June 5, 2025 • 16 mins
Welcome to the Christmas series! Joseph and Mary embark on a treacherous journey to Bethlehem. Joseph struggles to keep up his strength, and Mary makes a mistake that may cost them the entire journey.
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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):
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ, could
oppression or anguish, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or
peril or sword Romans eight thirty five. Dear Heavenly Father,
in the midst of festive lights, shared laughter and the
(00:20):
joy of giving, we remember the unparalleled gift of your
son Jesus. His birth was the beginning of a promise,
a promise that no circumstance or challenge can ever sever
the bond of love. He offers. As carols fill the
(00:40):
air and we gather with loved ones, let us be
reminded of the unbreakable love of Christ, a love that
chose a humble manger, a love that endured the Cross,
and a love that overcomes every obstacle. May the warmth
of the sea, the joy of Christ's birth, and the
(01:03):
depth of your love remind us that we are never
alone and nothing can truly separate us from the embrace
of Jesus. Thank you, Father for the gift of your
love made manifest in the birth of our Savior. May
our Christmas celebrations be filled with gratitude, joy, and the
(01:26):
everlasting hope found in Christ. In the loving name of Jesus,
we pray Amen, thank you for praying with me today.
Stay tuned now for another episode of Stories of the
Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
Ee.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
By order of Caesar Augustus, all men in their families
are to be registered for a census in the city
of their family lineage. Fail years a register will result
in punishment. This is the will of Rome.
Speaker 4 (02:06):
His voice, steely and unemotional, echoed through the streets and alleys,
leaving a chill in the hearts of those who heard it.
His soldiers nailed the decree onto the doorpost of every home.
Parinius'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
(02:28):
of David. Joseph's lineage was traced back to Bethlehem.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Hello, and welcome to another Christmas episode of Story to
the Messiah. I'm your host, Rabbi Schneider, here to guide
you on the road to Bethlehem. Today's episode is a
narrative based on Luke two verses one through five. Although
the Bible doesn't describe the long journey, Miriam Joseph took
from Nazareth to Bethlehem. We know that it must have
(02:55):
been wrought with challengers that tested their young marriage. Eight
Verse thirty eight and thirty nine says, who shall separate
us from the Love of Christ shall tribulation or distress,
or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or danger or sword.
Every episode from now until the end of our series
(03:15):
will showcase.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
A new struggle.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Mary and Joseph must endure robberies, storms, rejection, and conspiracies.
Yet God's love and divine plan will cut through the
tragedy and turn it all into triumph. The Journey to
Bethlehem is a poignant reminder of God's powerful love, a
love willing to journey through hardship, risk, uncertainty, and the
(03:39):
darkest valley to obey God's will. We could imagine their
challenges the physical strain of the journey, sousciatal judgment due
to Mary's mysterious pregnancy, and the anxiety of a young
couple about to become parents. On top of that, there
was the mounting pressure of knowing their child was the
promised Messiah. This episode will feature a new type of
(04:03):
challenge for Marion Joseph. Trials, challenges, and hardships can tear
a relationship apart or strengthen. It would this journey solidify
Marion Joseph's spawn or tear them apart. I would like
to promise you this episode as a happy ending, but
it doesn't. Just like Mary and Joseph, we must endure
(04:24):
momentary trials before stepping into triumph. Let's immerse ourselves now
in the story. In the end, we will unpack Christmas
themes to strengthen our faith.
