophets… But for 400 years, there was silence… What happened in those silent years?
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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):
Have this in mind, which was also in Christ. Jesus,
who existing in the form of God, didn't consider equality
with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself
taking the form of a servant. Being made in the
likeness of men and being found in human form, he
(00:22):
humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, Yes,
the death of the Cross Philippians two five through eight.
Dear Lord, we are in awe of the gift of
you who left the splendor of heaven to be borne
in a humble manger. May your selfless love and humility
(00:46):
inspire us to live lives of compassion, kindness, and self sacrifice.
As we celebrate your birth, our Savior, help us to
embrace the spirit of giving, not just in presence, but
in presence, offering our time, love and empathy to those
(01:08):
around us. May the miracle of Christmas fill our hearts
with gratitude and joy, and may we strive to walk
in your footsteps of sharing your love with a world
in need. In your precious name, we pray, Amen, Thank
(01:30):
you for praying with me to day. Stay with us
for more wisdom from the Bible. With today's episode of
Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
The entire world resided in the shadow of Rome. Julius Caesar,
Emperor and Genius, reached out his hand and seized how
wherever he could. His authority went unquestioned, and his sword
(02:05):
found the necks of many films. It was an era
steeped in strife and unrest, when men forged their destinies
amidst the anvil of war and the hammer of politics.
As the glory of Rome was about to blossom under
Julius Caesar, a child was born.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
Into the world.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
Little did anyone know this child would one day be
worshiped as a god. He would amass followers from nations
around the ancient world, rallying them under his name. This
child was born in the zenith of Roman potential. His
name was Octavian.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
Hello everyone, and welcome to another Christmas episode of the
Stories of the Messiah podcast. I'm Rabbi Schneider from Discovering
the Jewish Jesus. We are taking time from now until
Christmas to explore the rich and powerful story of the Nativity.
If The Stories of the Messiah has blessed you, consider
(03:08):
following and subscribing to the podcast. So you never miss
an episode. So far, we have surveyed some of the
prophecies heralding the coming of Jesus. We saw how the
Messiah's coming was foretold from the beginning. The hope and
longing for a redeemer endured throughout the generations. Before we
(03:28):
are introduced to our classic Christmas heroes like Zachariah, Elizabeth, Mary,
and Joseph. We are going back into the annals of history.
Jeas was born into unique time and history when the
boot of Rome was pressing against the throat of Israel.
The cruel rule of Caesar Augustus spread across the ancient world.
(03:52):
Let's tune in now to the cinematic retelling of Caesar's
rise to power. Afterward we'll explore why this story is
part to the Christmas message.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
Octavian was born under the lineage of Caesar. He was
the adored son of the Roman Empire Julius Caesar. His
illustrious uncle was considered a titan among mortals. He claimed
swaths of land for the Roman Empire with brutality and force,
But were power and conquest bloom, so did the forms
(04:24):
of treachery. Julius Caesar fell beneath a blade wielded by
his kin, leaving an empire fractured and trembling on the
brink of chaos. Rome was vulnerable and in disarray. Long
Octavian was ready to rise in his uncle's place, determined
to lift Rome and carry its glory on his shoulders.
As Octavian strode for power, he was flagged by Marc, Anthony,
(04:47):
and Lepidus, generals in the Armies of Caesar. The three
men all claimed Rome as theirs, but only one could
be emperor. Their class was Titanic, splitting the empire into
three realms. Each leader had command over his dominion, but
Octavian would not be denied the throne. Anthony and Octavian
stood as adversaries on the battlefield. Anthony's rage boiled against Octavian.
(05:12):
If the East is to be mine, Anthony declared, his
eyes hard with resolve, then let it be known that
I will not bow to you, Octavian, not in this lifetime.
So the dance began, with each ruler amassing legions of
loyal warriors, their eyes alight with the fire of the
one true king they believed in. The War was brutal,
(05:34):
and the once united Rome risked consuming itself from within.
Mark Anthony and Queen Cleopatra of Egypt A massed in
army they believed to be unrifed. The blood soaked the
sand as swords and shields. Although their brutes were fierce,
Octavian was undeterred by the staggering might of Anthony and Cleopatra.
(05:54):
He masterfully marshaled his men and slaughtered the armies of Anthony.
