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Narrator
This episode is brought to you by Northwest Christian School Online. To learn more, visit ncsonline.org.
Miles
Previously on Eyewitness.
Quinn
Guys, where do you think we are?
Jesus
On behalf of Bethany of Judea, I welcome you. This night in particular is going to be a very special night, because he is coming.
Quinn
Who?
Jesus
The Teacher.
Quinn
I'm sorry, but who is the Teacher?
Miles
Maybe you know him by his name. What's his name?
Quinn
Jesus.
Miles
This old Jesus thing, it's trash, dude.
Jesus
It's stupid.
Miles
I'm out of here.
Ishma
Elysium Extract My name is Ishma. He is the Teacher. Inside.
Miles
And what do you want exactly?
Ishma
We just wanted to ask him a few questions about Yahweh. Teacher, the. The Pharisees are here.
Jesus
As I knew they would be.
Ishma
You're not going out there, are you?
Jesus
Why wouldn't I?
Ishma
They are Pharisees. They want you dead.
Jesus
It's not my time yet, Quinn.
Quinn
What does that mean? I can't say.
Jesus
Teacher, please listen to your friends. Even my brother would want you to stay. I understand, Martha. But surely I tell you they will do no harm to me tonight. You wanted to see us, Master? Yes, Thomas. Thank you. Where's our new guest? The one who told me about the inquiry of the men?
Miles
That was me, sir. I'm right here.
Jesus
Yes. Miles, stay close to Thomas and Matthew, yes?
Miles
Yes, sir.
Jesus
Keep them near you, Matthew.
Lazarus
Of course, Master.
Ishma
Good evening, Jesus.
Jesus
Good evening. My young friend tells me you have a question for me.
Ishma
Yes, we were curious. Which commandment is foremost of all?
Jesus
Did you really travel all the way from Galilee to ask me this? Please, Teacher, we want to learn your heart's desire. It is not, but the foremost commandment is that you shall love your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, shall love your neighbor as yourself. There are no commandments greater than these.
Ishma
And what about Yahweh? Are you his son? If you are the Christ, show us a sign.
Jesus
When it is evening, you say it will be fair weather, for the sky is red. And in the morning. There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening. Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times? My friends, I warn you, be aware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes and like respectful greetings in marketplaces and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor, at banquets, those who devour widows houses, and for appearances sake, offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation. Matthew, let's return to our host. My new friends. Please join us. I'd love to speak more with you. In time.
Ishma
Judas. A word.
Quinn
Did you guys see that?
Charlie
See how Jesus just destroyed those dudes with the weird hat? Heck yeah.
Quinn
No, at the end. Miles.
Miles
I must have missed it.
Quinn
One of the Pharisees asked to speak with Judas.
Charlie
Who's Judas?
Miles
Seriously?
Charlie
Seriously, who's Judas?
Miles
No, I meant that to Quinn.
Charlie
Oh, Quinn.
Miles
Seriously. That happened?
Quinn
Yes.
Charlie
Guys, I still don't know who Judas is.
Quinn
Judas is one of the disciples.
Charlie
And who are the disciples?
Miles
Seriously?
Charlie
Oh, me? Yes, seriously.
Quinn
Charlie, do you know the story of Jesus?
Charlie
I don't really want to get into that.
Miles
Charlie, It's. It's okay. We're just curious. Wouldn't you rather know more to enjoy the experience?
Charlie
I guess so. Honestly. I've heard the name and know about something with the cross, but that's about it. I don't know details or names, places, anything really.
Quinn
Do you want me to tell you about it?
Charlie
Yeah. But who is Judas?
Miles
Judas is one of the 12 disciples of Jesus.
Quinn
They're like his best friends and he teaches them things.
Charlie
So why did Judas stay and talk to those guys?
Quinn
Because Judas is the one who's going to betray.
Jesus
No one else knows.
Quinn
Judas betrays Jesus and that's what gets him killed.
Charlie
Why?
Miles
Pharisees are gonna pay him for money.
Charlie
He gives up one of his best friends for money?
Quinn
Yeah.
Charlie
How much?
Miles
Thirty pieces of silver.
Charlie
That's it? How much is that worth today?
Miles
Not sure. Probably a few hundred bucks.
Charlie
He gives up Jesus for $300?
Miles
Ish.
Charlie
$300? Ish?
Quinn
Yep.
Charlie
That's messed up. When does it happen?
Miles
I'm not sure. Quinn.
Quinn
I'm still trying to figure out where we are in the story. Nothing is familiar yet.
Miles
Quinn, we should quiet down. Looks like Elias and Aliana are coming.
Quinn
Are you alright?
Miles
Yeah, I'm good. Quinn, Charlie.
Quinn
All good.
Miles
The teacher asked to see you again.
