Episode 12: Luke’s Letter To Theophilus

Summary

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The Life of Jesus — Episode 12: Luke’s Letter To Theophilus

Podcast: The Life of Jesus
Host: Fox Audio Network
Date: November 30, 2025

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Overview

This episode explores the Gospel of Luke as an immersive, dramatic reading and retelling, focusing on Luke’s orderly account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, written as a letter to Theophilus. Through narration by Michael York (as Luke) and portrayals by a star-studded cast, the episode covers the Nativity, early years of Jesus, beginnings of his public ministry, miracles, teachings, and the calling of the first disciples. The themes of humility, divine fulfillment, repentance, inclusivity, and the transformative power of Jesus’ presence are central throughout.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Birth of Jesus and Early Events

• [01:57–06:53]
  • Caesar’s Decree and Journey to Bethlehem: Introduction to the Roman census which brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem.
  • Nativity Scene: Jesus is born in humble circumstances, wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger (02:27).
  • Shepherds’ Revelation: Angels appear to shepherds announcing the birth of Christ, delivering the message—

    “Be not afraid for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy...” – Angel ([03:08])

  • Shepherds Visit: The shepherds hurry to see the newborn and share the angel’s message with others.
  • Mary’s Reflection:

    “Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” – Narrator ([04:39])

  • Simeon and Anna in the Temple: Simeon, led by the Spirit, recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and prophesies both promise and hardship for Mary. Anna, the prophetess, praises God and speaks prophetically about Jesus.

2. The Boy Jesus in the Temple

• [06:53–08:58]
  • Family’s Pilgrimage: Joseph, Mary, and Jesus visit Jerusalem for Passover when Jesus is twelve.
  • Lost and Found: Jesus is found after three days in the temple, astonishing teachers with his wisdom.
  • Jesus’ Response:

    “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” – Jesus ([08:54])

  • Growth: Jesus increases “in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man.”

3. John the Baptist and the Preparation of the Way

• [08:58–13:15]
  • Historical Context: Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate, and other local rulers are named, marking the time.
  • John’s Message:

    “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” – John the Baptist ([10:36])

    • Calls for sincere repentance and social justice (“He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none.” – John, [11:14]).
    • Emphasizes spiritual lineage over physical descent from Abraham.
    • Announces the coming of one “mightier than I...He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
  • John Imprisoned: Herod imprisons John for confronting his immoral actions.

4. Jesus’ Baptism, Genealogy, and Temptation in the Wilderness

• [13:15–17:38]
  • Baptism: Jesus is baptized; the Holy Spirit descends as a dove and a voice from heaven proclaims,

    “Thou art my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased.” – Voice of God ([13:15])

  • Genealogy: Recites Jesus’ ancestry back to Adam and God, underscoring divine purpose.
  • Temptation:
    • Jesus fasts for forty days, is tempted by the devil three times:
      • Turning stone to bread (“Man shall not live by bread alone.” – Jesus, [16:23])
      • Worldly power in exchange for worship (“You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only…” – Jesus, [16:57])
      • Protection through reckless action (“You shall not tempt the Lord your God.” – Jesus, [17:31])

5. Early Ministry and Rejection in Nazareth

• [17:38–20:13]
  • Galilean Ministry: Jesus teaches in synagogues; his fame grows.
  • Nazareth Synagogue Reading: Jesus reads Isaiah’s prophecy about the Messiah and declares,

    “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” – Jesus ([18:58])

  • Initial Amazement, Then Outrage: The congregation is first amazed, then offended at Jesus’ references to Gentiles receiving God’s favor over Israelites.
  • Attempted Violence:
    • The crowd tries to throw Jesus off a cliff, but he escapes (“But passing through the midst of them, he went away.” – Narrator, [20:13])

6. Miracles, Exorcisms, and Healings

• [20:13–28:18]
  • Authority Over Spirits:
    • Jesus rebukes and expels a demon, astonishing the people:

      “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” – Narrator ([21:18])

  • Physical Healings:
    • Heals Simon Peter’s mother-in-law and many sick brought to him.
    • Cleanses a leper:

      “If you will, you can make me clean.” – Leper ([24:55])
      “I will, be clean.” – Jesus ([25:03])

    • Heals a paralyzed man lowered through the roof, declaring forgiveness of his sins—challenging religious authorities who see this as blasphemy:

      “Which is easier, to say ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or to say ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” – Jesus ([26:46])

    • The people respond with awe:

      “We have seen strange things today.” – Narrator ([27:13])

