The Life of Jesus – Episode 11: The Book of Luke: Jesus’ Final Days

Fox Audio Network | November 30, 2025

Episode Overview

This immersive episode chronicles the tumultuous final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, beginning in Mark 14 and leading through the arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection, before transitioning to the opening of the Gospel of Luke. Voiced by an ensemble of renowned actors, the narrative balances poignant dramatizations and direct scripture readings, depicting both the chaos of Jesus’ final hours and the promises of hope ignited by his resurrection. The latter half introduces the careful, factual prologue of Luke, centering on the precursors to Jesus’ birth—Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Agony in Gethsemane and Jesus’ Arrest

(Mark 14, 00:30-05:41)

• Jesus predicts his disciples will fall away; Peter emphatically pledges loyalty but is warned of his future denial.
  • Jesus: “You will all fall away.” (01:30)
  • Peter: “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” (01:58)
• In Gethsemane, Jesus is “greatly distressed,” praying for the cup to pass but submitting to God’s will.
  • Jesus: “Abba, Father, all are possible to thee... Yet not what I will, but what thou wilt.” (03:10)
• The disciples repeatedly fall asleep; Jesus rebukes them:
  • Peter: “Could you not watch one hour?... The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (03:42)
• Judas arrives with an armed crowd, betrays Jesus with a kiss, and Jesus is seized.

2. The Trials: Before the Sanhedrin and Peter’s Denial

(Mark 14-15, 05:41-08:34)

• False witnesses cannot agree on charges; Jesus remains silent until pressed:
  • High Priest: “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”
  • Jesus: “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” (06:58-07:02)
• He is condemned for blasphemy, mocked, and beaten.
• Outside, Peter denies Jesus three times as predicted, then breaks down and weeps:
  • Peter (reflecting): “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” (08:27)

3. The Roman Trial and Crucifixion

(Mark 15, 09:00-15:36)

• Jesus is brought before Pilate. The crowd, urged by priests, chooses to release Barabbas; Jesus is condemned.
• Soldiers mock and beat Jesus, then crucify him at Golgotha.
• Onlookers ridicule him:
  • Mary Magdalene (mocking): “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself and come down from the cross.” (12:04)
• Jesus' last cry:
  • Jesus: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (12:56)
• At his death, the temple curtain tears; a Roman centurion declares:
  • Centurion (implied): “Truly, this man was the Son of God.” (13:14)
• Jesus is buried by Joseph of Arimathea. Mary Magdalene and others witness the burial.

4. The Resurrection and Great Commission

(Mark 16, 15:36-17:58)

• Women arrive at the tomb; the stone is rolled away and a young man in white tells them:
  • Young Man: “He has risen, he is not here… go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee.” (15:56)
• Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, others, then the eleven disciples—admonishing their unbelief.
  • Jesus: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved...” (17:18)
• The Ascension: Jesus is taken up into heaven; disciples spread the gospel with signs following.

5. Luke’s Account Begins: A Factual Prologue

(Luke 1, 18:29-28:47)

• Luke (Michael York) offers an orderly account so Theophilus may know the truth:
  • Narrator: “It seemed good to me also… to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus…” (18:29)
• The birth announcement of John the Baptist:
  • Zechariah and Elizabeth are righteous but childless; Gabriel tells Zechariah his prayer is answered.
    • Angel Gabriel: “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John... he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.” (20:13)
• Zechariah doubts; Gabriel renders him mute until the prophecy is fulfilled.
• Elizabeth conceives; in the sixth month, Gabriel appears to Mary in Nazareth.
  • Angel Gabriel: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you… you will conceive in your womb and bear a son… you shall call his name Jesus.” (22:29-23:12)
  • Mary (Elizabeth): “How shall this be, since I have no husband?” (23:12)
  • Gabriel: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you… with God nothing will be impossible.” (23:16-23:42)
  • Mary: “Let it be to me according to your word.” (23:42)
• Mary visits Elizabeth; Elizabeth is filled with the Spirit and blesses Mary:
  • Elizabeth: “Blessed are you among women… My soul magnifies the Lord…” (24:22-25:55)
• The birth and naming of John the Baptist: Zechariah regains speech and prophesies the coming of salvation and John’s prophetic role.
  • Zechariah/Mary Magdalene: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people…” (27:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Surrender in Gethsemane:
  Jesus: “Abba, Father, all are possible to thee. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what thou wilt.” (03:10)
• Revelation to the High Priest:
  Jesus: “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” (07:00-07:02)
• The Final Cry and Confession:
  Jesus: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (12:56)
  Centurion: “Truly, this man was the Son of God.” (Implied, ~13:14)
• The Resurrection Announcement:
  Young Man: “He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee.” (15:56)
• Mary’s Yes:
  Mary: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.” (23:42)
• Zechariah’s Prophecy:
  Zechariah: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people…” (27:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Gethsemane and Betrayal: 01:30 – 05:41
• Trials (Sanhedrin, Pilate) and Peter’s Denial: 05:41 – 08:34
• Crucifixion and Death: 09:00 – 15:36
• Resurrection and Great Commission: 15:36 – 17:58
• Luke’s Prologue and Annunciation: 18:29 – 23:52
• Mary’s Visit and Magnificat: 23:52 – 25:55
• Birth and Naming of John the Baptist: 25:55 – 28:47

Episode Tone & Style

The narration is reverent, intimate, and immersive. Biblical dialogue is dramatized with gravity and emotion, drawing listeners into both the agony and hope central to the Christian narrative. The transition to Luke signals a shift toward careful investigation, setting the stage for further exploration in subsequent episodes.

For listeners, Episode 11 delivers a powerful blending of drama and scripture, portraying the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus and inaugurating the Gospel of Luke’s orderly retelling—a pivotal moment in the series.