Speaker 4 (04:37):
The streets of Nazareth, usually abuzz with laughter and trade,
grew anxious and frantic. Family is huddled in corners to
discuss the journey ahead. Rumors and tales of trecherous roads
rife with robbers, grew more terrifying by the day. Amidst
the chaos, Joseph waded through the marketplace, gathering the last
(04:58):
of their supplies for the jail ahead. He was no
stranger to the dangers of travel. As a Stonemason, he
often needed to do business outside of Nazareth, but with
Mary in her delicate condition, the journey was a heavy
burden on his heart. They'd heard dark tales of bandits
lurking in the desert shadows, striking unsuspecting travelers and leaving
(05:20):
them with nothing. Joseph felt the weight of his responsibility
to protect his wife and the unborn child. Night after night,
as they prepared for the journey, Joseph would glance at
the horizon as if trying to discern what lay in wait. Mary,
watching him from their doorway, could see the furrows of
worry deepen on his brow. She was relieved that her
(05:42):
husband was strong and capable, but Mary bore a strength
Joseph lacked. She didn't share Joseph's fear. Instead, she had
a peace that God would provide. She was not naive
to think tragedy wasn't possible, but she also knew God
wouldn't begin this work if he did not intend on
completing it. One evening, as twilight painted the horizon with
(06:04):
hues of gold and red, Mary approached her husband. He
was lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the distant roads.
His face was painted with a familiar look of worry.
Mary gently touched his shoulder and spoke softly.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
What are you thinking about?
Speaker 4 (06:19):
She asked, already knowing the answer about tomorrow's journey. Joseph replied,
going through the list in my head to make sure
we have everything we need. His face betrayed his words.
Joseph was consumed with doubt, not in God, but in
his own ability to carry out his duty. Mary resisted
the urge to remind him that he didn't need to worry.
(06:40):
Telling somebody who was anxious to stop worrying was about
as useful as telling a dog not to eat from
the ball while it was eating. Instead, she leaned against
his shoulder and looked quietly at the horizon. Joseph leaned
his cheek closer to her head and sighed, I know
I shouldn't worry, but it's hard not to, especially with
what's its Sae. She smiled the kind of smile that
(07:02):
made Joseph's heart melt.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
You have a protector's heart, Joseph.
Speaker 4 (07:07):
I love that about you.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
Together, we can face anything, I am sure of it.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
Her words were reassuring at the moment, but Joseph still
felt a weight on his shoulders growing heavier. They embarked
early the following day. Joseph packed the donkey tightly and
hoisted Mary on top. She smiled down at him, and
they left. Families old and young streamed down the pass
out of Nazareth, each one burdened by the Edict of Caesar.
(07:35):
They all began in the same direction, but eventually split
down many roads to register in the city of their heritage.
The town of Nazareth slowly receded into the distance, its
familiar sights and sounds replaced by the vastness of the road.
As the days wore on and the sun deceased, Mary
and Joseph set out camp under the vast canopy of
the stars. The heavens seemed to wink down at them,
(07:58):
casting a silvery glow over the land escape. While Mary rested,
Joseph remained awake, his eyes scanning the horizon for any
sign of danger. The weight of potential threats kept him vigilant.
He refused to sleep. Instead, he leaned back on a
stone with his hands firmly placed on his dagger. He
refused to let anything harm Merry or the child. I
(08:19):
can't let them down, Joseph sighed. He peered down at
his bride. She shivered from the cold, so Joseph removed
his coat and placed it on her.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
I love you, he.
Speaker 4 (08:29):
Whispered, softly, stroking her dark curves. The days melted into
one another, a blur of sunrises and sunsets. The vastness
of the desert stretched before them, its ever changing peaks
and valleys, seeming both majestic and menacing. With every step,
the weight of their journey grew not in their bags,
but in their hearts. By day, the sun bore down
(08:52):
on them, its rays unrelenting. Mary's pregnancy sapped her of strength,
but not of her hope. As they walked, she would
wax poetry about the Lord's blessing on them. Her relentless
hope gave Joseph enough to keep walking beside her and
the donkey. By night, the desert came alive with its secrets,
the sounds of wolves in the distance, and the whispers
(09:13):
of the wind. Joseph, determined and ever watchful, grew wearier
with each passing day. The shadows of rumored bandits played
tricks on his mind, making every rustling bush or distant
noise a potential threat. On the fourth evening, as the
sapphire sky turned deep indigo, Mary took his hand and
saw the exhaustion on Joseph's face.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
You've borne the weight of our journey for so long.