Lepardous was now and his troops were subdued and banished
to the far north. On a battlefield now hollowed by
the blood and honor of countless men, Octavia the victim
stood surveying the horizon. He was alone, the last man
(06:15):
standing amidst the ruins of a rivalry that had swallowed
all hope. He stood over the battlefield and marched towards
the summit, overlooking the carnage. His rivals had been defeated,
and no one was left to stand.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
In his way.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
His breath misted the cool air as he whispered, I
am no longer Octavian, I am Caesar Augustus. War wounds
ravaged the Roman Empire, and its people desperately sought peace.
With the mantle of power. Secure on his shoulders, Caesar
Augustus set out to heal his empire. I have dreamed
(06:50):
of a Roane reborn. He addressed the masses, his voice
resonating through the crowd's silence. To day we embark on
a journey towards that dream. His rule brought stability, silencing
the discord that had torn at the very fabric of Rome.
Yet the taste of power was addictive, and Augustus sought
to climb to divine heights. He reduced the Roman Senate
(07:13):
to mere whispers in the hallways of power, himself rising
above the mortal coils to be revered as a god.
His soldiers were disciples, now his governors, his apostles, all
bending their knees in supplication to their Lord and God.
The shadow of Rome enveloped the nation of Israel. Israelites
watched in quiet dismay, their homeland slowly losing its identity
(07:36):
under Roman dominance. Rome's insidious influence diluted their once proud culture.
It was like being under the boot of Babylon once again.
Amid subjugation and tragedy. They clung to God and cried
out to him for salvation. The pain of their oppression
fuelled their longing for a hero, a redeemer. They clung
to the words of the prophecy spoken to David long
(07:58):
ago when your days were I will establish the throne
of his kingdom forever. The people yearned for the promised savior,
a beacon and the desolation to restore their land and
their dignity. Isaiah's words echoed in their hearts. The people
walking in darkness had seen a great light. They waited,
their eyes brimming with hope, their hearts heavy with expectation.
(08:22):
They imagined a ruler that would rival Caesar Augustus. They
envisioned a Messiah who had reclaimed the Holy Mount and
thwart the armies of Rome. They imagined conquests like David
and riches like Solomon. Yet as the wheel of fate turned,
no one could have anticipated the form their redemption would take.
Caesar Augustus Emperor and God families would disrupt their lives
(08:46):
and travel to the homeland of their kin to be counted.
This census, another example of Rome's power, would make way
for the Messiah to be born.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
Rabbi Schneider here from discovering the Jewish Jesus let's unpack
the story of Caesar Augustus together. You may wonder why
we are highlighting a part of Caesar's story in a
Christmas podcast. It's because Octavian's rise to power sets the
stage for the Messiah to be born. The tale of
(09:18):
Octavian's assent to the throne is vital for us to
understand because we wouldn't have the Christmas story without it.
His expanse of reach into the Eastern world enveloped Israel.
Although the Pax Romana brought unprecedented peace to the Roman Empire,
God's people were pressed for all they had. Increased taxes
(09:41):
in Roman regulation were the crucibles for religious radicals and
self righteousness. That oppression began a domino effect of events
that led to Jus's birth, most notably the census. They
would take Mary and Joseph away from Nazareth and to Bethlehem.
This story also contrasts the reigning Kingdom of Rome and
(10:04):
the incoming Kingdom of Christ. Octavian's rise as the sole
ruler of Rome marked a turning point in history. All
the ancient world was enveloped under his rule, including Israel.
In the times of Moses, David and Elijah. The idols
of the age were gods like Baale, Dacon and Asherah.
(10:25):
They were false Canaanite gods who entrapped the people of
Israel in false worship. Yet during the time of Jesus, Peter,
and Paul, the false god was Caesar. Through sheer force
and will power, he made himself to be like a god.
He demanded the worship of his followers, and whoever defied
(10:45):
him faced death. But while Caesar's rule was marked with
brutality and self glorification, Jesus's rule was marked by grace
and self sacrifice. Christmas is not only a time to
celebrate the earth of Jesus Christ, It's also an opportunity
to reflect on the kingdom he brought into this world.
(11:06):
This kingdom stands in stark contrast to the kingdoms of
this world, represented most vividly by Caesar Augustus. During this
festive season, let's explore these contrasts in the air. When
Christ was born, Caesar Augustus ruled a vast empire. His
kingdom was one of conquest, political intrigue, and earthly power.
