June 4, 2025 • 15 mins
Welcome to the Christmas series! Caesar’s decree for a nationwide census couldn’t come at a worse time for Mary and Joseph. But perhaps this journey to Bethlehem is exactly what God planned all along.
Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com.
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/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
If any one desires to come after me, let him
deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Matthew sixteen twenty four. Dear Heavenly Father, as we celebrate
the birth of Jesus, remind us of the profound journey
he embarked upon for our sake, a journey that called
(00:24):
for sacrifice, selflessness, and enduring love. This Christmas, as we
exchange gifts and share and festivities, may we also remember
the greatest gift of all, Christ, who came not just
to be born in a manger, but to lay down
(00:44):
his life for us. Empower us with the same mind
and will of Christ, who set aside his comforts to
carry his cross. Show us every day how to follow
in the footsteps of Jesus, serving and loving those around us.
(01:06):
Thank you for the priceless gift of your son and
the invitation to follow him. Fill our hearts with gratitude,
love and true joy this Christmas. In the precious name
of Jesus, we pray, Amen. Thank you for praying with
me today. Stay tuned now for another episode of Stories
(01:29):
of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
The winds of Change swept across Israel with increasing fervor.
It was as if the very breath of God stirred
the dust between the Roman ruled province, whispering of a
tumult yet to unfold. Rebellion and discord, long smoldering in
the hearts of the oppressed Hebrews started to spark. A
group of rebels known as the Daggermen, grew by the day.
(02:02):
Some knew them by a different name, the Zealous. They
were men of tact, skill and secrecy. Fueled by Roman
hatred and a desire to usher in Israeli independence, they
assassinated some of Caesar's highest ranking officials. They were growing
in number and needed to be stopped. Caesar Augustus, ruling
(02:24):
from the heart of the Roman Empire, was not ignorant
of these Daggermen. His eyes, though distant, were sharp, and
his paranoia simmered alongside the rebellion. He had not risen
to power by being ignorant. In a move uncharacteristic of
Roman custom, he issued a decree, one that both revealed
his desperation for control and reflected his fear of the
(02:47):
burgeoning unrest. Each individual under Roman rule, from the richest
aristocrat to the poorish shepherd, was to be counted in
a census, but it was not to be an ordinary census. No,
this one bore the insidious mark of Caesar's paranoia. The
people were required to return to their ancestral homes, the
(03:07):
towns of their forefathers, to be registered and accounted for.
To execute this decree, Caesar dispatched Courneus, the stirred and
unwavering governor of Syria. We cannot stop these salods unless
we disorganize them, Caesar told Courneus. Therefore, we will force
(03:28):
every man to travel uproot them and their families. This
will make them vulnerable. Coarineus agreed and immediately began preparations
to force the census upon the people of Israel.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
Hello and welcome to another Christmas episode of Story to Messiah.
I'm Rabbi Schneider from Discovering the Jewish Jesus here to
guide you through this tale of adventure, faith and faith.
This episode begins Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, a
heroing journey that will test their faith in stamina. It
was prophesied that the Messia would be born in Bethlehem,
(04:05):
the birthplace of David. For jis to be born in Bethlehem.
God had to use the geopolitical struggles of the time.
The political landscape of Israel during this time was wrought
with civil unrest, corruption, and conspiracy. The harsh hand of
Caesar on the people of Israel caused many radical Jewish
factions to arise. One of the more infamous groups was
(04:29):
the dagger Men, also known as the Zealots. Simon, one
of Jius's twelve disciples, was one of those men. This
story speculates that they might be the reason for the census.
Although it is speculation, historical clues suggests it's a possibility.
Historians have wrestled with the historical accuracy of loose account
(04:50):
of the census, so scolars are forced to speculate reasons
why the census occurred. Our story today is speculation for
the sake of storytelling, but it isn't outside the realm
of possibility. Rome's relationship with the Jewish nation was complex
and dysfunctional. They saw Rome as another oppressive ruler like Babylon.
(05:11):
As a result, the Jews were riled up with the
renewed prophetic passion for the Messiah to come and deliver them.
