August 7, 2025 • 14 mins
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?
Today's Bible verse is Philippians 2:5-7, from the King James Version.
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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, the.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
Entire world resided in the shadow of Rome. Julius Caesar,
Emperor and Genius, reached out his hand and seized power
wherever he could. His authority went unquestioned, and his sword
found the necks of many foes. It was an era
steeped in strife and unrest, when men forged their destinies
(02:13):
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 into the world. 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
(02:37):
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
Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan from pray dot Com. We're taking
time from now until Christmas to explore the rich and
powerful story of the Nativity. If the Jesus Podcast has
blessed you, consider following and subscribing to the podcast so
(03:07):
you never miss an episode. So far, we've 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.
(03:28):
Before we are introduced to our classic Christmas heroes like Zachariah, Elizabeth, Mary,
and Joseph, we're going back into the anals of history.
Jesus was born into a unique time in history where
the boot of Rome was pressing against the throat of Israel.
The cruel rule of Caesar Augustus spread across the ancient world.
(03:51):
Let's tune in now to this cinematic retelling of Caesar's
rise to power. Afterward, we'll explore why this story is
paramount 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. Young
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.
Speaker 4 (05:17):
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.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
They believed in. The War was brutal, and the once
united Rome risked consuming.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
Itself from within.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
Mark Anthony and Queen Cleopatra of egypt A massed in
army they believed to be unwrithed. The blood soaked the
sand as swords and shields. Although their roots were fierce,
Octavian was undeterred by the staggering might of Anthony and Cleopatra.
He masterfully marshaled his men and slaughtered the armies of Anthony.
(05:59):
Lepidus was next, 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 victor
stood surveying the horizon. He was alone, the last man
standing amidst the ruins of a rivalry that had swallowed
all hope. He stood over the battlefield and marched towards
(06:22):
the summit, overlooking the carnage. His rivals had been defeated,
and no one was left to stand in his way.
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.
(06:43):
With the mantle of power secure on his shoulders, Caesar
Augustus set out to heal his empire. I have dreamed
of a Rome reborn. He addressed the masses, his voice
resonating through the crowd's silence. Today we embark on a
journey towards that dream. His rule brought stability, silencing the
(07:04):
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
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
(07:24):
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
under Roman dominance. Rome's insidious influence diluted their once proud culture.
It was like being under the boot of Babylon once again.
(07:45):
Amid subjugation and tragedy. They clumbed to God and cried
out to him for salvation. The pain of their oppression
fuelled their longing for a hero.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
A redeemer.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
They clung to the words of the prophecy spoken to
David long ago. When your days are a 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
(08:15):
great light. They waited, their eyes brimming with hope, their
hearts heavy with expectation. They imagined a ruler that would
rival Caesar Augustus. They envisioned a Messiah who would 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
(08:38):
the form their redemption would take. Caesar Augustus Emperor and God.
Families would disrupt their lives 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 (08:56):
Let's unpack the story of Caesar Augustus together. You may
wonder why we highlighted 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 Octavian's assent to the throne is vital for us
(09:16):
to understand because we wouldn't have the Christmas story without it.
His expansive 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
and Roman regulation were the crucibles for religious radicals and
(09:39):
self righteousness. That oppression began a domino effect of events
that led to Jesus' birth, most notably the census that
would take Mary and Joseph away from Nazareth and to Bethlehem.
This story also contrasts the reigning kingdom of Rome and
the incoming king theom of Christ. Octavian's rise as the
(10:03):
sole ruler of Rome marked a turning point in history.
All of 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 Bail, Dagon,
and Asherah. They were false Canaanite gods who entrapped the
(10:25):
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 him faced death. But while Caesar's rule
(10:48):
was marked with brutality and self glorification, Jesus's rule was
marked by grace and self sacrifice. Christmas is not only
a time to selbrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but
it's also an opportunity to reflect on the kingdom he
brought into this world, represented most vividly by Caesar Augustus
(11:13):
during the festive season. Let's explore these contrasts. In the
era when Christ was born, Caesar Augustus ruled a vast empire.
His kingdom was one of conquest, political intrigue, and earthly power.
He sought to unify people under the banner of Rome,
(11:33):
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 on love and self sacrifice. The Kingdom of God
transcends all borders, and its king invites all to partake
(11:58):
in its blessings. Caesar Augustus was known for his ambition
and pride. He built monuments to his own 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, the true Son of God, stands in
(12:21):
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 he washed
his disciples feet and gave his life for all humanity.
(12:42):
The Gospel of Christ does something extraordinary that no earthly
kingdom can achieve. It creates a people unified that not
by nationality, race, creed, culture, or socio economic status, but
by a shared love for Christ. The Gospel invites all people,
rich and poor, jew and gentile, slave and free to
(13:06):
come to Jesus. It tears 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 to Christ binds us together in
(13:29):
a community that reflects the love and grace of our King.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us reflect on these profound contrasts.
While the kingdom of Caesar Augustus was characterized by power, pride,
and self service, the Kingdom of God stands as a
(13:50):
beacon of love, humility, and self sacrifice. May we, as
followers of Christ, imitate our humble King. Let us serve
one another and love, recognizing that true greatness in God's
Kingdom is found in being a servant of all. And Finally,
(14:11):
as we look to the Manger, may we see the
hope of a better kingdom, a kingdom not of this world,
but one that is coming. 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 characterizes 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, the.