(11:30):
He sought to unify people under the banner of Rome,
but his methods were often forceful and self serving. In
stark contrast, Jesus came to establish a kingdom not of
this world. His reign is one of peace, justice, and righteousness,
founded in love and self sacrifice. The Kingdom of God
(11:53):
transcends borders, and its king invites all to her take
in its blessings. Caesar Augustus was known for his ambition
and pride. He built monuments to his glory and inscribed
his name on coins as Son of God. His rule
was characterized by self aggrandizement and the pursuit of personal power. Jesus,
(12:16):
on the other hand, the true Son of God, stands
in total opposition to Caesar's pride and self serving nature.
Born in a manger, living a life of humility, and
dying a criminal's death, Jesus exemplified self sacrifice. He washed
his disciples feet and gave his life for all humanity.
(12:40):
The Gospel of Christ does something extraordinary that no earthly
kingdom can achieve. It creates a people unified not by nationality, race, creed, culture,
or socioeconomic status, but by a sheer love for Christ.
The Gospel invites all people, rich and poor, jew and gentile,
(13:02):
slave and free to come to Jesus. It carriages down
the walls that divide us, offering a common ground in
the person and work of Christ. In Christ, we find
a new identity that transcends all earthly distinctions. We are
children of God, citizens of a heavenly kingdom. Our loyalty
(13:24):
to Christ binds us together in a community that reflects
the love and grace of our King. As we celebrate Christmas,
let us reflect on these profound contrast. While the kingdom
of Caesar Augustus was characterized by power, pride, and self service,
the Kingdom of God stands as a beacon of love, humility,
(13:45):
and self sacrifice. May we, as followers of Christ, imitate
our humble King. Let us serve one another in love,
recognizing the true greatness in God's kingdom is found in
being a servant to all. And finally, as we look
to the manger, may we see the hope of a
better kingdom, a kingdom not of this world, but one
(14:08):
that is coming. Our King has come and will come
again to establish his rule of peace forever. May our
hearts be filled with joy this Christmas as we reflect
on the true King and his kingdom. May our lives
be marked by the humility, love, and unity that characterize
the Kingdom of God.
Have this in mind, which was also in Christ. Jesus,
who existing in the form of God, didn't consider equality
with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself
taking the form of a servant. Being made in the
likeness of men and being found in human form, he
(00:22):
humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, Yes,
the death of the Cross Philippians two five through eight.
Dear Lord, we are in awe of the gift of
you who left the splendor of heaven to be borne
in a humble manger. May your selfless love and humility
(00:46):
inspire us to live lives of compassion, kindness, and self sacrifice.
As we celebrate your birth, our Savior, help us to
embrace the spirit of giving, not just in presence, but
in presence, offering our time, love and empathy to those
(01:08):
around us. May the miracle of Christmas fill our hearts
with gratitude and joy, and may we strive to walk
in your footsteps of sharing your love with a world
in need. In your precious name, we pray, Amen, Thank
(01:30):
you for praying with me to day. Stay with us
for more wisdom from the Bible. With today's episode of
Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
The entire world resided in the shadow of Rome. Julius Caesar,
Emperor and Genius, reached out his hand and seized how
wherever he could. His authority went unquestioned, and his sword
(02:05):
found the necks of many films. It was an era
steeped in strife and unrest, when men forged their destinies
amidst the anvil of war and the hammer of politics.
As the glory of Rome was about to blossom under
Julius Caesar, a child was born.
Speaker 1 (02:22):
Into the world.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
Little did anyone know this child would one day be
worshiped as a god. He would amass followers from nations
around the ancient world, rallying them under his name. This
child was born in the zenith of Roman potential. His
name was Octavian.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
Hello everyone, and welcome to another Christmas episode of the
Stories of the Messiah podcast. I'm Rabbi Schneider from Discovering
the Jewish Jesus. We are taking time from now until
Christmas to explore the rich and powerful story of the Nativity.
If The Stories of the Messiah has blessed you, consider
(03:08):
following and subscribing to the podcast. So you never miss
an episode. So far, we have surveyed some of the
prophecies heralding the coming of Jesus. We saw how the
Messiah's coming was foretold from the beginning. The hope and
longing for a redeemer endured throughout the generations. Before we
(03:28):
are introduced to our classic Christmas heroes like Zachariah, Elizabeth, Mary,
and Joseph. We are going back into the annals of history.
