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Rabbi Schneider
Let us pray now. Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ and reveals through us the sweet aroma of his knowledge in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14 Dear Lord, we come to you with grateful hearts acknowledging our victory in you. Thank you that you always lead us in triumphal procession and through us spread the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. As we journey through this life, we ask that you guide us in your ways, using us as vessels to spread the beautiful fragrance of your love, grace and truth. May our lives be a living testament to our victory in Jesus, and may our words and actions point others to Him. Help us, O Lord, to remain faithful and diligent in our walk with you, and even when faced with challenges or adversities in every situation, remind us of the triumph we possess through Christ and the power of your love that overcomes the world. In the mighty 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 with Rabbi Schneider.
Ethan from Pray.com
Click the link in the description to grow closer to God. There you'll find daily prayers, Bible plans, sleep stories, and so much more, all on the Pray.com app. Click the link in the description to get started.
Narrator
Situated on opposing hills with a valley in between, the Israelites and the Philistines prepared for an impending clash. Blackened clouds obscured the sun, casting a somber shroud over the battlefield. Israel stood ready to defend their homeland from the Philistines encamped at their doorstep. This was a critical juncture, Israel's last line of defense before an invasion. The fatigue of war had already crept in. Both sides were battle worn and weary. The Philistines were bent on enslaving the Israelites. King Saul stood with his men arrayed behind him. His gaze was fixated across the divide where the Philistine army stirred, making room for an emerging figure. With each step, the earth seemed to shudder, provoking gasps of astonishment from Saul's men. A beast like man emerged from the Philistines. He dwarfed the others. His chest was a mountain of muscle, his arms like stones, and his legs as thick as oak trees. Goliath, the champion of the Philistines and titan of Gath, cast a long shadow over the valley. A defiant smile glinted beneath his helmet as he looked at the Israelites. He was like a ravenous wolf.
King Saul / Goliath / Judas (various characters)
King Saul.
Narrator
He shouted with a voice that seemed capable of splitting the earth.
King Saul / Goliath / Judas (various characters)
I stand for the Philistines as their champion. Select a man brave enough to fight me if he bests me the Philistines will be your servants yet should I crush him, you Israelites will grovel before us like the dogs you are.
Narrator
The Philistines rallied behind Goliath, their rhythmical pounding on shields intensifying Saul, perspiration dotting his brow, felt the dread settling over Israel. Goliath's challenge echoed daily for fear. 40 days invading the Israelite camp, his voice a tormenting specter haunting Saul's dreams, the Israelite soldiers were immobilized by fear.
Ryan Seacrest
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. It is Stock up Savings time now through March 31st. Spring in for store wide deals and earn four times the points. Look for in store tax to earn on eligible items from Smart Water, Healthy Choice, Continental, arrowhead, Red Bull, St James, Tillamook and Special K. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings stay. Stack up those rewards to save even more. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pick up or delivery restrictions apply. See website for full terms and conditions.
Bethenny Frankel
Let's talk about modern home shopping. It's sort of become a fun side hobby, right? Scrolling listings at night, dreaming about kitchens you've never seen or backyards you haven't even stepped foot in. All from the comfort of pretty much anywhere. Redfin knows a lot of people like you want to own but are stuck in this browsing mode loop. That's where Redfin flips the script with listings that update within minutes and tours you can book right from the Redfin app. You can see your dream home the moment it appears. Now, liking a listing is easy, but actually landing it? That's where Redfin comes in. Redfin has over 2200 agents with local expertise and Redfin agents close twice as many deals as other agents. That means they want to help you win, not just window shop. Redfin is built to help you go from just looking to wait. This could actually be home. So become the newest neighbor on the block. Visit redfin.com to start finding and start owning. That's redfin.com this is Bethenny Frankel from Just Be with Bethenny Frankel. Let me be blunt. Most dog food is junk. It just is. And I'm not feeding junk to Biggie and Smalls. That is why they eat just food for dogs. It's real 100% human grade food with ingredients I actually recognize, not mystery pellets pretending to be healthy. And once I switched, the difference was obvious. Better digestion, better skin, more energy dogs who actually feel good instead of just surviving dinner. Here's the thing you care about quality. You make an intentional choice to be healthy. So why are you gambling with your dog's health? So let's think about our furry babies. Go to justfoodfordogs.com right now and get 50% off your first box. No code. Just try it. Because once you see the difference, you're not going back.
Cindy Crawford
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Narrator
Nobody, not even the King, dared challenge him.