Speaker 4 (09:36):
She said, gently. Rest now, let me keep watch. There
was a silent battle in Joseph's eye, the protective husband
against the weary traveler. But in the end, fatigue one.
He nodded his eyelids heavy and lay down, wrapping himself
in a blanket. Wake me if you sense any danger,
he murmured. His voice had tired. Whisper. Mary nodded, her
(09:59):
gaze fixed on the her hoon ears a tune to
every sound. She hummed softly, a lullaby she had once
heard long ago, letting its gentle cadence soothe Joseph into
a deep sleep. But the road, with its myriad of mysteries,
had its own plans. As the night deepened, two shadowy
figures approached their campsite. Drawn by the soft glow of
(10:21):
the dying campfire, they moved stealthily, their intentions clear, they
began to pilfer through Mary and Joseph's belongings in search
of money and food. Engrossed in her thoughts and nodding
off from exhaustion, Mary didn't notice them until it was
too late. She turned to see them and held back panic.
Mary wasn't foolish enough to scream. She knew that if
(10:43):
she shouted for Joseph. They would kill him before he
could even reach his feet. Mary remained still pretending to sleep,
occasionally looking over Her heart was pounding. She was paralyzed
in an unwinnable situation as she watched the robbers take
the donkey with them. That is when Mary finally chose
to speak. Joseph. She whispered in an intense tone, two
(11:07):
men taking everything. Joseph rose frantically and unsheathed his dagger.
Hearing Joseph, the robbers quickened and ran into the thick
of the night. Joseph began to run after them, mind
racing with rage and weariness. However, just as he was
beginning to gain on the thieves, he heard Mary's voice. Joseph,
where are you? Joseph stopped. If he continued, something might
(11:29):
happen to Mary. He watched the dim figures disappear into
the night. Joseph turned back to camp. We've lost everything,
he shouted, his voice trembling with anger and regret. Mary
said nothing. Silent stretched between them. Heavy and thick words, unspoken,
hung in the air as Joseph buried his face in
his hands. He was frustrated and boiling over with regret. Mary,
(11:53):
trying to bridge the gap between them, reached out a hand,
but Joseph pulled away, consumed by his inturn turmoil. How
are we going to survive without any foods on money?
How are you going to finish the journey without the donkey?
Joseph had sold all his tools to pay for these
supplies and the donkey. He had sacrificed so much, and
(12:14):
now it was all gone. He seethed in anger and disappointment.
Mary thought of defending herself, but chose to remain silent instead.
If Mary was good at anything, it was pondering things
in her heart and allowing deep emotions to be fully processed.
Joseph was uncharacteristically upset, so she gave him space and
returned to her blanket. Neither of them slept that night.
(12:37):
Joseph spent the rest of the night replaying the events
in his mind. The following day wore on in oppressive silence,
Joseph grappling with his guilt turned inward, while Mary, battling
her own regret, longed for the comforting embrace of her husband.
She wanted to hear him forgive her. She wanted them
to talk and embrace the trial as a team, but
(12:58):
instead they walked in silence. The desert around them seemed
to mirror their emotional state. Its vastness was a reflection
of the growing chasm between them. Their journey, which had
started with pope and faith, now felt heavy with despair
and doubt. But as with all nights, these too would pass,
giving way to a new dawn and the promise of redemption.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
During a wedding ceremony, couples vowed to stick by each
other through thick and thin. Before God and witnesses. They
stare into each other's eyes and promise to love each
other for better or for worse, richer or poor, and
in sickness and health. During the Euphorian bliss of a wedding,
it's easy to make these vows, but when hardships arise,
(13:46):
the foundation of a marriage is tested. Just as gold
is refined by fire, removing impurities. The trials faced in
a marriage can purify and strengthen the bond between spouses.
This requires intentional dedication, faith, mutual support forgiveness and love.
