The Life of Jesus - Episode 18: A Crown Of Thorns

Podcast: The Life of Jesus
Host: Fox Audio Network
Featured Cast: Sean Astin (Matthew), Kristen Bell (Mary Magdalene), Neal McDonough (Jesus), Blair Underwood (Mark), Malcolm McDowell (Caiaphas), Stacy Keach (John), Hill Harper, Julia Ormond, Michael York (Luke), Brian Cox, John Rhys-Davies, Ainsley Earhardt (Narration)
Release Date: December 21, 2025
Episode Length: ~30 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode immerses listeners in the final hours of Jesus Christ's life according to the Gospel of Luke, dramatizing the events leading up to His crucifixion, His death, and the stunning aftermath of the empty tomb and resurrection appearances. Moving beyond the agony and injustice of the Passion, the episode transitions into hope and vindication, culminating in Jesus’ post-resurrection encounters and teachings, and a powerful introduction from the Gospel of John.

Key Discussion Points & Recap

1. Jesus on Trial and the Road to Crucifixion

• (01:03-03:30):
  • Jesus is brought before Pilate, accused of perverting the nation and proclaiming Himself as Christ the King.
  • Pilate finds no guilt but is pressured by the crowd.
  • Jesus is sent to Herod, who mocks Him and sends Him back to Pilate.
• (03:30-04:13):
  • Pilate, despite stating Jesus’ innocence, eventually yields to the crowd’s cries for crucifixion, releasing Barabbas instead.
    • Pilate (as read by Michael York): “I find no crime in this man.” (01:34)
• (04:13-05:55):
  • Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry the cross behind Jesus.
  • Jesus speaks to the “daughters of Jerusalem,” warning them of coming judgement.
    • Jesus (Neal McDonough): “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.” (05:10)

2. The Crucifixion at Golgotha (“the Skull”)

• (06:19-08:38):
  • Jesus is crucified between two criminals.
  • He prays for His executioners:
    • Jesus: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (06:19)
  • One criminal mocks, the other defends Jesus and asks to be remembered in His kingdom.
    • Jesus: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (07:57)
  • Darkness falls, the temple curtain is torn. Jesus dies after commending His spirit to God.
    • Jesus: “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.” (08:27)
  • The centurion declares:
    • Centurion: “Certainly this man was innocent.” (08:38)

3. The Burial and Discovery of the Empty Tomb

• (09:40-11:47):
  • Joseph of Arimathea, described as a righteous council member, claims Jesus’ body and places it in a tomb.
  • Women prepare burial spices; on the first day of the week, they find the tomb open and Jesus’ body gone.
  • Two angels appear and declare:
    • Angel: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” (11:27)
  • The women relay this news to the apostles, who initially doubt, but Peter rushes to see for himself.

4. The Road to Emmaus and Resurrection Appearances

• (12:56-17:24):
  • Two disciples encounter the unrecognized, risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus. He explains the necessity of His suffering and how Scripture pointed to Himself.
    • Jesus: “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (14:03)
  • At dinner, Jesus is revealed in the “breaking of the bread” (14:40-15:14).
    • Cleopas: “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?” (15:08)
  • Jesus appears among His disciples, showing them His wounds and eating fish to demonstrate His bodily resurrection.
    • Jesus: “Peace to you… See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Handle me and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have.” (15:44-16:13)
  • He commissions them to preach repentance and forgiveness beginning from Jerusalem, promising the gift of the Holy Spirit.

5. The Ascension

• (17:24-18:10):
  • Jesus blesses the disciples in Bethany and is carried up into heaven. The disciples return to Jerusalem in joy.

6. Transition: The Prologue of John’s Gospel

• (18:10-21:47):
  • The tone shifts with the iconic opening of John’s Gospel, introducing profound themes of incarnation:
    • John (Stacy Keach): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.” (18:10-19:09)
  • John the Baptist testifies that he is “not the Christ,” but the voice preparing the way.
    • John the Baptist (Malcolm McDowell): “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord.” (20:51)
    • “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (21:31)

7. Early Encounters and the First Miracle

• (21:47-27:11):
  • Jesus gathers His first followers: Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, Nathanael—He sees and calls them by name.
    • Nathanael to Jesus: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God. You are the King of Israel.” (24:29)
    • Jesus: “Because I said I saw you under the fig tree…you shall see greater things than these…You will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” (24:39)
  • Wedding at Cana—His first miracle: turning water into wine at His mother’s request.
    • Mary (Julia Ormond): “Do whatever he tells you.” (25:29)
    • The miracle is described as the first sign of His glory (26:18).

8. Cleansing of the Temple and Signs

• (27:11-28:23):
  • Jesus drives out money changers from the temple, declaring:
    • Jesus: “You shall not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” (27:11)
  • He cryptically foretells His death and resurrection:
    • Jesus: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (27:31)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Christ’s Innocence and the Injustice of the Crucifixion:

  • Pilate: “I find no crime in this man.” (01:34)
  • Centurion: “Certainly this man was innocent.” (08:38)

• On Forgiveness and Redemption:

  • Jesus (on the cross): “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (06:19)
  • Jesus (to the thief): “Today you will be with me in paradise.” (07:57)

• On Despair and Joy:

  • Cleopas (after recognizing Jesus): “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road?” (15:08)

• On Resurrection and Commission:

  • Jesus: “Peace to you…Handle me and see. For a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have.” (15:44-16:13)
  • Jesus: “…that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” (16:53-17:06)

• On Identity and Mission:

  • John the Baptist: “I baptize with water. But among you stands one whom you do not know…This is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” (21:09-21:21)
  • Jesus (to Nathanael): “You shall see greater things than these.” (24:39)

• On the Nature of Christ:

  • John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…” (18:10)

Important Timestamps

• 01:03 – Jesus before Pilate; accusations and questioning
• 03:30 – Barabbas released, Jesus sentenced
• 04:13 – The walk to Calvary, Jesus speaks to the women
• 06:19 – The crucifixion begins; prayer for His executioners
• 07:57 – Promise to the penitent thief
• 08:27 – Jesus’ final words and death
• 09:40 – The burial and discovery of the empty tomb
• 11:27 – Angel’s message: “He is not here, but has risen”
• 14:03 – Jesus’ teaching on the road to Emmaus
• 15:44 – Jesus’ first appearance to the assembled disciples
• 17:24 – Ascension
• 18:10 – Prologue to John’s Gospel
• 21:31 – John the Baptist points to Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God…”
• 25:29 – Wedding at Cana, water into wine
• 27:11 – Cleansing the temple

Tone and Style

Dramatic, reverent, and immersive—this episode uses acclaimed actors to breathe new life into scripture, focusing on both intense sorrow and radiant hope. The narration combines solemnity with emotional depth, echoing the gravity of the Passion and the awe of the Resurrection. Dialogue is delivered in a timeless, scripture-based register.

Summary for New Listeners

Episode 18 covers the emotional and pivotal conclusion of Luke’s Gospel: Jesus’ unjust trial, crucifixion, and the universal despair of His followers. The narrative then turns to resurrection hope as Jesus is revealed alive—first to women, then to disciples, opening their understanding and foreshadowing the spread of His message. The episode transitions into the spiritual majesty of John’s Gospel, setting up the divine scope of Jesus’ identity.

Listeners are drawn through Jesus’ suffering, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection, ending with assurance and commission to share the joy and forgiveness that Christ brings. Through powerful performances and carefully curated scripture, the episode captures both the tragedy and the triumph at the heart of the New Testament.