Jeas was born into unique time and history when the
boot of Rome was pressing against the throat of Israel.
The cruel rule of Caesar Augustus spread across the ancient world.
(03:52):
Let's tune in now to the cinematic retelling of Caesar's
rise to power. Afterward we'll explore why this story is
part to the Christmas message.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
Octavian was born under the lineage of Caesar. He was
the adored son of the Roman Empire Julius Caesar. His
illustrious uncle was considered a titan among mortals. He claimed
swaths of land for the Roman Empire with brutality and force,
But were power and conquest bloom, so did the forms
(04:24):
of treachery. Julius Caesar fell beneath a blade wielded by
his kin, leaving an empire fractured and trembling on the
brink of chaos. Rome was vulnerable and in disarray. Long
Octavian was ready to rise in his uncle's place, determined
to lift Rome and carry its glory on his shoulders.
As Octavian strode for power, he was flagged by Marc, Anthony,
(04:47):
and Lepidus, generals in the Armies of Caesar. The three
men all claimed Rome as theirs, but only one could
be emperor. Their class was Titanic, splitting the empire into
three realms. Each leader had command over his dominion, but
Octavian would not be denied the throne. Anthony and Octavian
stood as adversaries on the battlefield. Anthony's rage boiled against Octavian.
(05:12):
If the East is to be mine, Anthony declared, his
eyes hard with resolve, then let it be known that
I will not bow to you, Octavian, not in this lifetime.
So the dance began, with each ruler amassing legions of
loyal warriors, their eyes alight with the fire of the
one true king they believed in. The War was brutal,
(05:34):
and the once united Rome risked consuming itself from within.
Mark Anthony and Queen Cleopatra of Egypt A massed in
army they believed to be unrifed. The blood soaked the
sand as swords and shields. Although their brutes were fierce,
Octavian was undeterred by the staggering might of Anthony and Cleopatra.
(05:54):
He masterfully marshaled his men and slaughtered the armies of Anthony.
Lepardous was now and his troops were subdued and banished
to the far north. On a battlefield now hollowed by
the blood and honor of countless men, Octavia the victim
stood surveying the horizon. He was alone, the last man
(06:15):
standing amidst the ruins of a rivalry that had swallowed
all hope. He stood over the battlefield and marched towards
the summit, overlooking the carnage. His rivals had been defeated,
and no one was left to stand.
Speaker 1 (06:27):
In his way.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
His breath misted the cool air as he whispered, I
am no longer Octavian, I am Caesar Augustus. War wounds
ravaged the Roman Empire, and its people desperately sought peace.
With the mantle of power. Secure on his shoulders, Caesar
Augustus set out to heal his empire. I have dreamed
(06:50):
of a Roane reborn. He addressed the masses, his voice
resonating through the crowd's silence. To day we embark on
a journey towards that dream. His rule brought stability, silencing
the discord that had torn at the very fabric of Rome.
Yet the taste of power was addictive, and Augustus sought
to climb to divine heights. He reduced the Roman Senate
(07:13):
to mere whispers in the hallways of power, himself rising
above the mortal coils to be revered as a god.
His soldiers were disciples, now his governors, his apostles, all
bending their knees in supplication to their Lord and God.
The shadow of Rome enveloped the nation of Israel. Israelites
watched in quiet dismay, their homeland slowly losing its identity
(07:36):
under Roman dominance. Rome's insidious influence diluted their once proud culture.
It was like being under the boot of Babylon once again.
Amid subjugation and tragedy. They clung to God and cried
out to him for salvation. The pain of their oppression
fuelled their longing for a hero, a redeemer. They clung
to the words of the prophecy spoken to David long
(07:58):
ago when your days were I will establish the throne
of his kingdom forever. The people yearned for the promised savior,
a beacon and the desolation to restore their land and
their dignity. Isaiah's words echoed in their hearts. The people
walking in darkness had seen a great light. They waited,
their eyes brimming with hope, their hearts heavy with expectation.
(08:22):
They imagined a ruler that would rival Caesar Augustus. They
envisioned a Messiah who had reclaimed the Holy Mount and
thwart the armies of Rome. They imagined conquests like David
and riches like Solomon. Yet as the wheel of fate turned,
no one could have anticipated the form their redemption would take.