Ethan from Pray.com
Hello and welcome to another episode of the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan from Pray.com here to guide you through some of the most iconic stories ever told. If this podcast has blessed you thus far, please take a moment to leave a comment and review. Doing so will make sure others discover these life changing stories. And be sure to download the Pray.com app to hear the Bible come to life and make prayer a priority in your daily walk with God. We've been traversing the peaks and valleys of the Bible's most famous characters. These people's lives were marked with tragedy, triumph, faith and failure. These heroes ultimately point us toward the greatest hero of all, Jesus. Thus far, we've explored the stories of Adam, Cain, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua and Boaz. And now we enter the most iconic battle of the Bible. David versus Goliath.
Narrator
Weeks into the standoff between Goliath and the armies of Saul, David prepared food for his brothers who were soldiers under Saul. At daybreak, he loaded his donkey and set off for the base. As he approached, he heard a strange sound echoing from the battlefield. He climbed a rock for a vantage point and saw the giant cursing God and marking Saul's armies. David looked at the Israelite army. They were all cowering in fear. David's jaw tightened as he mulled over Goliath's blasphemous words. A divine rage ignited within him. Who is this Philistine to dare insult the armies of Israel and the living God? David murmured. Saul and his men retreated to camp, once again refusing to challenge Goliath. David darted towards Saul's tent without formal invitation. David burst in and knelt before the king, boldly declaring, don't let anyone lose
King Saul / Goliath / Judas (various characters)
heart because of this giant. I will confront him.
Narrator
Saul and his men suppressed their laughter at the shepherd boy. Saul helped David to his feet, saying, you can't go against him.
Rabbi Schneider
You're just a boy and he has
Narrator
been a warrior since his youth. David grinned, his eyes shimmering with determination and hope. As you know, I shepherd my father's flock. Whenever a lion or a bear took a lamp, I would chase it down and kill it. I've rescued sheep from the lion's jaws. I have slain them. This Philistine will be just like them. As he has defied the flock of God, the room fell silent. Faces tense, David said, the Lord has
King Saul / Goliath / Judas (various characters)
saved me from the lion and the bear.
Narrator
He'll save me from this giant, too. Saul looked at David thoughtfully. But perhaps this youth bore God's favorite. David held his breath, awaiting Saul's verdict. Saul finally spoke.
Ryan Seacrest
Go.
Narrator
May the Lord be with you. David collected his shepherd's staff and left. David picked five smooth stones at a nearby street, tucking them into his pouch as he prayed for God's blessing. His staff and sling were his weapons, and faith was his only armor. Yet David advanced confidently onto the battlefield, where Goliath. Goliath looked down at David and scoffed.
King Saul / Goliath / Judas (various characters)
Am I a dog that you come to me with a stick? Come and I will feed your flesh to the birds and beasts.
Narrator
David returned Goliath's scornful gaze. You rely on sword and spear, but I'd face you in the name of the Lord of Heaven and earth. David's heartbeat intensified and he raised his staff towards Goliath with defiant strength.
King Saul / Goliath / Judas (various characters)
It is my God you've challenged, Goliath, not I.
Narrator
Today the Lord will deliver you into my hands. Your head will roll off your shoulders and the world will know God fights for us. Enraged, Goliath charged at David as the giant thundered towards him. David calmly readied his sling. A single stone nestled within. He had but one opportunity to land the stone. David readied the sling and began to swing it behind him. He took a deep breath and peered at the galloping Goliath. David swiveled his hips and released the stone. It whistled through the air, striking Goliath's forehead. The impact interrupted the giant's momentum and he crumpled to the ground. Without delay, David swiftly approached the fallen Philistine, grabbed his sword and swung downward at his neck, instantly decapitating the giant. Holding up Goliath's head, he showed it to the stunned Philistines. Goliath was defeated by a shepherd empowered by God. The victorious roar of the Israelite soldiers filled the air as they charged the Philistines. David joined his brethren, fighting bravely. David's triumph brought liberation to all of Israel. His courage and faith symbolized a deeper narrative in Israel, the story of a shepherd with willing to risk his life to protect his sheep, to confront lions, giants and armies to guide his flock to safety and abundance. David's bravery reflected God's shepherding heart towards Israel. In the coming years, God would use David to guide his flock towards prosperity and security in the future. From Bethlehem, God would send another shepherd
Ryan Seacrest
hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. It is Stock up Safe Savings time now through March 31st. Spring in for storewide deals and earn four times the points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible items from Goldfish, Keebler, Doritos, all M&M's, drumstick, outshine and Kellogg's. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Stack up those rewards to save even more. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pickup or delivery restrictions apply. See website for full terms and conditions.