This was the stage that was set for the coming
of Jesus. Even amid all the madness of culture, God
was on the move. We believe in a God who
contained chaos and bring beauty from ashes. As the Nativity
(05:32):
story intensifies, look for God's hidden hand of providence. Genesis
fifty twenty reminds us that what men intend for evil,
God can use for good. This sense of strained the
Jewish people, but God would use it to bring about
their redemption. Let's hop back into the story now. Joseph
is about to receive the news that he must uproot
(05:55):
Mary in her pregnancy's late stages. What will he do
while he respond when the pressure mounts. Let's find out
now in the dramatic retelling of Luke chapter two, verses
one through five. Afterward, we'll unpack the story to find
Christmas themes.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Corneus was not a beloved man. He carried very little
about being loved or admired. He wanted their fear. If
he could not gain their fear, their respect would be
a consolation. Carneus journeyed to every major city in Israel
with a battalion of soldiers. They flooded town squares, marketplaces,
and city gates with Caesar's demands.
Speaker 4 (06:35):
He by order of Caesar Augustus, all men in their
families are to be registered for a sensus in the
city of their family lineage. Failure to register will result
in punishment. This is the will of Rome.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
His voice, steely and unemotional, echoed through the streets and alleys,
leaving a chill in the hearts of those who heard it.
His held the decree onto the doorpost of every home.
Corineus's voice shouted through the city streets of Nazareth, where
Joseph was buying supplies for his workshop. The proclamation threw
him into a storm of uncertainty and worry. The house
(07:13):
of David, Joseph's lineage was traced back to Bethlehem. Joseph
approached one of the Roman soldiers, Sir, my wife.
Speaker 5 (07:22):
Is nearly nine months pregnant. She can't make the journey
to Bethlehem in her condition.
Speaker 2 (07:28):
Silence, the soldier shouted, shoving Joseph to the ground. Its
commanders from Caesar himself. If you fail to obey, you
will face the rod of Coarineus. Joseph looked up at
the soldier and then at Coarineus on his dark horse
Joseph clenched his fist and looked away. He knew better
than to pick a fight, especially when Mary was depending
(07:50):
on him. The soldier spat at Joseph's feet and walked away.
Joseph picked up his tools and went back home. He
walked the dusty path to their humble home, wandering how
he would afford the journey to Bethlehem.
Speaker 6 (08:02):
He entered through the door slowly.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Mary was inside, weaving together blankets for Jesus and humming lullabies.
Her gentle and quiet grace enraptured Joseph. His heart ached
that he had to uproot her from the comfort of
their home. Mary, he said gently. He knelt down beside
her and held her hand, A decree.
Speaker 5 (08:21):
Has come from Charinius. We have to depart from here
to Bethlehem for a census. I don't know why this
has come now, but I swear I will protect you
and the child. We will find a way to get
there safely.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Mary's eyes were fogged with fear and anxiety.
Speaker 1 (08:38):
How Joseph at best, It's a two week journey, and
all the carts for merchants.
Speaker 6 (08:44):
Will be used up.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Mary was rightfully concerned. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem
was not a straightforward journey. There were vast valleys and
hills to pass. Additionally, the frenzy of the census would
be in banded, stalking lone travelers. Joseph felt helpless. They
didn't have enough money to pay for a wagon to
taxi them, nor did they have a donkey for Mary
(09:07):
to ride on. Such things were out of reach for
a humble craftsman like Joseph. He didn't know how to proceed.
Mary held Joseph's face and pressed her forehead against his.
They closed their eyes and shared a somber moment of
love and prayer. Joseph stood up and wiped a tear
from his eye.
Speaker 6 (09:27):
I'll be back. I have to do something.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
Joseph grabbed his tools and left. He rounded the alley
beside his home down to the market. There was no
way Mary could endure the road to Bethlehem in her condition.
If Joseph was going to keep her safe, he needed
to provide her with a donkey to ride on. The
market place was chaotic with people desperately haggling for supplies.
Speaker 6 (09:50):
Many people had journeys to plan for.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
Joseph knocked on the door of the blacksmith, who was
a large and surly man, uninterested in people and more
interested in things.
Speaker 6 (10:01):
He Lord Joseph, my boy, he said, with a raspy voice.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
If you are here to ask for another discount on materials,
I'm afraid you're out of luck.
Speaker 2 (10:12):
Joseph placed his large leather bag of tools on the table.
I am here to sew you my tools. The blacksmith's
eyes widen. A craftsman like Joseph was only as valuable
as the tools he used. What is the meaning of this,
he asked. Joseph ignored the question, holding back any cues
that he was greatly distressed at the thought of selling
(10:33):
his livelihood.