Speaker 2 (01:49):
Entire world resided in the shadow of Rome. Julius Caesar,
Emperor and Genius, reached out his hand and seized power
wherever he could. His authority went unquestioned, and his sword
found the necks of many foes. It was an era
steeped in strife and unrest, when men forged their destinies
(02:13):
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 into the world. 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
(02:37):
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
Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan from pray dot Com. We're taking
time from now until Christmas to explore the rich and
powerful story of the Nativity. If the Jesus Podcast has
blessed you, consider following and subscribing to the podcast so
(03:07):
you never miss an episode. So far, we've 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.
(03:28):
Before we are introduced to our classic Christmas heroes like Zachariah, Elizabeth, Mary,
and Joseph, we're going back into the anals of history.
Jesus was born into a unique time in history where
the boot of Rome was pressing against the throat of Israel.
The cruel rule of Caesar Augustus spread across the ancient world.
(03:51):
Let's tune in now to this cinematic retelling of Caesar's
rise to power. Afterward, we'll explore why this story is
paramount 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. Young
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.
Speaker 4 (05:17):
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.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
They believed in. The War was brutal, and the once
united Rome risked consuming.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
Itself from within.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
Mark Anthony and Queen Cleopatra of egypt A massed in
army they believed to be unwrithed. The blood soaked the
sand as swords and shields. Although their roots were fierce,
Octavian was undeterred by the staggering might of Anthony and Cleopatra.
He masterfully marshaled his men and slaughtered the armies of Anthony.
(05:59):
Lepidus was next, 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 victor
stood surveying the horizon. He was alone, the last man
standing amidst the ruins of a rivalry that had swallowed
all hope. He stood over the battlefield and marched towards
(06:22):
the summit, overlooking the carnage. His rivals had been defeated,
and no one was left to stand in his way.
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.
(06:43):
With the mantle of power secure on his shoulders, Caesar
Augustus set out to heal his empire. I have dreamed
of a Rome reborn. He addressed the masses, his voice
resonating through the crowd's silence. Today we embark on a
journey towards that dream. His rule brought stability, silencing the
(07:04):
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
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
(07:24):
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
under Roman dominance. Rome's insidious influence diluted their once proud culture.
It was like being under the boot of Babylon once again.
(07:45):
Amid subjugation and tragedy. They clumbed to God and cried
out to him for salvation. The pain of their oppression
fuelled their longing for a hero.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
A redeemer.
Speaker 2 (07:55):
They clung to the words of the prophecy spoken to
David long ago. When your days are a 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
(08:15):
great light. They waited, their eyes brimming with hope, their
hearts heavy with expectation. They imagined a ruler that would
rival Caesar Augustus. They envisioned a Messiah who would 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
(08:38):
the form their redemption would take. Caesar Augustus Emperor and God.
Families would disrupt their lives 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 (08:56):
Let's unpack the story of Caesar Augustus together. You may
wonder why we highlighted 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 Octavian's assent to the throne is vital for us
(09:16):
to understand because we wouldn't have the Christmas story without it.
His expansive 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
and Roman regulation were the crucibles for religious radicals and
(09:39):
self righteousness. That oppression began a domino effect of events
that led to Jesus' birth, most notably the census that
would take Mary and Joseph away from Nazareth and to Bethlehem.
This story also contrasts the reigning kingdom of Rome and
the incoming king theom of Christ. Octavian's rise as the
(10:03):
sole ruler of Rome marked a turning point in history.
All of 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 Bail, Dagon,
and Asherah. They were false Canaanite gods who entrapped the
(10:25):
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 him faced death. But while Caesar's rule
(10:48):
was marked with brutality and self glorification, Jesus's rule was
marked by grace and self sacrifice. Christmas is not only
a time to selbrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but
it's also an opportunity to reflect on the kingdom he
brought into this world, represented most vividly by Caesar Augustus
(11:13):
during the festive season. Let's explore these contrasts. In the
era when Christ was born, Caesar Augustus ruled a vast empire.
His kingdom was one of conquest, political intrigue, and earthly power.
He sought to unify people under the banner of Rome,
(11:33):
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 on love and self sacrifice. The Kingdom of God
transcends all borders, and its king invites all to partake
(11:58):
in its blessings. Caesar Augustus was known for his ambition
and pride. He built monuments to his own 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, the true Son of God, stands in
(12:21):
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 he washed
his disciples feet and gave his life for all humanity.
(12:42):
The Gospel of Christ does something extraordinary that no earthly
kingdom can achieve. It creates a people unified that not
by nationality, race, creed, culture, or socio economic status, but
by a shared love for Christ. The Gospel invites all people,
rich and poor, jew and gentile, slave and free to
(13:06):
come to Jesus. It tears 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 to Christ binds us together in
(13:29):
a community that reflects the love and grace of our King.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us reflect on these profound contrasts.
While the kingdom of Caesar Augustus was characterized by power, pride,
and self service, the Kingdom of God stands as a
(13:50):
beacon of love, humility, and self sacrifice. May we, as
followers of Christ, imitate our humble King. Let us serve
one another and love, recognizing that true greatness in God's
Kingdom is found in being a servant of all. And Finally,
(14:11):
as we look to the Manger, may we see the
hope of a better kingdom, a kingdom not of this world,
but one that is coming. 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 characterizes the Kingdom of God.
Host
Zak Shellabarger
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