Episode 17: Pride Goeth Before The Fall

Summary

The Life of Jesus – Episode 17: "Pride Goeth Before The Fall"

Podcast: The Life of Jesus
Host: Fox Audio Network
Date: December 21, 2025
Episode Focus: Luke Chapters 20-22 – The Authority of Jesus, Warnings Against Pride, Prophecy of the End Times, The Last Supper, Betrayal and Denial

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Episode Overview

This episode immerses listeners in the later chapters of Luke, exploring Jesus' confrontations with religious authorities, teachings on humility, forewarnings of suffering, the institution of the Last Supper, and the pivotal beginnings of his Passion—betrayal by Judas and denial by Peter. Through dramatic performances, especially by Neal McDonough (Jesus), the narrative underscores the repeating dangers of pride and the paradoxical power found in humility and servanthood.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Challenge to Jesus’ Authority

[01:02–02:00]

• Jesus is approached in the temple by chief priests and scribes who question his authority.
• He deftly counters by questioning them about the origin of John’s baptism, exposing their duplicity.

  “Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?” — Jesus ([01:21])

• The religious leaders evade the question, prompting Jesus to withhold a direct answer about his own authority.

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2. The Parable of the Wicked Tenants & Rejection of the Messiah

[02:02–03:41]

• Jesus tells a parable about tenants who abuse and kill servants sent by their master, even murdering the master's son.

  “The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.” — Jesus ([03:20])

• The parable is a thinly veiled indictment of the religious leaders’ rejection of God’s messengers and, ultimately, Jesus himself.
• The authorities realize the parable is about them and seek to arrest Jesus, but fear the crowd.

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3. Traps Set by the Authorities: “Render to Caesar…”

[04:12–04:44]

• Spies ask if it is lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, intending to trap Jesus.
• Jesus’ answer reframes the matter:

  “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” — Jesus ([04:37])

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4. The Sadducees and the Resurrection

[05:04–06:23]

• Sadducees (who deny the resurrection) try to confound Jesus with a hypothetical about marriage in the afterlife.
• Jesus reveals the transformed state in the resurrection (“equal to angels”), emphasizing God is God of the living, not the dead.

  “Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.” — Jesus ([06:13])

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5. Jesus Questions the Interpretations of the Messiah

[06:34–06:56]

• Jesus challenges the common belief of the Messiah being merely “David’s son,” quoting the psalms to suggest the Messiah’s greater nature.

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6. Warnings Against Religious Pride

[07:03–07:31]

• Jesus teaches openly against the prideful behavior of the scribes:

  “Beware of the scribes, who like to go about in long robes and love salutations... They will receive the greater condemnation.” — Jesus ([07:03])

• Highlights the hypocrisy and greed masked by pious appearances.

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7. The Widow’s Offering: True Humility and Generosity

[07:31–07:58]

• Observing rich donors and a poor widow, Jesus remarks:

  “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she… put in all the living that she had.” — Jesus ([07:43])

• This contrasts external acts of giving with genuine sacrifice and humility.

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8. Prophecy of the Temple’s Destruction and Signs of the End

[08:04–12:46]

• Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple and a series of woes: wars, persecution, and cosmic signs.
• He cautions about coming false messiahs and urges endurance and vigilance.

  “By your endurance you will gain your lives.” — Jesus ([10:01]) “Look up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near.” — Jesus ([11:08])

• Advocates for prayerful readiness rather than anxious preparation.

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9. The Plot to Betray Jesus and Preparations for Passover

[12:46–14:52]

• The religious leaders seek a way to kill Jesus. Judas agrees to betray him for money.
• Jesus instructs Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal, giving them specific signs to follow.

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10. The Last Supper: Institution & Betrayal Foretold

[14:52–16:06]

• Jesus shares the Passover meal, instituting the Eucharist:

  “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” — Jesus ([15:29]) “This cup… is the new covenant in my blood.” — Jesus ([15:42])

• Jesus announces that one who dines with him will betray him, causing the disciples to question one another.