(14:07):
Today's episode brought new struggles for Mary and Joseph. As
if the journey wasn't hard enough, they lost everything they
had for the rest of their journey, and we get
the sense that Joseph blames Mary for it. Yet we
hold on to hope that Mary and Joseph's relationship will
be strengthened in the coming days. Our relationship with God
(14:28):
can be solidified and deepened in the hardest trials. Our
faith is tested when everything seems uncertain, chaotic, or challenging.
When we trust in God's promises and love, we find
hope that endures and love that strengthens us. Hope in
difficult circumstances is a theme that resonates deeply with all
(14:49):
of us. Life can be challenging, could be unpredictable, But
amidst the storms, there's a beacon of hope we can
cling to. That hope is Jesus the Savior, born in
a manger in a little town called Bethlehem, after a
challenging journey by two faithful servants. In your own life,
(15:10):
you may be facing a difficult road right now. Remember
that God's promises stand firm. Just as he was with
Mary and Joseph guiding them, he is with you. Cling
to him, trust in his promises, and let his enduring
hope shine in your circumstances, Remember that our God is
greater than any challenge we may face. The God who
(15:32):
guided Mary and Joseph to Bethlhem and raised Jesus from
the dead is the same God with you today. Let's
trust him, rely on his promises, and allow his love
to be the anchor of our hope in any circumstance.
In our next story, Joseph and Mary will desperately search
for supplies as they venture into a nearby city. Joseph's
(15:54):
dedication to Mary will require him to take even more risks.
Join us for our next episode, The Road to Bethlehem
Part two. Are you interested in further exploring the presence
of Jesus in the Old Testament. If so, head over
to our website discovering the Jewish Jesus dot com. My
latest book, Messianic Prophecy revealed Seeing Massaiah in the pages
(16:18):
of the Hebrew Bible can offer great and valuable insights
to you. You can obtain a copy through my website.
If you enjoy today's podcast, leave us a review and
share it with a friend. We want the story of
the Bible and the hope of Jesus to be spread
worldwide to make prayer priority in your life, and here
more stories of hope that inspire. Visit pray dot com.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ, could
oppression or anguish, or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or
peril or sword Romans eight thirty five. Dear Heavenly Father,
in the midst of festive lights, shared laughter and the
(00:20):
joy of giving, we remember the unparalleled gift of your
son Jesus. His birth was the beginning of a promise,
a promise that no circumstance or challenge can ever sever
the bond of love. He offers. As carols fill the
(00:40):
air and we gather with loved ones, let us be
reminded of the unbreakable love of Christ, a love that
chose a humble manger, a love that endured the Cross,
and a love that overcomes every obstacle. May the warmth
of the sea, the joy of Christ's birth, and the
(01:03):
depth of your love remind us that we are never
alone and nothing can truly separate us from the embrace
of Jesus. Thank you, Father for the gift of your
love made manifest in the birth of our Savior. May
our Christmas celebrations be filled with gratitude, joy, and the
(01:26):
everlasting hope found in Christ. In the loving name of Jesus,
we pray Amen, thank you for praying with me today.
Stay tuned now for another episode of Stories of the
Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
Ee.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
By order of Caesar Augustus, all men in their families
are to be registered for a census in the city
of their family lineage. Fail years a register will result
in punishment. This is the will of Rome.
Speaker 4 (02:06):
His voice, steely and unemotional, echoed through the streets and alleys,
leaving a chill in the hearts of those who heard it.
His soldiers nailed the decree onto the doorpost of every home.
Parinius'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
(02:28):
of David. Joseph's lineage was traced back to Bethlehem.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Hello, and welcome to another Christmas episode of Story to
the Messiah. I'm your host, Rabbi Schneider, here to guide
you on the road to Bethlehem. Today's episode is a
narrative based on Luke two verses one through five. Although
the Bible doesn't describe the long journey, Miriam Joseph took
from Nazareth to Bethlehem. We know that it must have
(02:55):
been wrought with challengers that tested their young marriage. Eight
Verse thirty eight and thirty nine says, who shall separate
us from the Love of Christ shall tribulation or distress,
or persecution, or famine or nakedness, or danger or sword.
