The Jesus Podcast: "I Will Be With You"

Host: Pray.com
Date: September 21, 2025

Episode Overview

This transformative episode, "I Will Be With You," masterfully dramatizes the final moments of Jesus’ post-resurrection life, culminating in His ascension and the delivery of the Great Commission. Bringing the scriptures to life through powerful storytelling, the podcast explores how Jesus’ last instructions to His disciples—foundational for Christian faith—apply in the modern world. The episode weaves emotional narrative, theological reflection, and contemporary relevance, inviting listeners to reimagine what it means to be Christ’s witnesses today.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Post-Resurrection Gathering and the Commissioning (00:00 – 05:05, 08:16 – 13:08)

• The episode opens with a vivid depiction of Jesus celebrating with His disciples after the resurrection—joy, doubt, and renewed hope blending in the shared moment.
• Jesus addresses past disbelief among His followers, gently affirming faith even when absent of sight.
  • Quote:
    "You have seen me and believed, but blessed are those who have not yet seen and still believe."
    — Jesus (02:37)
• The disciples’ expectations of a political revolution are gently but decisively redirected.
• Jesus outlines His spiritual revolution—not a political one—but a universal restoration:
  • Quote:
    "You will proclaim the gospel to my creation and reconcile their hearts to God. You will be my ambassadors... people who believe in me will be saved. However, many will reject me and be condemned."
    — Jesus (03:41)
• Jesus instructs them to await the Holy Spirit, the true source of their forthcoming power and guidance.
  • Quote:
    "You begin with faith, Peter... Yet you must wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. He will guide you into all truth... Yet it all begins with faith."
    — Jesus (04:17)
• The disciples are asked to meet Jesus on a mountaintop—a setting mirroring Godly encounters of old.

2. Ascension, Authority, and the Great Commission (08:16 – 13:08)

• 500 followers gather at dawn on the mountain for a final encounter.
• The narrative climaxes with a visual and sonic spectacle: the rising sun, swirling wind, and Jesus shimmering in glory.
• The disciples, still yearning for a restoration of Israel, are challenged and reoriented:
  • Quote:
    "Jesus, is it time for you to restore the kingdom of Israel? Is it time for you to take the throne of David and claim your authority?"
    — Peter (10:50)
• Jesus redefines the concept of authority:
  • Quote:
    "All authority I have, Peter, give to you... You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth."
    — Jesus (11:11)
  • Quote:
    "All authority in heaven and on earth is mine. I hold the very power of the universe in my hands. The power to transform and save."
    — Jesus (11:46)
• The "Great Commission" is delivered with unmatched gravitas:
  • Quote:
    "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Teach others to observe what I've taught you. To love, to obey, to sacrifice, and to serve."
    — Jesus (12:24)
• Jesus promises His continued presence, a pivotal reassurance:
  • Quote:
    "Oh my children. You are never alone. Behold, I will be with you always, even to the end of time."
    — Jesus (13:00)
• Jesus is enveloped in glory and ascends, leaving behind both a command and a living hope.

3. Living in the Light of the Resurrection—Modern Application (16:27 – 23:21)

• The host challenges listeners: What does it mean to live in light of the Resurrection in a politically charged, divisive age?
  • Jesus’ followers, then and now, must resist temptations of empire-building or political dominance.
  • Quote:
    "It's not the way of Caesar. It's not the way of Jesus. His rule was upside down to the dominating, oppressive and aggressive culture..."
    — Podcast Host (around 18:00)
• The episode underscores that the "Kingdom" is not established through force or regime change but through transformed hearts and lives.
  • Quote:
    "He wanted the souls of mankind... The Great Commission charges us to change the world one heart at a time, with the character, words and power of Jesus."
    — Podcast Host (19:00)
• The podcast calls for authentic Christian living: radical love, service to the marginalized, active evangelism, and community transformed by grace.
  • References to Romans 12:9-21 and the high standard of Christlike love and forbearance.
• The message: hold fast to mission, avoid distractions of power or political quests, and build a community that reflects Christ’s love and hope.
  • Quote:
    "May we never abandon the Great Commission in order to gain control of culture and seize power ... The Gospel comes equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit to change hearts."
    — Podcast Host (around 21:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "You have seen me and believed, but blessed are those who have not yet seen and still believe."
  — Jesus (02:37)
• "You begin with faith, Peter... Yet you must wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. He will guide you into all truth."
  — Jesus (04:17)
• "All authority I have, Peter, give to you... You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth."
  — Jesus (11:11)
• "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... I will be with you always, even to the end of time."
  — Jesus (12:24, 13:00)
• "His rule was upside down to the dominating, oppressive and aggressive culture... He wasn't after the throne of Caesar. He wanted the souls of mankind."
  — Podcast Host (around 18:00-19:00)
• "May we never abandon the Great Commission in order to gain control of culture and seize power."
  — Podcast Host (21:00)

Important Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-------------|------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00-05:05 | Jesus gathers with disciples post-resurrection | | 02:37 | Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing | | 03:41 | Jesus issues spiritual, not political, commission | | 04:17 | Jesus: "Begin with faith…await the Holy Spirit" | | 08:16-13:08 | The mountaintop ascension, the Great Commission | | 11:11 | “All authority I have I give to you…” | | 12:24 | “Go and make disciples…teach others to observe…” | | 13:00 | “I will be with you always…” (Jesus' final promise) | | 16:27-23:21 | Host applies Great Commission to contemporary life | | 19:00-21:00 | Discussion of Christian mission vs. political power |

Tone & Style

The episode combines dramatic, cinematic storytelling with gentle, earnest teaching. Jesus speaks with warmth, clarity, and authority; the narrator and host add awe and urgency, drawing the listener into the unfolding biblical drama while making it relevant to their everyday spiritual walk.

Conclusion

"I Will Be With You" powerfully brings to life the world-altering transition from Christ’s earthly ministry to the disciples’ commission, underscoring that authentic Christian living is marked by faith, dependence on the Spirit, radical love, and unwavering hope. The call is clear: followers of Jesus are to be ambassadors not of a worldly kingdom, but of a kingdom built on transformed hearts, sacrificial love, and the perpetual presence of Christ.

Stay tuned as The Jesus Podcast pivots to an immersive exploration of Christ’s parables—continuing to illuminate what it means to be citizens of His kingdom.