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11. Teaching on True Greatness & Peter’s Forthcoming Denial

[16:20–18:01]

• The disciples argue about status; Jesus redefines greatness as servanthood.

  “Let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves… But I am among you as one who serves.” — Jesus ([16:22])

• Foretells Peter’s denial, even as Peter protests his loyalty.

  “The cock will not crow this day until you three times deny that you know me.” — Jesus ([17:52])

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12. The Agony in Gethsemane and Arrest

[18:33–20:45]

• Jesus prays in deep distress, asking that the “cup” might pass but submits to God’s will.

  “Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done.” — Jesus ([18:59])

• Judas leads the arresting party, identifies Jesus with a kiss; Jesus is seized but heals a wounded servant.

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13. Peter’s Denial and Jesus’ Mockery

[21:01–22:35]

• Peter, as predicted, denies knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows.

  “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” — Jesus ([22:12])

• Peter weeps bitterly; Jesus is mocked and beaten by his captors.

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14. The Council’s Interrogation & Jesus Affirms His Identity

[22:59–23:24]

• Brought before the council, Jesus asserts that the “Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.”
• When pressed, he subtly affirms his identity as the Son of God:

  “Then you say that I am.” — Jesus ([23:20])

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Authority:
  “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” — Jesus ([01:53])
• On Giving and Sacrifice:
  “This poor widow has put in more than all of them… she, out of her poverty, put in all the living that she had.” — Jesus ([07:43])
• On Endurance and Hope:
  “By your endurance you will gain your lives.” — Jesus ([10:01]) “Look up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near.” — Jesus ([11:08])
• On Servant Leadership:
  “But I am among you as one who serves.” — Jesus ([16:28])
• On Betrayal and Denial:
  “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” — Jesus ([20:12]) “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” — Jesus ([22:12])
• On Identity:
  “Then you say that I am.” — Jesus ([23:20])

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Reflective Epilogue on Pride

[23:51–24:50]
Ainsley Earhart closes with a reflection on pride as “a sin that will forever haunt the souls of humanity,” relating it to the pride of the Pharisees and the importance of humility, self-examination, and love as modeled by Jesus.

“No pride can exist where love rules. Father, reveal any pride that exists within me and help me walk free from its hold.” — Ainsley Earhart ([24:30])

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Episode Structure & Timestamps

• Challenge to Authority: [01:02–02:00]
• Parable of the Tenants: [02:02–03:41]
• Taxes & Caesar: [04:12–04:44]
• Sadducees/Resurrection: [05:04–06:23]
• David’s Son: [06:34–06:56]
• Warnings Against Scribes: [07:03–07:31]
• The Widow’s Mite: [07:31–07:58]
• Temple Destruction & End Time Signs: [08:04–12:46]
• Judas Betrays: [12:46–14:52]
• Last Supper: [14:52–16:06]
• Greatness and Peter’s Denial: [16:20–18:01]
• Gethsemane & Betrayal: [18:33–20:45]
• Peter’s Denial: [21:01–22:35]
• Council Interrogation: [22:59–23:24]
• Reflection on Pride: [23:51–end]

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Summary Takeaways

• The episode powerfully dramatizes some of Jesus' most important teachings on humility, the nature of true greatness, and the cost of discipleship.
• Themes of pride and hypocrisy versus humility and sacrificial love run throughout, culminating in solemn foreshadowings of Jesus’s passion and his challenge to stay faithful under trial.
• By juxtaposing religious leaders’ pride with Jesus’ example of humility and service, the episode encourages listeners to self-examine and emulate Christ’s selfless love.