7. Calling of Disciples and Radical Welcome

• [23:35–28:31]
  • Call of Fishermen:
    • After a miraculous catch of fish, Jesus calls Simon Peter, James, and John:

      “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” – Jesus ([24:26])

    • “They left everything and followed him.”
  • Call of Levi (Matthew):
    • Jesus eats with tax collectors and “sinners,” challenging social boundaries,

      “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” – Jesus ([28:18])

8. Newness of Jesus’s Ministry—Parables of the Old and New

• [28:31–29:41]
  • On Fasting and New Wine:
    • Jesus uses the metaphors of wedding guests, garments, and wineskins to describe his unique mission and the necessity of new forms for new content.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Announcement to Shepherds:

  “Be not afraid for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people.” — Angel ([03:08])

• Simeon’s Prayer:

  “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to thy people Israel.” – Simeon ([06:02])

• Young Jesus in the Temple:

  “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” – Jesus ([08:54])

• John the Baptist’s Rebuke:

  “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” – John the Baptist ([10:36])

• Divine Affirmation at Baptism:

  “Thou art my beloved Son, with thee I am well pleased.” – Voice of God ([13:15])

• Temptation Responses:

  “Man shall not live by bread alone.” – Jesus ([16:23])
  “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.” – Jesus ([16:57])
  “You shall not tempt the Lord your God.” – Jesus ([17:31])

• Fulfillment of Prophecy:

  “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” – Jesus ([18:58])

• Restoration and Authority:

  “Which is easier, to say ‘Your sins are forgiven you’ or to say ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” – Jesus ([26:46])

• Radical Welcome:

  “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” – Jesus ([28:18])

• Parable of the Wineskins:

  “No one puts new wine into old wineskins…new wine must be put into fresh wineskins…” – Jesus ([29:09])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:57] – Nativity and Shepherds
• [03:08] – Angel’s proclamation to Shepherds
• [06:02] – Simeon’s prophecy
• [06:53] – Young Jesus in the temple
• [10:36] – John the Baptist’s fiery sermon
• [13:15] – The Baptism of Jesus
• [16:23] – First wilderness temptation
• [18:24] – Jesus reads Isaiah in Nazareth synagogue
• [20:13] – Jesus escapes Nazareth mob
• [21:15] – Exorcism in synagogue
• [24:07] – Miraculous catch of fish and call of disciples
• [26:25] – Healing of paralyzed man
• [28:18] – Eating with sinners
• [29:09] – Parables of new wine and old wineskins

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Reflection and Application

At the close, Ainsley Earhardt offers a contemporary reflection inspired by John the Baptist’s presence outside the norms of society, challenging listeners to recognize the God-given value in every individual and to extend understanding and love to those who differ from us ([30:27]).

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This summary distills the immersive storytelling, narration, and dramatic readings of Luke’s Gospel from this episode, highlighting its blend of biblical fidelity, rich cast performances, and relevant reflections on faith, humility, and divine grace.

Transcript

[Ainsley Earhart]

The Life of Jesus podcast is sponsored by Riverbend Ranch. Hello everyone, this is Ainsley Earhart. Thank you so much for joining me for this episode of the 52 episode podcast series, the Life of Jesus. In this Life of Jesus podcast, we will continue the Gospel of Luke. Luke was a physician who set out to chronicle Jesus life, ministry, death and resurrection in a very rational account. It is the story as told to him by those who knew Jesus best, the eyewitnesses of his life. He wrote this account as a letter to someone named Theophilus. Michael York, who is known for his exceptional talent, gives voice to Luke. Michael's portrayal of Luke was one of his final projects prior to retirement. The resonance of his incredible voice is undergirded by his gentle spirit and authentic love of truth, both of which infuse this book with powerful realism. Although this is no interaction between Neil McDonough as Jesus and Michael York as Luke, their respective roles mesh seamlessly into a powerful narrative that touches deeply within the heart and soul. Let's listen as Luke continues his letter to Theophilus. You're listening to the Life of Jesus.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

Close your eyes.

[Jesus]

Exhale. Feel your body relax and let go of whatever you're carrying today.

[Ainsley Earhart]

Well, I'm letting go of the worry that I wouldn't get my new contacts in time for this class. I got them delivered free from 1-800-contacts. Oh my gosh, they're so fast.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And breathe.

[Emily Compagno]

Oh, sorry.

[Ainsley Earhart]

I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order. Oh, sorry. Namaste. Visit 1-800-contacts.com today to save on your first order.