Caesar Augustus Emperor and God families would disrupt their lives
(08:46):
and travel to the homeland of their kin to be counted.
This census, another example of Rome's power, would make way
for the Messiah to be born.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
Rabbi Schneider here from discovering the Jewish Jesus let's unpack
the story of Caesar Augustus together. You may wonder why
we are highlighting a part of Caesar's story in a
Christmas podcast. It's because Octavian's rise to power sets the
stage for the Messiah to be born. The tale of
(09:18):
Octavian's assent to the throne is vital for us to
understand because we wouldn't have the Christmas story without it.
His expanse of reach into the Eastern world enveloped Israel.
Although the Pax Romana brought unprecedented peace to the Roman Empire,
God's people were pressed for all they had. Increased taxes
(09:41):
in Roman regulation were the crucibles for religious radicals and
self righteousness. That oppression began a domino effect of events
that led to Jus's birth, most notably the census. They
would take Mary and Joseph away from Nazareth and to Bethlehem.
This story also contrasts the reigning Kingdom of Rome and
(10:04):
the incoming Kingdom of Christ. Octavian's rise as the sole
ruler of Rome marked a turning point in history. All
the ancient world was enveloped under his rule, including Israel.
In the times of Moses, David and Elijah. The idols
of the age were gods like Baale, Dacon and Asherah.
(10:25):
They were false Canaanite gods who entrapped the people of
Israel in false worship. Yet during the time of Jesus, Peter,
and Paul, the false god was Caesar. Through sheer force
and will power, he made himself to be like a god.
He demanded the worship of his followers, and whoever defied
(10:45):
him faced death. But while Caesar's rule was marked with
brutality and self glorification, Jesus's rule was marked by grace
and self sacrifice. Christmas is not only a time to
celebrate the earth of Jesus Christ, It's also an opportunity
to reflect on the kingdom he brought into this world.
(11:06):
This kingdom stands in stark contrast to the kingdoms of
this world, represented most vividly by Caesar Augustus. During this
festive season, let's explore these contrasts in the air. When
Christ was born, Caesar Augustus ruled a vast empire. His
kingdom was one of conquest, political intrigue, and earthly power.
(11:30):
He sought to unify people under the banner of Rome,
but his methods were often forceful and self serving. In
stark contrast, Jesus came to establish a kingdom not of
this world. His reign is one of peace, justice, and righteousness,
founded in love and self sacrifice. The Kingdom of God
(11:53):
transcends borders, and its king invites all to her take
in its blessings. Caesar Augustus was known for his ambition
and pride. He built monuments to his glory and inscribed
his name on coins as Son of God. His rule
was characterized by self aggrandizement and the pursuit of personal power. Jesus,
(12:16):
on the other hand, the true Son of God, stands
in total opposition to Caesar's pride and self serving nature.
Born in a manger, living a life of humility, and
dying a criminal's death, Jesus exemplified self sacrifice. He washed
his disciples feet and gave his life for all humanity.
(12:40):
The Gospel of Christ does something extraordinary that no earthly
kingdom can achieve. It creates a people unified not by nationality, race, creed, culture,
or socioeconomic status, but by a sheer love for Christ.
The Gospel invites all people, rich and poor, jew and gentile,
(13:02):
slave and free to come to Jesus. It carriages down
the walls that divide us, offering a common ground in
the person and work of Christ. In Christ, we find
a new identity that transcends all earthly distinctions. We are
children of God, citizens of a heavenly kingdom. Our loyalty
(13:24):
to Christ binds us together in a community that reflects
the love and grace of our King. As we celebrate Christmas,
let us reflect on these profound contrast. While the kingdom
of Caesar Augustus was characterized by power, pride, and self service,
the Kingdom of God stands as a beacon of love, humility,
(13:45):
and self sacrifice. May we, as followers of Christ, imitate
our humble King. Let us serve one another in love,
recognizing the true greatness in God's kingdom is found in
being a servant to all. And finally, as we look
to the manger, may we see the hope of a
better kingdom, a kingdom not of this world, but one
(14:08):
that is coming. Our King has come and will come
again to establish his rule of peace forever. May our
hearts be filled with joy this Christmas as we reflect
on the true King and his kingdom. May our lives
be marked by the humility, love, and unity that characterize
the Kingdom of God.
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