Speaker 6 (10:34):
How much will you give me?
Speaker 2 (10:36):
The blacksmith examined the tools, laying each out on the
table next to each other. He crossed his arms and
stroked his beard.
Speaker 4 (10:43):
HMM, I could use many of these and sell the rest.
Speaker 6 (10:49):
I will give you.
Speaker 4 (10:50):
Two hundred denary for it all four hundred if you
do some work for me after the census.
Speaker 6 (10:57):
You have a deal, Joseph said.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
The two shook on it, and Joseph was given the
money he and Mary would need for the journey. He
took the Dinara and headed straight for the city's stables. There,
he brought a donkey saddle and packsfield.
Speaker 6 (11:11):
With enough food for a two week journey.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
He also purchased a dagger to strap to his side.
Joseph sacrificed his livelihood.
Speaker 6 (11:18):
To keep his wife safe.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
Much would be required of him for the journey ahead,
but he knew that God would protect them.
Speaker 3 (11:26):
Imagine setting forth on an eighty to ninety mile journey
on rugged terrains with Mary in the advanced stages of
her pregnancy. The trek from Massareth and Galilee to Bethlemb
and Judea was neither short nor easy. It would have
demanded resilience, stamina, and a deep commitment. The concerns of
an expectant mother, the potential dangers of the journey, and
(11:48):
the uncertainties awaiting them in bethlemb would have weighed heavily
on their minds. Joseph's role as Mary's protector, guide and
support can't be understated. The sacrifice he made to ensure
Mary's safety was monumental, but he did so with the
knowledge that there was more to be gained in a
sacrifice than lost. That's an encouragement for all of us.
(12:12):
What we give up in pursuit of Christ payales in
comparison to what we gain. In the next few episodes,
we'll get to see Joseph and Mary's unwavering commitment to God.
Their dedication to each other and the Lord is a
testament to their faith and obedience to God's call. The
reason for their journey, a decree from Caesar Augustus for
(12:34):
a census, speaks to the geopolitical realities of the time.
On the surface, this seems like a mere administrative move
by a vast empire, but in the grand tapestry of
God's design, it was a pivotal move to ensure the
fulfillment of prophecy the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem
Micah five to two. This use of a geopolitical event
(12:57):
is a poignant reminder that God's to plan is not
isolated from the realities of our world. He uses emperors, decrees,
and worldly events to achieve his purposes. This he is hope,
reminding us that no matter how challenging or chaotic our
world's system may seem, God is always at work bringing
(13:18):
his plans to fruition. As we reflect on Mary and
Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. Let's consider the sacrifices we're all
called to make. Jesus says in Matthew sixteen. If anyone
desires to come after me, let him deny himself and
take up his cross and follow me. The path for
Mary and Joseph is only going to get more difficult.
(13:40):
But just because things are hard doesn't mean they aren't good.
The Cross of Jesus showed us that some of the
greatest triumphs emerged from the ashes of our greatest trials.
When you face difficulty, think less about how to minimize
your suffering and think more about maximizing the meaning you
can glean in the midst of it. This Christmas, let
(14:02):
the story of Luke two one through five inspire us
to have faith in the journey, however difficult. Let us
be reminded that God often uses the intricate complexities of
our world to unfold this divine narrative in the midst
of our challenges. Maybe we find comfort in knowing that
God is orchestrating a redemptest story, not just on a
(14:22):
global scale, but in our personal lives as well. Our
next few episodes will highlight the intense difficulty Mary and
Joseph faced on the journey to Bethlehem, but even robbers, romans,
and raging waters can't thwart the plans of God. Explore
more about Jesus in the Old Testament at discovering the
Jewisheist dot com. Also consider checking out my recent book,
(14:46):
Messianic Prophecy Revealed Seeing Messiah in the pages of the
Hebrew Bible. You can get your hands on it via
my website. If this podcast impacted you, please take a
moment to leave a comment and review. Doing so will
make sure others discover these life changing stories, and be
sure to download the Prey dot com app to make
(15:06):
prayer a priority and experience the Bible in new ways.