[Emily Compagno]

1-800-Contacts.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment when Quirinius was governor of Syria and all went to be enrolled each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth and to Judea to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and lineage of David to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to be delivered and she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn in that region. There were shepherds out in the field keeping watch over their flock by night, and an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.

[Angel / Simeon / Prophetess (various biblical figures)]

Be not afraid for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a savior who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you. You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God.

[Angel / Simeon / Prophetess (various biblical figures)]

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace among men with whom he is pleased.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one.

[Jesus]

Another, let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger. When they saw it, they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. At the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the time came for their purification, according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. As it is written in the law of the Lord, every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord. A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. And this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel. And the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Inspired by the Spirit, he came into the temple. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him, according to the custom of the law, Simeon took him up in his arms and blessed God.

[Angel / Simeon / Prophetess (various biblical figures)]

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples. A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to thy people Israel.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

His father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to.

[Angel / Simeon / Prophetess (various biblical figures)]

Mary his mother, behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel. And for a sign that is spoken against and A sword will pierce through your own soul also, that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanel of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity and as a widow till she was 84. She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to God and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. Now Jesus parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover, when he was 12 years old. They went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances did not find him. They returned to Jerusalem seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When they saw him, they were astonished. Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your Father and I have been looking for you anxiously. How is it that you sought me?

[Emily Compagno]

Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

They did not understand the saying in which he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was a obedient to them. His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and man. In the 15th year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar Pontius Pilate, being governor of Judea, and Herod, being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip, tetrarch of the region of Eturia and Trachonitis, and Lysanias, Tetrarch of Abilene, in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas. The word of God came to John the Son of Zechariah in the wilderness. And he went into all the region about the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah, the prophet. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low. And the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. He said therefore to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him.

[John the Baptist]

You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come, bear fruits that befit repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, we have Abraham as our father. For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree, therefore, that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And the multitudes asked him, what then shall we do?

[John the Baptist]

He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none. And he who has food, let him do likewise.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

Tax collectors also came to be baptized.

[Jesus]

Teacher, what shall we do?

[John the Baptist]

Collect no more than is appointed.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

You soldiers also asked him, and we, what shall we do?

[John the Baptist]

Rob no one by violence or by false accusation. And be content with your wages.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

As the people were in expectation. And all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ. John answered them all.

[John the Baptist]

I baptize you with water. But he who is mightier than I is coming. The thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary. But the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

So with many other exhortations, he preached good news to the people. But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, added this to them all. He shut up John in prison. Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form as a dove and a voice came from heaven. Thou art my beloved Son, with thee.

[Jesus]

I am well pleased.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about 30 years of age. Being the son, as was supposed, of Joseph, the son of Heli, the son of Mathat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jani, the son of Joseph, the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Eslai, the son of Nagai, the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Simeon, the son of Josek, the son of Jodah, the son of Joanna, the son of Risa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, the son of Melchi, the son of Adai, the son of Kosa, the son of El Medam, the son of Er, the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jodim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonah, the son of Eliakim, the son of Meliah, the son of Mena, the son of Matatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salah, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Ani, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahar, the son of Serug, the son of Rehu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cana, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Canaan, the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God. Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the spirit for 5, 40 days in the wilderness, tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing in those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, if you.

[Devil]

Are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.

[Jesus]

It is written, man shall not live by bread alone.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

[Devil]

To you I will give all this authority and the glory for it has been delivered to me and I give it to whom I will. If you then will worship me, it shall all be yours.

[Jesus]

It is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple.

[Devil]

If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here. For it is written he will give his angels charge of you to guard you, and on their hands they will bear you up lest you strike your foot against a stone.

[Jesus]

It is said you shall not tempt the Lord your God.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee. And a report concerning him went out through all the surrounding country. He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And he went to the synagogue, as his custom was. On the Sabbath day he stood up to read. And there was given to him the book of the prophet Isaiah. He opened the book and found the place where it was written.

[Jesus]

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And he closed the book and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.

[Jesus]

Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And all spoke well of him and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth.

[Jesus]

Is not this Joseph Son? Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb. Physician, heal yourself. What we have heard you did at Capernaum do here also in your own country. Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his own country. But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land. And Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to Zarephath in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha. And none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. And they rose up and put him out of the city and led him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw him down headlong. But passing through the midst of them, he went away. He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and he was teaching them on the Sabbath. And they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, ah. What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.