Bethenny Frankel
Let's talk about modern home shopping. It's sort of become a fun side hobby, right? Scrolling listings at night, dreaming about kitchens you've never seen or backyards you haven't even stepped foot in. All from the comfort of pretty much anywhere. Redfin knows a lot of people like you want to own but are stuck in this browsing mode loop. That's where Redfin flips the script with listings that update within minutes and tours you can book right from the Redfin app. You can see your dream home the moment it appears. Now, liking a listing is easy, but actually landing it. That's where Redfin comes in. Redfin has over 2200 agents with local expertise and Redfin agents close twice as many deals as other agents. That means they want to help you win. Not just window shop. Redfin is built to help you go from just looking to wait. This could actually be home. So become the newest neighbor on the block. Visit redfin.com to start finding and start owning. That's redfin.com this is Bethany Frankel from Just Be with Bethany Frankel. Let me be blunt. Most dog food is junk. It just is. And I'm not feeding junk to Biggie and Smalls. That is why they eat just food for dogs. It's real, 100% human grade food with ingredients I actually recognize, not mystery pellets pretending to be healthy. And once I switched, the difference was obvious. Better digestion, better skin, more energy. Dogs who actually feel good instead of just surviving dinner. Here's the thing. You care about quality. You make an intentional choice to be healthy. So why are you gambling with your dog's health? So let's think about our furry babies. Go to justfoodfordogs.com right now and get 50% off your first box. No code. Just try it. Because once you see the difference, you're not going back.
Cindy Crawford
Hi, I'm Cindy Crawford and I'm the founder of Meaningful Beauty. Well, I don't know about you, but like, I never liked being told, oh, wow, you look so good for your age. Like, why even bother saying that? Why don't you just say you look great at any age, Every age. That's what Meaningful Beauty is all about. We create products that make you feel confident in your skin at the age you are now. Meaningful Beauty, beautiful skin at every age. Learn more@meaningfulbeauty.com.
Narrator
One who would conquer the ultimate foe, death itself.
Ethan from Pray.com
This clash between the giant and the shepherd is famous for a reason. It speaks to the underdog in all of us who want to stand up to life's challenges. But I fear this story has been misunderstood by pop culture and Sunday school theology. As much as we'd like to think we are like David, we aren't. This story is an image of something greater going on. Goliath represents sin, death, and destruction. He's an archetype for the evil that wants to oppress our souls. Much like Saul and the armies of Israel, we feel hopeless and paralyzed to do anything. We are not David. We are not the heroes of this story. We are ineffective in the face of Goliath. The giants in our lives loom over us with menacing power. Like Saul and Israel, we require a brave champion, a good shepherd, someone who will run toward evil instead of run from it. David was the champion to face Goliath. But who is the champion to face our sin? Let's dive into the story of Jesus Christ right before he's taken to be tried, beaten and crucified. Death pursues Jesus. Will he flee or will he fight? Let's find out now.
Narrator
The brook Kidron flowed downward from the Temple Mount. The water was stained crimson from the blood of animal sacrifices. Jesus looked down at the brook, seeing his reflection in the red ripples. It was time for him to be the sacrifice. Now an enemy awaited him on the Mountain of Calvary. On the other side of the brook, a band of soldiers and officers from the chief priests march with torches and swords. They had come for him. They intended to drag him away to be tried, flogged and crucified. But the Son of God didn't flinch. He set his will like a flint and stepped over the crimson brook towards his enemies. Their swords glimmered in the torchlight. But Jesus was unfazed. They thought they had come to capture him, but they were at the mercy of Jesus. Judas appeared from them like a wolf sauntering out of its den. The wolf and the lamb stood yards away from each other, hiding the cowardice beneath an insincere smile. Judas approached his master and greeted him.
King Saul / Goliath / Judas (various characters)
Hello, Rabbi, he said.
Narrator
Then he he gave Jesus a single kiss. It was the signal for the soldiers to attack, but they refrained. Jesus looked over Judas shoulder.
Rabbi Schneider
Whom do you seek?
Narrator
He asked the soldiers. Jesus of Nazareth, they answered with their hands gripping their swords.
King Saul / Goliath / Judas (various characters)
I am he, he answered.
Narrator
And as he did, something stirred among the heavens and the earth. Thunder rumbled, lightning streaked across the sky, and the mighty winds of God bellowed against the soldiers with ferocity, pushing the men off their feet and onto their backs. Jesus knew he was being sent to slaughter, but he would not be taken as a victim. No, he was the victor. He allowed himself to be bound and taken to the cross.