If any one desires to come after me, let him
deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Matthew sixteen twenty four. Dear Heavenly Father, as we celebrate
the birth of Jesus, remind us of the profound journey
he embarked upon for our sake, a journey that called
(00:24):
for sacrifice, selflessness, and enduring love. This Christmas, as we
exchange gifts and share and festivities, may we also remember
the greatest gift of all, Christ, who came not just
to be born in a manger, but to lay down
(00:44):
his life for us. Empower us with the same mind
and will of Christ, who set aside his comforts to
carry his cross. Show us every day how to follow
in the footsteps of Jesus, serving and loving those around us.
(01:06):
Thank you for the priceless gift of your son and
the invitation to follow him. Fill our hearts with gratitude,
love and true joy this Christmas. In the precious name
of Jesus, we pray, Amen. Thank you for praying with
me today. Stay tuned now for another episode of Stories
(01:29):
of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
The winds of Change swept across Israel with increasing fervor.
It was as if the very breath of God stirred
the dust between the Roman ruled province, whispering of a
tumult yet to unfold. Rebellion and discord, long smoldering in
the hearts of the oppressed Hebrews started to spark. A
group of rebels known as the Daggermen, grew by the day.
(02:02):
Some knew them by a different name, the Zealous. They
were men of tact, skill and secrecy. Fueled by Roman
hatred and a desire to usher in Israeli independence, they
assassinated some of Caesar's highest ranking officials. They were growing
in number and needed to be stopped. Caesar Augustus, ruling
(02:24):
from the heart of the Roman Empire, was not ignorant
of these Daggermen. His eyes, though distant, were sharp, and
his paranoia simmered alongside the rebellion. He had not risen
to power by being ignorant. In a move uncharacteristic of
Roman custom, he issued a decree, one that both revealed
his desperation for control and reflected his fear of the
(02:47):
burgeoning unrest. Each individual under Roman rule, from the richest
aristocrat to the poorish shepherd, was to be counted in
a census, but it was not to be an ordinary census. No,
this one bore the insidious mark of Caesar's paranoia. The
people were required to return to their ancestral homes, the
(03:07):
towns of their forefathers, to be registered and accounted for.
To execute this decree, Caesar dispatched Courneus, the stirred and
unwavering governor of Syria. We cannot stop these salods unless
we disorganize them, Caesar told Courneus. Therefore, we will force
(03:28):
every man to travel uproot them and their families. This
will make them vulnerable. Coarineus agreed and immediately began preparations
to force the census upon the people of Israel.
Speaker 3 (03:44):
Hello and welcome to another Christmas episode of Story to Messiah.
I'm Rabbi Schneider from Discovering the Jewish Jesus here to
guide you through this tale of adventure, faith and faith.
This episode begins Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, a
heroing journey that will test their faith in stamina. It
was prophesied that the Messia would be born in Bethlehem,
(04:05):
the birthplace of David. For jis to be born in Bethlehem.
God had to use the geopolitical struggles of the time.
The political landscape of Israel during this time was wrought
with civil unrest, corruption, and conspiracy. The harsh hand of
Caesar on the people of Israel caused many radical Jewish
factions to arise. One of the more infamous groups was
(04:29):
the dagger Men, also known as the Zealots. Simon, one
of Jius's twelve disciples, was one of those men. This
story speculates that they might be the reason for the census.
Although it is speculation, historical clues suggests it's a possibility.
Historians have wrestled with the historical accuracy of loose account
(04:50):
of the census, so scolars are forced to speculate reasons
why the census occurred. Our story today is speculation for
the sake of storytelling, but it isn't outside the realm
of possibility. Rome's relationship with the Jewish nation was complex
and dysfunctional. They saw Rome as another oppressive ruler like Babylon.
(05:11):
As a result, the Jews were riled up with the
renewed prophetic passion for the Messiah to come and deliver them.
This was the stage that was set for the coming
of Jesus. Even amid all the madness of culture, God
was on the move. We believe in a God who
contained chaos and bring beauty from ashes. As the Nativity
(05:32):
story intensifies, look for God's hidden hand of providence. Genesis
fifty twenty reminds us that what men intend for evil,
God can use for good. This sense of strained the
Jewish people, but God would use it to bring about
their redemption. Let's hop back into the story now. Joseph
is about to receive the news that he must uproot
(05:55):
Mary in her pregnancy's late stages. What will he do
while he respond when the pressure mounts. Let's find out
now in the dramatic retelling of Luke chapter two, verses
one through five. Afterward, we'll unpack the story to find
Christmas themes.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Corneus was not a beloved man. He carried very little
about being loved or admired. He wanted their fear. If
he could not gain their fear, their respect would be
a consolation. Carneus journeyed to every major city in Israel
with a battalion of soldiers. They flooded town squares, marketplaces,
and city gates with Caesar's demands.