Quinn
Really?
Miles
Yes.
Quinn
Follow us.
Charlie
What do you think he wants?
Quinn
I don't know.
Charlie
We're not in trouble, are we?
Miles
Why would we be in trouble?
Charlie
I don't know.
Miles
Let's just listen to what he has to say.
Jesus
Ah, good. Thank you for staying. I'm sorry for not providing a proper introduction earlier, but these are a few of my closest friends. This is Matthew, Thomas. And Judas was here a moment ago. No matter. These are our new friends. Miles, Quinn and Charlie.
Lazarus
Thank you for coming.
Quinn
Lovely to meet you. I've heard of you guys before. Especially you, Thomas.
Jesus
I doubt that. If I may ask, what brought you Three here?
Miles
I'm not really sure. We were in the market and we met Azariah and he invited us.
Jesus
Yes, but what brought you to Bethany?
Miles
We don't really know.
Jesus
Even without you knowing. I'm glad you're here. I wish your other friend could have stayed. But not everyone listens. Tell me, where are you from?
Miles
Town called Phoenix.
Quinn
I'm from Billings.
Charlie
The Bay Area.
Jesus
What places are these?
Lazarus
Yes, what is the Bay Area?
Miles
Um, very far away is probably the easiest way to put it.
Jesus
Mary, are you all right?
Mary
Yes, teacher. I am sorry for the disturbance. I'm so sorry. I was just cleaning up from the meal.
Jesus
It's quite all right. Please be with us. Have you three met Mary yet?
Quinn
No, we haven't.
Mary
I'm sorry I can't shake your hand right now. My hands are so dirty from cooking. It's so nice to meet you.
Quinn
Nice to meet you, too.
Mary
I heard my brother may be arriving earlier than expected. Please stay long enough to see him, teacher.
Jesus
Of course.
Quinn
I'm sorry, but are you Mary Magdalene?
Mary
No, I'm Mary, the daughter of Simon.
Quinn
Oh, I'm sorry.
Mary
No need to apologize. It's a common name.
Quinn
So, may I ask where you're going next, teacher?
Jesus
I'm planning to return to Jordan soon to provide more baptisms.
Miles
When are you leaving?
Jesus
Hopefully first light tomorrow.
Lazarus
Hopefully not before spending a few moments with an old friend.
Jesus
Praise the Father. You've returned.
Lazarus
I'm delighted to see you again.
Jesus
You too, my friend. You too.
Lazarus
It's been far too long this time.
Jesus
Yes, I know. I'm sorry I have not returned to Bethany sooner. I will not wait so long next time. I assure you of that.
Charlie
But who is that?
Quinn
I don't know.
Lazarus
And who are our new friends?
Jesus
Yes, this is Miles, Quinn and Charlie.
Lazarus
Oh, it is nice to meet any new friend of the teacher.
Miles
And your name, sir?
Lazarus
Of course. Where are my manners? My name is Lazarus.
Narrator
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Quinn
Good morning, Mary.
Mary
Good morning. I hope you slept well.
Quinn
Yes, I did, thank you.
Mary
I'm preparing breakfast for the teacher. Would you like some as well?
Quinn
Yes, please. Thank you.
Mary
Very well.
Quinn
Can I ask how often you're able to see Jesus?
Mary
He's a great friend of ours and is incredibly close to My brother. And as much as we always get to see him, I always wish for more.
Quinn
This is the first time I've met him.
Mary
What an experience it is.
Quinn
Yes, quite.
Mary
You had heard about him prior, though?
Quinn
Oh, yes. My family and I love his teachings.
Mary
Oh, that's wonderful.
Quinn
It's very different being with him than to just hear or read about him.
Mary
It truly is.
Quinn
I was just actually reading in Mark the other day.
Mary
Mark?
Quinn
Oh, wait. Mary?
Mary
Yes.
Quinn
You're Mary?
Mary
Yes.
Quinn
No, I mean, you're the Mary who poured the perfume on Jesus feet, right?
Mary
Yes, I am. Would you like to hear the story?
Quinn
Absolutely.
Mary
Well, Jesus was eating with Simon.
Jesus
Thank you for opening your home to me.
Ishma
Of course. Everything was to your liking?
Jesus
It was wonderful.
Ishma
May I ask you something?
Jesus
Please.
Ishma
I wondered if you.
Mary
My Lord, please have mercy on me.
Ishma
Mary, get up, please.
Mary
Lord.
Ishma
What are you doing, woman? You're getting tears all over Jesus feet.
Mary
Please, my Lord, let me. Let me wash your feet.
Ishma
You are wasting that perfume. Get off the floor immediately.
Mary
Lord, please bless me, Jesus.
Ishma
Do you know who this woman is? If you were a true prophet of God, you would know who she is. And that you are being touched by a sinner.