Transcript

[Ainsley Earhart]

The Life of Jesus podcast is sponsored by Riverbend Ranch. Hello everyone, this is Ainsley Earhart. Welcome to this episode of the 52 episode podcast series, the Life of Jesus. Thank you so much for joining me. This podcast will pick up in chapter 20 of Luke. Luke's Gospel is the longest account of Jesus life and ministry in the New Testament by over 1000 words. It is the only one of the gospels written by a non Jewish author. Luke records 27 parables, more than any other gospel. Luke, a doctor and a learned man, obviously enjoy Jesus ability to teach using familiar object lessons. There is no more impactful way to teach. Let's join Michael York as Luke and Neil McDonough as Jesus as they continue their powerful presentation of Luke's Gospel. More of the Life of Jesus next.

[Narrator]

One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up.

[Chief Priests and Scribes]

Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who is it that gave you this authority?

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?

[Narrator]

They discussed it with one another.

[Chief Priests and Scribes]

If we say from heaven, he will say, why did you not believe him?

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

But if we say from men, all the people will stone us. For they are convinced that John was a prophet.

[Narrator]

So they answered that they did not know whence it was.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

[Narrator]

And he began to tell the people this parable.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants that they should give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty handed. And he sent another servant him also they beat and treated shamefully and sent him away empty handed. And he sent yet a third. This one they wounded and cast out. Then the owner of the vineyard said, what shall I do? I will send my beloved son. It may be they will respect him. But when the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, this is the heir. Let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. And they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.

[Narrator]

God forbid.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

What then is this that is written? The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces. But when it falls on anyone, it will crush Him.

[Narrator]

The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on him at that very hour. But they feared the people, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them. So they watched him and sent spies who pretended to be sincere that they might take hold of what he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. They asked him, teacher, we know that.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

You speak and teach rightly and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar or not?

[Narrator]

But Jesus perceived their craftiness.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

Show me a coin. Whose likeness and inscription has it? Caesar's. Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.

[Narrator]

And they were not able, in the presence of the people, to catch him by what he said. But, marveling at his answer, they were silent. There came to him some Sadducees, those who say that there is no race resurrection. And they asked him a question.

[Sadducees]

Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies having a wife but no children, the man must take the wife and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife and died without children, and the second and the third took her. And likewise all seven left no children and died afterward. The woman also died in the resurrection. Therefore, whose wife will the woman be, for the seven had her as wife.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are accounted worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. For they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. But that the dead are raised. Even Moses showed in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.

[Narrator]

Some of the scribes answered, teacher, you have spoken well. For they no longer dared to ask him any question. But he said to them, how can.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

They say that the Christ is David's Son? For David himself says in the book of Psalms, the Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet. David thus calls him Lord, so how is he his son?

[Narrator]

And in the hearing of all the people, he said to his disciples, beware.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

Of the scribes, who like to go about in long robes and love salutations in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues, in the places of honor, at feasts, who devour widows houses and for a pretense, make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.

[Narrator]

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw a poor widow put in two copper coins.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance. But she, out of her poverty, put in all the living that she had.

[Narrator]

As some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

He said, as for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down. Teacher, when will this be?

[Narrator]

And what will be the sign when this is about to take place?

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

Take heed that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name saying, I am he, and the time is at hand. Do not go after them. When you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified. For this must first take place. But the end will not be at once. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. And you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be a time for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer. For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends. And some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives. But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee. Flee to the mountains and let those who are inside the city depart. And let not those who are out in the country enter it. For these are days of vengeance to fulfill all that is written. Alas for those who are with child and for those who give suck in those days, for great distress shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now, when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near. Look at the fig tree and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves. And know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life and that day come upon you so suddenly like a snare. For it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. But watch at all times praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place and to stand before the Son of Man.

[Narrator]

Every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount Go, called Olivet. And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him. Now the feast of unleavened bread drew near, which is called the Passover. The chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people. They then Satan entered into Judas, called Iscariot, who was of the number of the 12. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Jesus to them. They were glad and engaged to give him money. So Judas agreed and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of the multitude. Then came the day of unleavened bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, Go.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

And prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.

[Narrator]

Where will you have us prepare it?

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters, and tell the householder, the teacher says to you, where is the guest room where I am to eat the Passover with my disciples? And he will show you a Large upper room furnished there. Make ready.