Speaker 4 (06:35):
He by order of Caesar Augustus, all men in their
families are to be registered for a sensus in the
city of their family lineage. Failure to register will result
in punishment. This is the will of Rome.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
His voice, steely and unemotional, echoed through the streets and alleys,
leaving a chill in the hearts of those who heard it.
His held the decree onto the doorpost of every home.
Corineus's voice shouted through the city streets of Nazareth, where
Joseph was buying supplies for his workshop. The proclamation threw
him into a storm of uncertainty and worry. The house
(07:13):
of David, Joseph's lineage was traced back to Bethlehem. Joseph
approached one of the Roman soldiers, Sir, my wife.
Speaker 5 (07:22):
Is nearly nine months pregnant. She can't make the journey
to Bethlehem in her condition.
Speaker 2 (07:28):
Silence, the soldier shouted, shoving Joseph to the ground. Its
commanders from Caesar himself. If you fail to obey, you
will face the rod of Coarineus. Joseph looked up at
the soldier and then at Coarineus on his dark horse
Joseph clenched his fist and looked away. He knew better
than to pick a fight, especially when Mary was depending
(07:50):
on him. The soldier spat at Joseph's feet and walked away.
Joseph picked up his tools and went back home. He
walked the dusty path to their humble home, wandering how
he would afford the journey to Bethlehem.
Speaker 6 (08:02):
He entered through the door slowly.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Mary was inside, weaving together blankets for Jesus and humming lullabies.
Her gentle and quiet grace enraptured Joseph. His heart ached
that he had to uproot her from the comfort of
their home. Mary, he said gently. He knelt down beside
her and held her hand, A decree.
Speaker 5 (08:21):
Has come from Charinius. We have to depart from here
to Bethlehem for a census. I don't know why this
has come now, but I swear I will protect you
and the child. We will find a way to get
there safely.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Mary's eyes were fogged with fear and anxiety.
Speaker 1 (08:38):
How Joseph at best, It's a two week journey, and
all the carts for merchants.
Speaker 6 (08:44):
Will be used up.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Mary was rightfully concerned. The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem
was not a straightforward journey. There were vast valleys and
hills to pass. Additionally, the frenzy of the census would
be in banded, stalking lone travelers. Joseph felt helpless. They
didn't have enough money to pay for a wagon to
taxi them, nor did they have a donkey for Mary
(09:07):
to ride on. Such things were out of reach for
a humble craftsman like Joseph. He didn't know how to proceed.
Mary held Joseph's face and pressed her forehead against his.
They closed their eyes and shared a somber moment of
love and prayer. Joseph stood up and wiped a tear
from his eye.
Speaker 6 (09:27):
I'll be back. I have to do something.
Speaker 2 (09:30):
Joseph grabbed his tools and left. He rounded the alley
beside his home down to the market. There was no
way Mary could endure the road to Bethlehem in her condition.
If Joseph was going to keep her safe, he needed
to provide her with a donkey to ride on. The
market place was chaotic with people desperately haggling for supplies.
Speaker 6 (09:50):
Many people had journeys to plan for.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
Joseph knocked on the door of the blacksmith, who was
a large and surly man, uninterested in people and more
interested in things.
Speaker 6 (10:01):
He Lord Joseph, my boy, he said, with a raspy voice.
Speaker 4 (10:05):
If you are here to ask for another discount on materials,
I'm afraid you're out of luck.
Speaker 2 (10:12):
Joseph placed his large leather bag of tools on the table.
I am here to sew you my tools. The blacksmith's
eyes widen. A craftsman like Joseph was only as valuable
as the tools he used. What is the meaning of this,
he asked. Joseph ignored the question, holding back any cues
that he was greatly distressed at the thought of selling
(10:33):
his livelihood.
Speaker 6 (10:34):
How much will you give me?
Speaker 2 (10:36):
The blacksmith examined the tools, laying each out on the
table next to each other. He crossed his arms and
stroked his beard.
Speaker 4 (10:43):
HMM, I could use many of these and sell the rest.
Speaker 6 (10:49):
I will give you.
Speaker 4 (10:50):
Two hundred denary for it all four hundred if you
do some work for me after the census.
