The Life of Jesus – Episode 19: The God Who Heals

Podcast: Fox Audio Network
Date: December 21, 2025

Episode Overview

In this immersive episode, "The God Who Heals," the Life of Jesus podcast brings to life key moments from the Book of John, focusing on Jesus' spiritual teachings and healing miracles. Through dramatic scripture readings and actor portrayals, the episode explores Jesus' encounters with Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, the healing at the pool of Bethesda, and the feeding of the five thousand. Central themes are spiritual rebirth, living water, faith, healing, and the revelation of Jesus as divine.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jesus and Nicodemus: The Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth

Timestamps: 01:04 – 04:37

• Nicodemus, a Pharisee, seeks Jesus at night for answers, acknowledging Jesus' divine authority because of the miracles he performs.
• Jesus emphasizes rebirth: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (Jesus, 01:22)
• He elaborates on the difference between flesh and spirit and introduces the concept of being "born of water and the Spirit."
• Key teaching: Entrance to the Kingdom of God requires spiritual transformation, not merely physical birth or knowledge of the law.
• Famous declaration:

  "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
  (Jesus, 03:19)

2. John the Baptist’s Testimony: Jesus’ Divine Primacy

Timestamps: 05:11 – 06:51

• John the Baptist clarifies his role as a forerunner, not the Messiah, and expresses joy at Jesus’ rising influence.

  “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John the Baptist, 05:36)

• Stresses that belief in the Son is the path to eternal life.

3. Jesus and the Samaritan Woman: Living Water and True Worship

Timestamps: 06:51 – 12:10

• Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, breaking social and cultural barriers.
• Offers her "living water," symbolizing eternal life through belief in him.

  "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again. But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst."
  (Jesus, 08:17)

• Reveals his prophetic knowledge of her life, astonishing her and leading her to recognize him as the Messiah.
• Teaches that genuine worship transcends location and ethnicity:

  "The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth."
  (Jesus, 09:35)

• The woman's testimony leads many Samaritans to faith.

4. Miracles of Healing: The Official’s Son and the Lame Man at Bethesda

The Official’s Son

Timestamps: 12:13 – 13:32

• A royal official begs Jesus to heal his dying son. Jesus assures, “Go; your son will live,” and the son recovers at that very hour. (Jesus, 13:10)

The Pool of Bethesda

Timestamps: 13:32 – 15:29

• Jesus heals a man ill for 38 years, telling him to “Rise, take up your pallet and walk.” (Jesus, 14:39)
• The healing, done on the Sabbath, provokes controversy among religious authorities.

5. Jesus’ Divine Authority and Relationship with the Father

Timestamps: 15:44 – 20:59

• Jesus explains his oneness with the Father, authority to grant life, and role as judge.
• Powerful affirmation:

  “The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing...For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.”
  (Jesus, 16:01)

• Addresses the crowd’s reliance on scripture for salvation but urges them to see that these scriptures point to him:

  “Search the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me. Yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.”
  (Jesus, 18:39)

6. The Feeding of the Five Thousand and Jesus Walks on Water

Timestamps: 20:59 – 23:33

• Jesus feeds five thousand with five loaves and two fish, showing divine provision.
• After the crowd tries to make him king, he withdraws to pray alone.
• Later, Jesus walks on water to join his disciples, reassuring them:

  “It is I; do not be afraid.” (Jesus, 23:20)

7. Spiritual Bread: Eternal Satisfaction

Timestamps: 24:14 – 25:34

• The crowd pursues Jesus for more signs, referencing manna in the wilderness.
• Jesus redirects them:

  “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.”
  (Jesus, 24:34)

• Declares himself the true bread from heaven.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Spiritual Rebirth:
  “Unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (Jesus, 01:22)

• On Jesus’ Mission:
  “For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (Jesus, 03:25)

• On Humility and Divine Purpose:
  “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John the Baptist, 05:36)

• Revelation to the Samaritan Woman:
  “I who speak to you am he.” (Jesus, 10:03)

• On True Worship:
  “The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” (Jesus, 09:35)

Host’s Reflection: "Do You Want to Be Healed?"

Timestamps: 25:43 – 25:46

• The episode closes with a reflection paralleling the man at the pool and the listener’s own struggles with despair:

  “The man’s answer was filled with hopelessness and self pity...Jesus stands before us asking, ‘Do you want to be healed?’” (Ainsley Earhardt, 25:46)

• Call to faith and hope: Rise above despair with the help of Jesus.

Structuring Christianity’s Core: Powerful Episodes for Reflection

Each segment dramatizes foundational Christian beliefs about faith, healing, and the identity of Jesus. Listeners are drawn into the spiritual journey from doubt and neediness (Nicodemus, the sick man, the hungry crowds) toward acknowledgment, worship, and trust in Jesus as the source of eternal life.

For further immersion, listeners are encouraged to continue with the series as it traces Jesus' life and mission, offering both spiritual encouragement and captivating narrative drama.