The Life of Jesus – Episode 23: Faith Of A Mustardseed

Fox Audio Network | December 21, 2025
An immersive retelling of the final chapters of the Gospel of John: the crucifixion, resurrection, and lasting impact of Jesus Christ.

Episode Overview

Episode 23 of The Life of Jesus podcast journeys through the last four chapters of John’s Gospel, focusing on the crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Actor portrayals breathe life into key scriptural moments, illuminating themes of sacrificial love, faith in the unseen, and the enduring hope of the resurrection. The episode centers on characters’ personal encounters with Jesus—especially Peter, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas—and reflects on the meaning of faith that persists through heartbreak and doubt.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Peter’s Denials and Jesus’ Trial

• The episode begins with the echo of Peter’s triple denial (02:09), leading immediately into Jesus’ trial before Pilate.

• Notable dialogue: The questioning of Jesus’ identity as King and the reluctance of Pilate to convict him highlight the tension between political pressures and spiritual truth.

  • Jesus to Pilate:
    “My kingship is not of this world… For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.” (03:42, 04:01)

  • Pilate’s questioning:
    “What is truth?” (04:16)

2. The Crucifixion

• The episode portrays the humiliating and brutal aspects of the crucifixion—crown of thorns, mockery, division of garments.

• The fulfillment of prophecies is emphasized, with attention to specific details such as not breaking Jesus’ legs and casting lots for his garments (08:58-09:00).

• Jesus’ final words, spoken with quiet authority:

  • “It is finished.” (10:22)

• Care for Community:

  • As Jesus dies, he entrusts his mother to the beloved disciple—showcasing his care for both spiritual and earthly relationships.
    “Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother.” (09:44)

3. Burial and the Empty Tomb

• Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus provide for Jesus’ burial, underlining both risk and reverence (11:23-12:58).
• Mary Magdalene discovers the stone rolled away (13:24), igniting confusion and sorrow among the disciples.
  • “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” (13:24)

4. Resurrection Appearances

• To Mary Magdalene:

  • In a deeply personal moment, Jesus appears to Mary, who recognizes him only when he calls her by name:
    • “Mary.” (15:17)
    • “Rabboni (Teacher)!” (15:22)

• Jesus instructs her not to cling to him physically but to bring news of his resurrection to the brethren (15:25).

• To the Disciples:

  • Jesus appears behind locked doors, greeting his disciples with peace and commissioning them:

    • “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” (16:11, 16:21)

  • He breathes on them, symbolizing the gift of the Holy Spirit (16:28-16:35).

5. Doubting Thomas and the Call to Faith

• Thomas, absent during Jesus’ earlier visit, refuses to believe without evidence (17:03):

  • “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and place my finger in the mark of the nails … I will not believe.” (17:03)

• Jesus appears again and offers Thomas the chance to touch his wounds, urging:

  • “Do not be faithless, but believing.” (17:31)

• Thomas responds powerfully:

  • “My Lord and my God!” (Jesus’ presence converts doubt to declaration.) (17:31)

• Jesus concludes:

  • “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (17:57)

6. A Final Encounter and Commission

• Jesus appears by the Sea of Tiberias, enabling a miraculous catch of 153 fish (19:07-19:57).

• He invites the disciples to “Come and have breakfast,” sharing bread and fish—a reminder of previous miracles and ongoing fellowship (20:09).

• The threefold questioning of Peter’s love, paralleling his earlier denial, ends with Jesus commissioning him:

  • “Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep… Feed my sheep.”
    (20:35-21:09)

• Jesus hints at Peter’s future martyrdom and reaffirms the call:

  • “Follow me.” (21:42)

• To a question about the beloved disciple, Jesus responds:

  • “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me.” (22:00)

7. Reflections on Faith and Doubt (Host Commentary)

• At the episode’s close, Ainslie Earhart draws a parallel between Thomas’ doubt and the struggles modern Christians often face:

  • "Doubt and lack of faith seem to be the default position for Christians when faced with deep heartbreak and overwhelming loss. But Jesus meets us at our point of need, just as he did for Thomas." (23:38)

• She emphasizes that faith often begins after hope is rekindled, inviting listeners to seek the presence of Jesus in moments of crisis.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Jesus’ Mission and Kingship:

  • “For this I was born. And for this I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.” – Jesus (04:01)

• Ultimate Surrender:

  • “It is finished.” – Jesus (10:22)
  • “My Lord and my God!” – Thomas (17:31)

• Blessing for Future Believers:

  • “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” – Jesus (17:57)

• Commission to Peter:

  • “Feed my lambs.… Tend my sheep.… Feed my sheep.” – Jesus (20:35-21:09)

• Commissioning All:

  • “Follow me.” – Jesus (21:42, 22:00)

• Host Reflection:

  • “Though we might not be able to touch the wounds in his hands, he will visit us in ways we cannot misunderstand. He will give to us whatever we need to stand in faith before him and say, along with Thomas, ‘my Lord and my God.’” – Ainslie Earhart (23:38)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Peter’s Denials & Trial before Pilate: 02:09–06:33
• Sentencing, Crucifixion, and Death: 07:05–10:29
• Burial and Tomb Sealed: 11:23–13:24
• Discovery of the Empty Tomb: 13:24–14:46
• Resurrection Appearance to Mary Magdalene: 14:52–15:47
• Jesus Appears to the Disciples: 16:11–16:51
• Thomas and the Challenge to Believe: 17:03–17:57
• Miraculous Catch & Breakfast by the Sea: 19:07–20:12
• Forgiveness and Restoration of Peter: 20:35–21:09
• Final Commission and Epilogue: 21:42–22:59
• Host Reflection on Faith and Doubt: 23:38–24:50

Tone & Presentation

True to the immersive and reverent tone of The Life of Jesus series, Episode 23 blends scripture readings, thoughtful narration, and emotionally charged performances. The voice actors convey both the agony of loss and the ecstasy of discovery, while the host’s closing remarks ground the spiritual lessons in relatable, everyday struggles.

Summary

Episode 23 encapsulates the essence of Christian faith: facing sorrow, wrestling with doubt, and ultimately discovering hope through the reality of the resurrection. Through vivid actor portrayals and faithful scripture readings, listeners are invited to witness the sacrifice, humanity, and divinity of Jesus and the transformative power his story holds—not only for those who saw him, but for everyone who believes without seeing.