Speaker 6 (10:57):
You have a deal, Joseph said.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
The two shook on it, and Joseph was given the
money he and Mary would need for the journey. He
took the Dinara and headed straight for the city's stables. There,
he brought a donkey saddle and packsfield.
Speaker 6 (11:11):
With enough food for a two week journey.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
He also purchased a dagger to strap to his side.
Joseph sacrificed his livelihood.
Speaker 6 (11:18):
To keep his wife safe.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
Much would be required of him for the journey ahead,
but he knew that God would protect them.
Speaker 3 (11:26):
Imagine setting forth on an eighty to ninety mile journey
on rugged terrains with Mary in the advanced stages of
her pregnancy. The trek from Massareth and Galilee to Bethlemb
and Judea was neither short nor easy. It would have
demanded resilience, stamina, and a deep commitment. The concerns of
an expectant mother, the potential dangers of the journey, and
(11:48):
the uncertainties awaiting them in bethlemb would have weighed heavily
on their minds. Joseph's role as Mary's protector, guide and
support can't be understated. The sacrifice he made to ensure
Mary's safety was monumental, but he did so with the
knowledge that there was more to be gained in a
sacrifice than lost. That's an encouragement for all of us.
(12:12):
What we give up in pursuit of Christ payales in
comparison to what we gain. In the next few episodes,
we'll get to see Joseph and Mary's unwavering commitment to God.
Their dedication to each other and the Lord is a
testament to their faith and obedience to God's call. The
reason for their journey, a decree from Caesar Augustus for
(12:34):
a census, speaks to the geopolitical realities of the time.
On the surface, this seems like a mere administrative move
by a vast empire, but in the grand tapestry of
God's design, it was a pivotal move to ensure the
fulfillment of prophecy the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem
Micah five to two. This use of a geopolitical event
(12:57):
is a poignant reminder that God's to plan is not
isolated from the realities of our world. He uses emperors, decrees,
and worldly events to achieve his purposes. This he is hope,
reminding us that no matter how challenging or chaotic our
world's system may seem, God is always at work bringing
(13:18):
his plans to fruition. As we reflect on Mary and
Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. Let's consider the sacrifices we're all
called to make. Jesus says in Matthew sixteen. If anyone
desires to come after me, let him deny himself and
take up his cross and follow me. The path for
Mary and Joseph is only going to get more difficult.
(13:40):
But just because things are hard doesn't mean they aren't good.
The Cross of Jesus showed us that some of the
greatest triumphs emerged from the ashes of our greatest trials.
When you face difficulty, think less about how to minimize
your suffering and think more about maximizing the meaning you
can glean in the midst of it. This Christmas, let
(14:02):
the story of Luke two one through five inspire us
to have faith in the journey, however difficult. Let us
be reminded that God often uses the intricate complexities of
our world to unfold this divine narrative in the midst
of our challenges. Maybe we find comfort in knowing that
God is orchestrating a redemptest story, not just on a
(14:22):
global scale, but in our personal lives as well. Our
next few episodes will highlight the intense difficulty Mary and
Joseph faced on the journey to Bethlehem, but even robbers, romans,
and raging waters can't thwart the plans of God. Explore
more about Jesus in the Old Testament at discovering the
Jewisheist dot com. Also consider checking out my recent book,
(14:46):
Messianic Prophecy Revealed Seeing Messiah in the pages of the
Hebrew Bible. You can get your hands on it via
my website. If this podcast impacted you, please take a
moment to leave a comment and review. Doing so will
make sure others discover these life changing stories, and be
sure to download the Prey dot com app to make
(15:06):
prayer a priority and experience the Bible in new ways.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
True Crime Tonight
If you eat, sleep, and breathe true crime, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT is serving up your nightly fix. Five nights a week, KT STUDIOS & iHEART RADIO invite listeners to pull up a seat for an unfiltered look at the biggest cases making headlines, celebrity scandals, and the trials everyone is watching. With a mix of expert analysis, hot takes, and listener call-ins, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT goes beyond the headlines to uncover the twists, turns, and unanswered questions that keep us all obsessed—because, at TRUE CRIME TONIGHT, there’s a seat for everyone. Whether breaking down crime scene forensics, scrutinizing serial killers, or debating the most binge-worthy true crime docs, True Crime Tonight is the fresh, fast-paced, and slightly addictive home for true crime lovers.