The Jesus Podcast – "He is Risen" (September 11, 2025)

Episode Overview

"He is Risen," an episode of The Jesus Podcast by Pray.com, immerses listeners in the dramatic aftermath of Jesus’ crucifixion, focusing on the emotional journey of his closest female followers as they discover the empty tomb. With thoughtful narration and vivid storytelling, the episode explores grief, doubt, and despair transformed by the hope and promise of the Resurrection. Themes of faith, new beginnings, and the dismantling of social prejudice are woven throughout, offering both theological insight and personal encouragement for listeners to embrace the power of the Resurrection in their own lives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Reflection and Prayer

[00:00–01:40]

• The episode begins with Mark 16:6: “He said to them, don’t be amazed. You seek Jesus the Nazarene who has been crucified. He is risen. He’s not here. Behold the place where they laid him.”
• Prayer: A powerful invocation thanks Jesus for the Resurrection, noting how it “revolutionizes our faith” and transforms fear into hope.
  • Quote: “Because you have risen, we too can rise above our fears, our challenges, and even the stinging reality of death itself. Empower us to carry this victorious spirit into every aspect of our lives.”

2. Immersive Storytelling: The Path to the Tomb

[01:48–07:18]

• The narrative transports listeners to the early morning after the Sabbath with Mary Magdalene, Mary (mother of James), Salome, and Joanna, as they approach Jesus’ tomb burdened by loss and grief.
• Sensory details: The beauty of the morning is contrasted against the women’s emotional desolation—“The brilliant hues…were invisible to them. The earth was gray and undefined…Everything was made blurry with grief.”
• The steadfastness of these women is highlighted, as they had remained at the crucifixion, unlike many disciples who fled.

3. Mary Magdalene’s Inner Turmoil

[07:18–08:18]

• An intimate look at Mary Magdalene’s pain and anxiety post-Jesus, particularly her deep fear of returning to her former life of torment.
  • Quote (Mary Magdalene): “What if they come back?” [07:50]
  • Quote: “Without Jesus, I might slip back into the darkness.” [08:13]
• The solidarity and compassion of the other women provide her comfort as they continue toward the tomb.

4. The Angel’s Appearance & The Good News

[08:34–11:22]

• A suspenseful and dramatic recounting of the supernatural encounter:
  • The women notice the stone rolled away and light coming from inside the tomb.
  • The angel, described as “like the scattering of lightning,” reassures them:
    • Quote (Angel): “Do not be afraid…You have come to see Jesus of Nazareth, the one who was crucified, have you not?...He is not here. Come and see for yourself.” [09:09–10:15]
  • The women find the tomb empty except for grave clothes.
  • The angel tells them to inform the disciples, emphasizing Peter, and disappears as suddenly as he appeared.

5. The Women’s Transformation and Urgency

[11:22–13:30]

• The women, initially paralyzed by fear and grief, are invigorated by hope as they realize Jesus has risen.
  • The world transforms from gray to vibrant as “life, light, and hope were reborn in their hearts and the world.”
• The urgency and importance of telling the disciples is underscored.

6. Theological Reflection: The Meaning of the Resurrection

[15:30–19:15]

• Host provides analysis and personal application:
  • God chooses outcasts and marginalized individuals—women and shepherds—as key witnesses, highlighting the dignity and value of every person.
  • The episode draws parallels with Mary Magdalene’s fear of losing her newfound purpose and emphasizes that Jesus’ redemptive power is eternal, not fleeting.
  • Quote (Host): “In the kingdom of God there are no second class citizens. We are all equal at the foot of the cross and the empty tomb.” [16:21]
  • The narrative is a “vivid metaphor” for personal transformation through faith; the Resurrection colors our world with hope, even if circumstances haven’t changed.

7. Closing Message and Takeaways

[19:15–end]

• Encouragement to live as “Easter people,” letting the hope of the Resurrection transform our perspective on life’s difficulties.
• Teaser for the next episode, where Mary’s story of tragedy and restoration continues.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Opening Prayer:
  • “Because you have risen, we too can rise above our fears, our challenges, and even the stinging reality of death itself. Empower us to carry this victorious spirit into every aspect of our lives.” [00:45]
• Mary Magdalene’s Fear:
  • “What if they come back?” [07:50]
  • “Without Jesus, I might slip back into the darkness.” [08:13]
• The Angel’s Announcement:
  • “Do not be afraid…He is not here. Come and see for yourself. He is not in the place where they laid him.” [09:15–10:18]
  • “He has risen. All the women looked up at the angel.” [11:18]
• Transformation:
  • “…the Resurrection changed everything, filling the world around them with color and endless possibilities.” [15:58]
• Dismantling Barriers:
  • “The Lord elevates the voices of the marginalized and affirms the dignity and worth of every human being…In the kingdom of God there are no second class citizens.” [16:21]
• Personal Application:
  • “Let the joy and hope of the empty tomb color your world today. He is risen. He is risen indeed.” [19:10]

Important Timestamps

• [00:00–01:40] — Bible reading and opening prayer
• [01:48–07:18] — Grieving women approach the tomb
• [07:18–08:18] — Mary Magdalene’s inner struggle and fear
• [08:34–11:22] — The angel’s appearance, message, and reaction of the women
• [11:22–13:30] — The women run to tell the disciples, experiencing a shift from despair to hope
• [15:30–19:15] — Host reflects on the meaning of the Resurrection and equality in God’s kingdom
• [19:10] — Final blessings and episode close

Structure & Tone

• The episode blends dramatic narration, emotional storytelling, and reflective commentary.
• Language is reverent, compassionate, and accessible—balancing biblical fidelity with modern spiritual insight.
• Quotes and dialogue maintain the emotional intensity and immediacy of the scriptural scene.

Summary

"He is Risen" is a masterful retelling of the Resurrection that centers on the profound grief and ultimate hope experienced by Jesus’ women followers. Through immersive storytelling and thoughtful reflection, the episode affirms that the Resurrection is not only the pivotal event of Christianity but an ever-present reality for believers—inviting every listener to embrace hope, transformation, and dignity, no matter their past or present struggles. This episode is an uplifting resource for anyone seeking encouragement or a deeper connection to the heart of the Christian faith.