Ryan Seacrest
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. It is Stock up savings time now through March 31st. Spring in for storewide deals and earn four times of points. Look for in store tax to earn on eligible items from Smart Water, Healthy Choice, Continental arrowhead, Red Bull, St James, Tillamook and Special. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Stack up those rewards to save even more. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pickup or delivery restrictions apply. See website for full terms and conditions.
Bethenny Frankel
Let's Talk about modern home shopping. It's sort of become a fun side hobby, right? Scrolling listings at night, dreaming about kitchens you've never seen or backyards you haven't even stepped foot foot in. All from the comfort of pretty much anywhere. Redfin knows a lot of people like you want to own but are stuck in this browsing mode loop. That's where Redfin flips the script. With listings that update within minutes and tours you can book right from the Redfin app, you can see your dream home the moment it appears. Now, liking a listing is easy, but actually landing it? That's where Redfin comes in. Redfin has over 2,200 agents with local expertise and Redfin agents close twice as many deals as other agents. That means they want to help you win, not just window shop. Redfin is built to help you go from just looking to wait. This could actually be home. So become the newest neighbor on the block. Visit redfin.com to start finding and start owning. That's redfin.com this is Bethany Frankel from Just Be with Bethany Frankel. Let me be blunt. Most dog food is junk. It just is. And I'm not feeding junk to Biggie and Smalls. That is why they eat just food for dogs. It's real, 100% human grade food with ingredients I actually recognize. Not mystery pellets pretending to be healthy. And once I switched, the difference was obvious. Better digestion, better skin, more energy. Dogs who actually feel good instead of just surviving dinner. Here's the thing, you care about quality. You make an intentional choice to be healthy. So why are you gambling with your dog's health? So let's think about our furry babies. Go to justfood for dogs.com right now and get 50% off your first box. No code. Just try it because once you see the difference, you're not going back.
Cindy Crawford
Now I'd like to introduce you to Meaningful Beauty, the famed skincare brand created by iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford. It's her secret to absolutely gorgeous skin. Meaningful Beauty makes powerful and effective skin care simple and it's loved by millions of women. It's formulated for all ages and all skin tones and types. And it's designed to work as a complete skin care system, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth and nourished. I recommend starting with Cindy's full regimen which contains all five of her best selling products including the amazing Youth Activating Melon Serum. This next generation serum has the power of melon leaf stem cell technology. Its melon leaf stem cells encapsulated for freshness and released onto the skin to support a visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. With thousands of glowing five star reviews, why not give it a try? Subscribe today and you can get the Amazing Amazing Meaningful Beauty system for just 49.95 that includes our introductory five piece system, free gifts, free shipping and a 60 day money back guarantee. All that available@meaningfulbeauty.com he was determined to
Narrator
face the giant of sin, death and shame.
Ethan from Pray.com
If today's reading moved you, the Pray.com app is where you can go deeper with daily prayers, Bible plans and more. Download it free link in the Description Jesus and David are connected on many different levels. First, Jesus is a direct descendant of David from the tribe of Judah. God made a covenant with David that the ultimate king would come through his lineage. Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise. Secondly, the brook that Jesus crossed to go toward his enemies was was the same brook that David crossed to run away from his enemies. David, as heroic as he was, failed in many ways. He was a great hero, but his life was also marked by scandal and moments of cowardice. But where David failed, Jesus succeeded. Jesus ran toward his betrayers and fearlessly pursued his enemy. Lastly, David's story points to Jesus ultimate victory over sin, death and destruction. 2 Corinthians chapter 2 tells us that God leads us to triumph in Christ Jesus. Romans chapter 8 declares that we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. David may have defeated Goliath, but he could not conquer his sin. Jesus was victorious over sin. In this way we have an assurance that Jesus is the greater David. Join us next time as we explore the story of the tortured philosopher and King Solomon. This son of David was heralded as the wisest man ever to live. He was responsible for building the temple of God. But for all Solomon's wisdom, darkness constantly crept at the doorstep of his heart. So stay tuned for the next episode to learn how Jesus is is the Greater Solomon.
Ryan Seacrest
Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. It is Stock up Savings time now through March 31st. Spring in for storewide deals and earn four times the points. Look for in store tax to earn on eligible items from Smart Water, Healthy Choice, Continental, arrowhead, Red Bull, St James, Tillamook and Special K. Then clip the offer in the app for automatic event long savings. Stack up those rewards to save even more. Enjoy savings on top of savings when you shop in store or online for easy drive up and go pick up delivery restrictions apply. See website for full terms and conditions.