Every episode from now until the end of our series
(03:15):
will showcase.
Speaker 1 (03:16):
A new struggle.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Mary and Joseph must endure robberies, storms, rejection, and conspiracies.
Yet God's love and divine plan will cut through the
tragedy and turn it all into triumph. The Journey to
Bethlehem is a poignant reminder of God's powerful love, a
love willing to journey through hardship, risk, uncertainty, and the
(03:39):
darkest valley to obey God's will. We could imagine their
challenges the physical strain of the journey, sousciatal judgment due
to Mary's mysterious pregnancy, and the anxiety of a young
couple about to become parents. On top of that, there
was the mounting pressure of knowing their child was the
promised Messiah. This episode will feature a new type of
(04:03):
challenge for Marion Joseph. Trials, challenges, and hardships can tear
a relationship apart or strengthen. It would this journey solidify
Marion Joseph's spawn or tear them apart. I would like
to promise you this episode as a happy ending, but
it doesn't. Just like Mary and Joseph, we must endure
(04:24):
momentary trials before stepping into triumph. Let's immerse ourselves now
in the story. In the end, we will unpack Christmas
themes to strengthen our faith.
Speaker 4 (04:37):
The streets of Nazareth, usually abuzz with laughter and trade,
grew anxious and frantic. Family is huddled in corners to
discuss the journey ahead. Rumors and tales of trecherous roads
rife with robbers, grew more terrifying by the day. Amidst
the chaos, Joseph waded through the marketplace, gathering the last
(04:58):
of their supplies for the jail ahead. He was no
stranger to the dangers of travel. As a Stonemason, he
often needed to do business outside of Nazareth, but with
Mary in her delicate condition, the journey was a heavy
burden on his heart. They'd heard dark tales of bandits
lurking in the desert shadows, striking unsuspecting travelers and leaving
(05:20):
them with nothing. Joseph felt the weight of his responsibility
to protect his wife and the unborn child. Night after night,
as they prepared for the journey, Joseph would glance at
the horizon as if trying to discern what lay in wait. Mary,
watching him from their doorway, could see the furrows of
worry deepen on his brow. She was relieved that her
(05:42):
husband was strong and capable, but Mary bore a strength
Joseph lacked. She didn't share Joseph's fear. Instead, she had
a peace that God would provide. She was not naive
to think tragedy wasn't possible, but she also knew God
wouldn't begin this work if he did not intend on
completing it. One evening, as twilight painted the horizon with
(06:04):
hues of gold and red, Mary approached her husband. He
was lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the distant roads.
His face was painted with a familiar look of worry.
Mary gently touched his shoulder and spoke softly.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
What are you thinking about?
Speaker 4 (06:19):
She asked, already knowing the answer about tomorrow's journey. Joseph replied,
going through the list in my head to make sure
we have everything we need. His face betrayed his words.
Joseph was consumed with doubt, not in God, but in
his own ability to carry out his duty. Mary resisted
the urge to remind him that he didn't need to worry.
(06:40):
Telling somebody who was anxious to stop worrying was about
as useful as telling a dog not to eat from
the ball while it was eating. Instead, she leaned against
his shoulder and looked quietly at the horizon. Joseph leaned
his cheek closer to her head and sighed, I know
I shouldn't worry, but it's hard not to, especially with
what's its Sae. She smiled the kind of smile that
(07:02):
made Joseph's heart melt.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
You have a protector's heart, Joseph.
Speaker 4 (07:07):
I love that about you.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
Together, we can face anything, I am sure of it.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
Her words were reassuring at the moment, but Joseph still
felt a weight on his shoulders growing heavier. They embarked
early the following day. Joseph packed the donkey tightly and
hoisted Mary on top. She smiled down at him, and
they left. Families old and young streamed down the pass
out of Nazareth, each one burdened by the Edict of Caesar.