Lazarus
My Lord, think of what could be done with that perfume. It could have been sold and the money used for the poor.
Ishma
My Lord, I'm about to put a stop to this.
Jesus
Be still, Simon. And you as well. Matthew, why do you trouble this woman? She has done a beautiful thing for me. Matthew, you will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. This woman, with her generosity and love, has done it. She has prepared me for burial. My Lord, I. I. Simon, a question.
Ishma
Oh, Ask it.
Jesus
A money lender had two debtors. One owed 500 denarii, the other 50. They each could not pay. What do you think the lender did?
Ishma
I don't know.
Jesus
He canceled their debt.
Ishma
Both?
Jesus
Both. Now which of them will love him more?
Ishma
The one who owed 500 because it was the largest.
Jesus
Yes. Correct. I entered your house. You gave me no water for my feet. But this woman wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss. But from the moment she entered, she has not ceased kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little loves. Little, little Mary, my sweet child. Give me your hands.
Mary
Thank you, my Lord.
Jesus
Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.
Mary
My Lord, thank you. The way he looked at me. The way he spoke to me. I'd already believed before that he was the Son of God. But in that moment, my life was changed. I understood. I am his and he is mine. I'm sorry, my dear. I didn't mean to make you cry.
Quinn
It was a beautiful story. I've heard that from somewhere.
Mary
Heard what?
Quinn
For I am his and he is mine. It's beautiful.
Miles
Good morning.
Mary
Good morning, young man. Did you sleep well?
Miles
I think I did. It felt like I didn't sleep at all, if that makes sense.
Quinn
Weird, right?
Miles
Yeah. Mary, is it okay if I go outside for a minute?
Mary
Of course. Will you be joining him?
Quinn
Quinn, I'd love to hear more stories, if you're willing.
Mary
I'd love to share. The teacher had just blessed me after I washed his feet.
Miles
This is something else.
Jesus
And what is that?
Miles
Oh, teacher, I. I didn't realize you were out here.
Jesus
It's quite all right. I was just praying.
Miles
I'm so sorry. I. I didn't mean to interrupt. I'll go back inside and help Mary.
Jesus
Mary is fine by herself. Please stay with me.
Miles
Are you sure?
Jesus
Yes. The company would be nice.
Miles
Okay. I was just wanting some fresh air. I really can leave if you'd like.
Jesus
Miles, be content. You are bothering no one.
Miles
Okay. Sorry. I'm sorry, teacher. I tend to overthink things easily.
Jesus
And why's that?
Miles
I don't know. I plan things in my head. When things don't go the way I planned, it's hard to adapt sometimes. Sometimes more like all the time.
Jesus
When you are preparing your day, what is it you're worrying about?
Miles
Everything. I start planning what I'm gonna eat, what I'm gonna wear. Homework, class, dinner, college, everything.
Jesus
Do me a favor, Miles.
Miles
Anything.
Jesus
Look at the fields in front of us. Tell me what you see.
Miles
I see plants, bushes, trees.
Jesus
What else?
Miles
Well, there's some goats over there on the left.
Jesus
And what else?
Miles
I don't think I'm seeing what you're wanting me to see.
Jesus
Look up just slightly. Now, do you see the sky brimming with life?
Miles
Yes.
Jesus
Look at the birds. They don't work the fields. They don't fish or make bread in the kitchen, yet our Father feeds them. Aren't you more valuable than they? Now look at the flowers. They don't worry about what they will wear yet. God clothes, the grass of the fields. What does worrying do for you? Does it add time to your life? Does your overthinking provide you anything other than stress for the day? Heavenly Father knows what you need. I assure you, if you seek him first and seek his righteousness, he will give you these things. You can't worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Miles
It all sounds so easy. But at the same time, not placing.
Jesus
Your worldly desires behind you to be with Jehovah is not easy. But it will be worth it.
Miles
Am I clinging to worthless idols?
Jesus
Only you and our Heavenly Father know that. But ask yourself, is there anything in my life that I am placing before God the Father? If the answer to that is yes, then the answer to your question is yes. I am simply hoping you are able to take your fear and worry to the Lord first before yourself.
Charlie
Good morning.
Jesus
Good morning.
Quinn
I'm sorry. Should. Should we wait inside?
Jesus
We were just planning the day.
Miles
So what's the plan then?
Jesus
Genoa.
Ishma
Yes, teacher.
Jesus
Is Azariah here?
Ishma
I believe he is at the market.
Jesus
Would you bring him please? Let him know I need his help.
Ishma
Absolutely.
Jesus
Teacher, the plan. We have some traveling to do.