[Narrator]

And they went and found it as he had told. And they prepared the Passover. When the hour came, Jesus sat at table, and the apostles with him.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I shall not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

[Narrator]

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, take.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

This and divide it among yourselves. For I tell you that from now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.

[Narrator]

And he took bread. And when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.

[Narrator]

Likewise the cup after supper.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of man goes as it has been determined. But woe to that man by whom he is betrayed.

[Narrator]

They began to question one another. Which of them it was that would do this? A dispute also rose among them. Which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them. And those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest and the leader as one who serves. For which is the greater, one who sits at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who sits at table? But I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have continued with me in my trials. And I assign to you, as my father assigned to me, a kingdom that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on throne, thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel. Simon. Simon. Behold. Satan demanded to have you that he might sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren. Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death. I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day until you three times deny that you know me. When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?

[Narrator]

Nothing.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

But now let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag. And let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one. For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me. And he was reckoned with transgressors. For what is written about me has its fulfillment.

[Sadducees]

Look.

[Narrator]

Lord, here are two swords.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

It is enough.

[Narrator]

Jesus came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives. And the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, pray that you.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

May not enter into temptation.

[Narrator]

He withdrew from them about a stone's throw and knelt down and pray.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done.

[Narrator]

And there appeared to him an angel from heaven strengthening him. Being in an agony, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down upon the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.

[Narrator]

While he was still speaking, there came a crowd. And a man called Judas, one of the 12, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?

[Narrator]

When those who were about him saw what would follow, they said, lord, shall.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

We strike with the sword?

[Narrator]

And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

No more of this.

[Narrator]

He touched his ear and healed him. Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come out against him, have.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

You come out as against a robber with swords and clubs? When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour and the power of darkness.

[Narrator]

Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him to the high priest's house. Peter followed at a distance. And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a maid, seeing him as he sat in the lodge and gazing at him, this man also was with him.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

Woman, I do not know him.

[Narrator]

A little later, someone else saw him.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

You also are one of them, man. I am not.

[Narrator]

And after an interval of about an hour, still another insisted.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

Certainly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean man. I do not know what you are saying.

[Narrator]

Immediately, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed and the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.

[Narrator]

And Peter went out and wept bitterly. Now the men who were holding Jesus mocked him. They beat him. They also blindfolded him.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

Prophesy, who is it that struck you?

[Narrator]

And they spoke many other words against him, reviling him. When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away to their council.

[Chief Priests and Scribes]

If you are the Christ, tell us.

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.

[Chief Priests and Scribes]

Are you the Son of God?

[Jesus (Neil McDonough)]

Then you say that I am.

[Chief Priests and Scribes]

What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.

[Lauren Green]

I'm Lauren Green, host of the Lighthouse Faith Podcast and the author of the Devotional Light for Today. Thank you for listening to this episode of the Life of Jesus Podcast series. We will be back with more of this series after this.

[Ainsley Earhart]

AW Tozier said that pride is a sin that will forever haunt the souls of humanity. If we realize we are prideful, we seek God's forgiveness and we beg his help to walk free of this offense against God. We spend time in His Word to fill our minds and our hearts with the meekness of spirit. After much agonizing effort, we find ourselves walking free of pride and embracing a humbler and more self effacing attitude. Then we realize we have begun walking in humility and the entire process begins anew. Have you ever wondered why the pride of the Pharisees was so repugnant to Jesus? Of all the sins that pervade society, why was this, this one, so offensive? Within the heart of pride there exists room for only one ruler, self. At the core of pride there is one nucleus, the good of self. All sin against humanity can be traced to one source, love of self above all else. Jesus set the example for all to follow as he gave unstintingly of his time and energy to anyone who asked. No pride can exist where love rules. Father, Reveal any pride that exists within me and help me walk free from its hold. Help me stop serving myself and teach me to love and serve only you. Thank you for listening to episode 17 of the 52 episode podcast series, 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.