(07:35):
They all began in the same direction, but eventually split
down many roads to register in the city of their heritage.
The town of Nazareth slowly receded into the distance, its
familiar sights and sounds replaced by the vastness of the road.
As the days wore on and the sun deceased, Mary
and Joseph set out camp under the vast canopy of
the stars. The heavens seemed to wink down at them,
(07:58):
casting a silvery glow over the land escape. While Mary rested,
Joseph remained awake, his eyes scanning the horizon for any
sign of danger. The weight of potential threats kept him vigilant.
He refused to sleep. Instead, he leaned back on a
stone with his hands firmly placed on his dagger. He
refused to let anything harm Merry or the child. I
(08:19):
can't let them down, Joseph sighed. He peered down at
his bride. She shivered from the cold, so Joseph removed
his coat and placed it on her.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
I love you, he.
Speaker 4 (08:29):
Whispered, softly, stroking her dark curves. The days melted into
one another, a blur of sunrises and sunsets. The vastness
of the desert stretched before them, its ever changing peaks
and valleys, seeming both majestic and menacing. With every step,
the weight of their journey grew not in their bags,
but in their hearts. By day, the sun bore down
(08:52):
on them, its rays unrelenting. Mary's pregnancy sapped her of strength,
but not of her hope. As they walked, she would
wax poetry about the Lord's blessing on them. Her relentless
hope gave Joseph enough to keep walking beside her and
the donkey. By night, the desert came alive with its secrets,
the sounds of wolves in the distance, and the whispers
(09:13):
of the wind. Joseph, determined and ever watchful, grew wearier
with each passing day. The shadows of rumored bandits played
tricks on his mind, making every rustling bush or distant
noise a potential threat. On the fourth evening, as the
sapphire sky turned deep indigo, Mary took his hand and
saw the exhaustion on Joseph's face.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
You've borne the weight of our journey for so long.
Speaker 4 (09:36):
She said, gently. Rest now, let me keep watch. There
was a silent battle in Joseph's eye, the protective husband
against the weary traveler. But in the end, fatigue one.
He nodded his eyelids heavy and lay down, wrapping himself
in a blanket. Wake me if you sense any danger,
he murmured. His voice had tired. Whisper. Mary nodded, her
(09:59):
gaze fixed on the her hoon ears a tune to
every sound. She hummed softly, a lullaby she had once
heard long ago, letting its gentle cadence soothe Joseph into
a deep sleep. But the road, with its myriad of mysteries,
had its own plans. As the night deepened, two shadowy
figures approached their campsite. Drawn by the soft glow of
(10:21):
the dying campfire, they moved stealthily, their intentions clear, they
began to pilfer through Mary and Joseph's belongings in search
of money and food. Engrossed in her thoughts and nodding
off from exhaustion, Mary didn't notice them until it was
too late. She turned to see them and held back panic.
Mary wasn't foolish enough to scream. She knew that if
(10:43):
she shouted for Joseph. They would kill him before he
could even reach his feet. Mary remained still pretending to sleep,
occasionally looking over Her heart was pounding. She was paralyzed
in an unwinnable situation as she watched the robbers take
the donkey with them. That is when Mary finally chose
to speak. Joseph. She whispered in an intense tone, two
(11:07):
men taking everything. Joseph rose frantically and unsheathed his dagger.
Hearing Joseph, the robbers quickened and ran into the thick
of the night. Joseph began to run after them, mind
racing with rage and weariness. However, just as he was
beginning to gain on the thieves, he heard Mary's voice. Joseph,
where are you? Joseph stopped. If he continued, something might
(11:29):
happen to Mary. He watched the dim figures disappear into
the night. Joseph turned back to camp. We've lost everything,
he shouted, his voice trembling with anger and regret. Mary
said nothing. Silent stretched between them. Heavy and thick words, unspoken,
hung in the air as Joseph buried his face in
his hands. He was frustrated and boiling over with regret. Mary,
(11:53):
trying to bridge the gap between them, reached out a hand,
but Joseph pulled away, consumed by his inturn turmoil. How
are we going to survive without any foods on money?