Narrator
Thank you for joining us for Eyewitness, the Lazarus Project. Stay tuned for more thrilling episodes. This episode was sponsored by NCS Online. Looking for flexible top tier education? Choose NCS Online. Our inspired curriculum, flexible schedules and diverse materials ensure a well rounded education rooted in biblical worldview. With supportive facilitators and comprehensive assessments, your child thrives. Plus, tuition is covered by Arizona's ESA program. Enroll now for K10 at ncsonline.org.
Ishma
In.
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Summary of "I Witness: Silent Night" – Episode 3: Threads of Faith
Released May 6, 2024
[00:08] The episode opens with the protagonists Quinn, Miles, and Charlie finding themselves in an unfamiliar setting, prompting immediate curiosity and confusion.
Quinn: "Guys, where do you think we are?" [00:10]
They are greeted by a figure introducing himself as Jesus on behalf of Bethany of Judea. The atmosphere is tense as discussions hint at impending danger.
Jesus: "This night in particular is going to be a very special night, because he is coming." [00:13]
Miles expresses skepticism about the situation, leading to a brief altercation before the introduction of Ishma, who seeks to question Jesus about Yahweh.
Ishma: "We just wanted to ask him a few questions about Yahweh." [00:44]
The conversation shifts to deeper theological discussions. Ishma questions Jesus about the foremost commandment, to which Jesus responds with the well-known directive to love God and one’s neighbor.
Jesus: "The foremost commandment is that you shall love your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, shall love your neighbor as yourself." [01:54]
The dialogue takes a dramatic turn as Quinn and Charlie grapple with the introduction of Judas, a disciple destined to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
Quinn: "Judas betrays Jesus and that's what gets him killed." [04:00]
Charlie: "He gives up one of his best friends for $300?" [05:01]
This revelation adds a layer of suspense, highlighting themes of trust and betrayal within the narrative.
Mary, identified as the daughter of Simon and not Mary Magdalene, shares a poignant story about anointing Jesus’ feet, offering listeners a glimpse into acts of devotion and forgiveness.
Mary: "Jesus was eating with Simon... She has prepared me for burial." [10:51]
The narrative delves into the emotional and spiritual impact of Mary's actions, emphasizing themes of forgiveness and love.
Jesus: "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much." [12:55]
This segment underscores the transformative power of faith and the depth of Jesus' teachings on forgiveness.
Miles confides in Jesus about his struggles with overthinking and worry, setting the stage for a profound lesson on trust and faith.
Miles: "When things don't go the way I planned, it's hard to adapt sometimes." [16:16]
Jesus responds with analogies from nature, encouraging Miles to relinquish his worries and trust in divine providence.
Jesus: "Look at the birds. They don't work the fields... Aren't you more valuable than they?" [16:55]
He further emphasizes the futility of worry, urging Miles to seek righteousness and prioritize his relationship with God.
Jesus: "You can't worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." [17:06]
This interaction highlights the episode's central theme of faith overcoming anxiety, offering listeners practical spiritual guidance.
As the episode progresses, Jesus discusses plans to return to Jordan for baptisms, hinting at upcoming missions and adventures.
Jesus: "I'm planning to return to Jordan soon to provide more baptisms." [07:44]
The introduction of Lazarus further enriches the narrative, adding depth to the community surrounding Jesus and setting the stage for future developments.
Lazarus: "My name is Lazarus." [08:27]
The episode concludes with preparations for travel, leaving listeners anticipating the unfolding of new mysteries and the continuation of the characters' spiritual journeys.
Jesus: "We have some traveling to do." [19:23]
Faith and Betrayal: The introduction of Judas serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of trust even among close companions.
Forgiveness and Redemption: Mary’s act of anointing Jesus exemplifies unconditional love and the transformative power of forgiveness.
Overcoming Anxiety with Faith: Miles' struggle with overthinking and Jesus' subsequent teachings offer a relatable narrative on managing personal fears through faith.
Community and Support: The interactions among the characters underscore the importance of a supportive spiritual community in navigating life's challenges.
Jesus on Commandments: "The foremost commandment is that you shall love your God with all your heart... and with all your strength. The second is, shall love your neighbor as yourself." [01:54]
Quinn on Judas' Betrayal: "Judas betrays Jesus and that's what gets him killed." [04:00]
Jesus on Worry: "You can't worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." [17:06]
Jesus on Forgiveness: "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much." [12:55]
Episode 3 of "I Witness: Silent Night," titled "Threads of Faith," masterfully intertwines suspenseful storytelling with profound spiritual lessons. Through engaging dialogues and rich character interactions, the episode explores timeless themes of faith, betrayal, forgiveness, and the struggle to overcome personal anxieties. Notable quotes and impactful moments ensure that both seasoned listeners and newcomers are captivated and inspired by the unfolding narrative. As the characters prepare for future endeavors, listeners are left eager for the next installment in this gripping audio drama.