[Jesus]

Be silent. And come out of him.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And when the demon had thrown the man down in the midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. They were all amazed, what is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out. And reports of him went out into every place in the surrounding region. He arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon's house. Now Simon's mother in law was ill with a high fever, and they besought him for her. Jesus stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she rose and served them. When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to him. And he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many.

[Angel / Simeon / Prophetess (various biblical figures)]

You are the Son of God.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. When it was day he departed and went into a lonely place. The people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them. But he said to them, I must.

[Jesus]

Preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this person purpose.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea while the people pressed upon Jesus to hear the word of God. He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats by the lake. But the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats which was Simons, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, put out into the deep.

[Jesus]

And let down your nets for a catch. Master, we toiled all night and took nothing, but at your word I will let down the nets.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish. As their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus knees.

[Devil]

Depart from me, for I am a.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

Sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished and all that were with him at the catch of fish which they had taken. And so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.

[Jesus]

Jesus said to Simon, do not be afraid. Henceforth you will be catching men.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. While he was in One of the cities there came a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and besought him, lord, if.

[Jesus]

You will, you can make me clean.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him.

[Jesus]

I will be clever, clean.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

Immediately the leprosy left him. Jesus charged him to tell no one.

[Jesus]

But go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded for a proof to the people.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

But so much the more. The report went abroad concerning him, and great multitudes gathered to hear and to be healed of their infirmities. But Jesus withdrew to the wilderness and prayed. On one of those days, as he was teaching, there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Behold, men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed. And they sought to bring him in and lay him before Jesus. But finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said.

[Jesus]

Man, your sins are forgiven you.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, who is this that speaks blasphemies who can forgive sins but God only When Jesus perceived their questionings, he.

[Jesus]

Answered them, why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier to say your sins are forgiven you? Or to say, rise and walk. But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins, I say to you, rise, take up your bed and go home.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And immediately, immediately the man rose before them and took up that on which he lay and went home glorifying God. Amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe. We have seen strange things today. After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office. And he said to him, follow me. And Levi left everything and rose and followed him. Levi made him a great feast in his house. And there was a large company of tax collectors and others sitting at table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes murmured against his disciples.

[Jesus]

Why do you eat and drink with.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

Tax collectors and sinners?

[Jesus]

Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

[Angel / Simeon / Prophetess (various biblical figures)]

The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers.

[Narrator (Michael York as Luke)]

And so did the disciples of the Pharisees.

[Jesus]

But yours eat and drink can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. In those days, no one tears a piece from a new and puts it upon an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the peace from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins, and no one after drinking old wine, desires new, for he says, the old is good.

[Emily Compagno]

I'm Emily Compagno, author of the number one New York Times bestselling book Under His Wings, How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops. I hope this podcast deepens your faith and leaves you with hope and joy. Thank you for listening. We'll be back with more after this. At Capella University, Learning online doesn't mean learning alone. You'll get support from people who care about your success, like your enrollment specialist who gets to know you and the goals you'd like to achieve. You'll also get a designated academic coach who's with you throughout your entire program. Plus, career coaches are available to help you navigate your professional goals. A different future is closer than you think with Capella University.

[Ainsley Earhart]

Learn [e-mail] John the Baptist was certainly an interesting character. He is often portrayed as a veritable wild man, complete with unkempt hair and outrageous behavior. He was not by any means socially acceptable. How often do we encounter those whose presence and demeanor seem peculiar and disconcerting? We recoil from the homeless without knowing anything at all about their past. We distance ourselves from those whose behavior deviates from the norm. Those who are autistic or who suffer from debilitating ailments are often shunned simply for their differences. However, there is no person without God given value and no life is without purpose in God's plan. Let us look beneath the surface and find the treasure implanted by our Creator within every single life. Father, teach me to love those I do not understand. Help me to see a child you love within every soul that touches mine. Thank you for listening to this, the 12th episode of the 52 episode podcast the Life of Jesus. Make sure to spread the word. Listen ad free with a Fox News Podcast plus subscription on Apple Podcasts, Amazon prime members can listen ad free on the Amazon Music app.

[Jesus]

Hey, Ryan Reynolds here wishing you a very happy half off holiday because right now Mint Mobile is offering you the gift of 50% off unlimited. To be clear, that's half price, not half the service. Mint is still premium unlimited wireless for a great price. So that means a half day. Yeah, give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront.

[Ainsley Earhart]

Payment of $45 for three month plan equivalent to $15 per month required new customer offer for first three months only. Speed slow after 35 gigabytes of network's busy taxes and fees extra. See mint mobile.com.