How are you going to finish the journey without the donkey?
Joseph had sold all his tools to pay for these
supplies and the donkey. He had sacrificed so much, and
(12:14):
now it was all gone. He seethed in anger and disappointment.
Mary thought of defending herself, but chose to remain silent instead.
If Mary was good at anything, it was pondering things
in her heart and allowing deep emotions to be fully processed.
Joseph was uncharacteristically upset, so she gave him space and
returned to her blanket. Neither of them slept that night.
(12:37):
Joseph spent the rest of the night replaying the events
in his mind. The following day wore on in oppressive silence,
Joseph grappling with his guilt turned inward, while Mary, battling
her own regret, longed for the comforting embrace of her husband.
She wanted to hear him forgive her. She wanted them
to talk and embrace the trial as a team, but
(12:58):
instead they walked in silence. The desert around them seemed
to mirror their emotional state. Its vastness was a reflection
of the growing chasm between them. Their journey, which had
started with pope and faith, now felt heavy with despair
and doubt. But as with all nights, these too would pass,
giving way to a new dawn and the promise of redemption.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
During a wedding ceremony, couples vowed to stick by each
other through thick and thin. Before God and witnesses. They
stare into each other's eyes and promise to love each
other for better or for worse, richer or poor, and
in sickness and health. During the Euphorian bliss of a wedding,
it's easy to make these vows, but when hardships arise,
(13:46):
the foundation of a marriage is tested. Just as gold
is refined by fire, removing impurities. The trials faced in
a marriage can purify and strengthen the bond between spouses.
This requires intentional dedication, faith, mutual support forgiveness and love.
(14:07):
Today's episode brought new struggles for Mary and Joseph. As
if the journey wasn't hard enough, they lost everything they
had for the rest of their journey, and we get
the sense that Joseph blames Mary for it. Yet we
hold on to hope that Mary and Joseph's relationship will
be strengthened in the coming days. Our relationship with God
(14:28):
can be solidified and deepened in the hardest trials. Our
faith is tested when everything seems uncertain, chaotic, or challenging.
When we trust in God's promises and love, we find
hope that endures and love that strengthens us. Hope in
difficult circumstances is a theme that resonates deeply with all
(14:49):
of us. Life can be challenging, could be unpredictable, But
amidst the storms, there's a beacon of hope we can
cling to. That hope is Jesus the Savior, born in
a manger in a little town called Bethlehem, after a
challenging journey by two faithful servants. In your own life,
(15:10):
you may be facing a difficult road right now. Remember
that God's promises stand firm. Just as he was with
Mary and Joseph guiding them, he is with you. Cling
to him, trust in his promises, and let his enduring
hope shine in your circumstances, Remember that our God is
greater than any challenge we may face. The God who
(15:32):
guided Mary and Joseph to Bethlhem and raised Jesus from
the dead is the same God with you today. Let's
trust him, rely on his promises, and allow his love
to be the anchor of our hope in any circumstance.
In our next story, Joseph and Mary will desperately search
for supplies as they venture into a nearby city. Joseph's
(15:54):
dedication to Mary will require him to take even more risks.
Join us for our next episode, The Road to Bethlehem
Part two. Are you interested in further exploring the presence
of Jesus in the Old Testament. If so, head over
to our website discovering the Jewish Jesus dot com. My
latest book, Messianic Prophecy revealed Seeing Massaiah in the pages
(16:18):
of the Hebrew Bible can offer great and valuable insights
to you. You can obtain a copy through my website.
If you enjoy today's podcast, leave us a review and
share it with a friend. We want the story of
the Bible and the hope of Jesus to be spread
worldwide to make prayer priority in your life, and here
more stories of hope that inspire. Visit pray dot com.
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