Bethenny Frankel
There's a difference between liking a house and actually getting it. Redfin is built to make up that difference and close the gap between finding and owning the home for you. Redfin agents close twice as many deals as other agents, so when you find a home you love, you're not a step behind when it comes to making an offer. That means less watching great homes disappear and more focus on the one you'll call home. Redfin helps turn saved listings into real addresses. Get started@redfin.com own the dream this is Bethany Frankel from Just Be with Bethany Frankel. Most dog food is marketing, not nutrition. That is why Biggie and Smalls eat just food for dogs. Real 100% human grade food with ingredients I actually recognize. And yes, I do see the difference. Better digestion, healthier skin, more energy. Dogs that feel better. My babies. If you've been on the fence about switching, stop overthinking it. What's more important than your furry babies and their health? Go to justfoodfordogs.com right now and get 50% off your first box. No code needed. Just try it.
Ethan from Pray.com
I'm U.S. transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
King Saul / Goliath / Judas (various characters)
We all seem to be in a
Ethan from Pray.com
rush these days, from work to driving our kids around.
King Saul / Goliath / Judas (various characters)
But when you're behind the wheel, please
Ethan from Pray.com
do not speed a few minutes. Minutes saved by going faster is never worth the risk.
King Saul / Goliath / Judas (various characters)
So follow the speed limit, enjoy the
Ethan from Pray.com
drive, maybe bring some snacks for the kids.
King Saul / Goliath / Judas (various characters)
And know that along the way you're
Ethan from Pray.com
getting quality time with your family. Paid for by nhtsa.
Bethenny Frankel
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Cindy Crawford
Guaranteed Human.
Episode: Jesus is the Greater David
Host: Pray.com (Ethan), with storytelling contributions from Rabbi Schneider and dramatized character voices
Release Date: March 11, 2026
This episode of The Jesus Podcast explores the biblical account of David and Goliath and reveals how this iconic story ultimately points to the greater victory accomplished by Jesus Christ. With immersive storytelling, cinematic narration, and theological insight, the episode contrasts the heroism and limitations of David with the ultimate triumph of Jesus over sin, death, and evil. The theme centers on Jesus as the "Greater David"—the true champion who wins the decisive battle on our behalf.
Dramatization of Fear and Desperation (07:07–12:33):
David’s Entrance & Courage (08:21–10:39):
The Battle (10:39–12:33):
Shifting to Jesus’ Story (15:35–22:05):
Echoes and Contrasts with David (22:11–23:57):
The True Champion (15:35–16:57; 22:11–23:57):
Victory in Christ (23:57–24:09):
David’s Faith:
“The Lord has saved me from the lion and the bear. He’ll save me from this giant, too.” (David, 09:51–09:53)
Goliath’s Scorn vs. David’s Defiance:
“Am I a dog that you come to me with a stick? Come and I will feed your flesh to the birds and beasts.” (Goliath, 10:30–10:39)
“You rely on sword and spear, but I'd face you in the name of the Lord of Heaven and earth... It is my God you've challenged, Goliath.” (David, 10:39–10:53)
Podcast Reflection on the Deeper Meaning:
“As much as we'd like to think we are like David, we aren't. This story is an image of something greater going on. Goliath represents sin, death, and destruction... Like Saul and Israel, we require a brave champion, a good shepherd, someone who will run toward evil instead of run from it.” (Ethan, 15:35–16:09)
Connecting David to Jesus:
“David as heroic as he was, failed in many ways... But where David failed, Jesus succeeded. Jesus ran toward his betrayers and fearlessly pursued his enemy. Lastly, David’s story points to Jesus ultimate victory over sin, death and destruction.” (Ethan, 22:11–22:46)
"Jesus is the Greater David" is both a gripping retelling of David and Goliath and a profound exploration of how this famous story is fulfilled in the life and mission of Jesus Christ. The podcast moves beyond conventional "underdog" readings to reveal Jesus as the ultimate champion—one who, unlike David, was not only victorious over his enemies but truly conquered sin and death for all.
Next Episode Tease: The following episode will delve into King Solomon and his place in the overarching story of redemption, illustrating once again how Jesus surpasses even Israel’s wisest king.
For listeners looking to deepen their faith and understanding, the episode encourages exploration via the Pray.com app, promising daily prayers and devotional content.