Episode 23: Faith Of A Mustardseed

Summary

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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[Ainslie Earhart]

The Life of Jesus Podcast is sponsored by Riverbend Ranch.

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[Ainslie Earhart]

Hello everyone, this is Ainslie Earhart. Thank you for joining me for episode 23 of this 52 episode podcast series, the Life of Jesus. This podcast will cover the last four chapters of John's Gospel. His love for Jesus shines through as he tells of the heartbreaking events of Jesus last hours. His account of the crucifixion is the shortest of the Gospels. Most likely this is because reliving those hours was excruciating. Even though John wrote this account decades after Jesus death on the Cross, Stacy Keach brings to life the ecstatic excitement John experienced when he discovers Jesus had risen from the dead. Neal McDonough's portrayal of Christ exudes a deep understanding of the impact and implications of Jesus resurrection. Let's listen to the final chapters of John's account. More of the Life of Jesus next.

[Lauren Green]

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[Narrator]

Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, are not you.

[Pontius Pilate]

Also one of his disciples?

[Narrator]

I am not One of the servants of the High Priest, a kinsman of the man whose ear Peter had cut.

[Jesus]

Off asked, did I not see you in the garden with him?

[Narrator]

Peter again denied it, and at once the cock crowed. Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the Praetorium. It was early. They themselves did not enter the Praetorium so that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them.

[Pontius Pilate]

What accusation do you bring against this man?

[Chief Priests]

If this man were not an evil doer, we would not have handed him over.

[Pontius Pilate]

Take him yourselves and judge him by your own Law.

[Chief Priests]

It is not lawful for us to put any man.

[Narrator]

This was to fulfill the word which Jesus had spoken to show by what death he was to die. Pilate entered the praetorium again and called.

[Pontius Pilate]

Jesus, are you the king of the Jews?

[Jesus]

Do you say this of your own accord? Or did others say it to you about me?

[Pontius Pilate]

Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?

[Jesus]

My kingship is not of this world. If my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight that I might not be handed over to the Jews. But my kingship is not from the world.

[Pontius Pilate]

So you are a king.

[Jesus]

You say that I am a king. 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.

[Pontius Pilate]

What is truth?

[Narrator]

After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again.

[Pontius Pilate]

I find no crime in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you. At the Passover. Will you have me release for you the King of the Jews?

[Chief Priests]

They cried out, not this man, but Barabbas.

[Narrator]

Barabbas was a robber. Barabbas. Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him. The soldiers plated the crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe.

[Jesus]

Hey, King of the Jews.

[Narrator]

And struck him with their hands. Pilate went out again.

[Pontius Pilate]

See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no crime in him.

[Narrator]

So Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe.

[Pontius Pilate]

Behold the man.

[Narrator]

When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, crucify him.

[Pontius Pilate]

Crucify him. Take him yourselves and crucify him. For I find no crime in him.

[Chief Priests]

We have a law. And by that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.

[Narrator]

When Pilate heard these words, he was the more afraid. He entered the praetorium again and said to Jesus, where are you from? But Jesus gave no answer.

[Pontius Pilate]

You will not speak to me. Do you not know that I have power to release you? Have power to crucify you.

[Jesus]

You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above.

[Narrator]

Therefore.

[Jesus]

He who delivered me to you has the greater sin.

[Narrator]

Upon this. Pilate sought to release him. But the Jews cried out, if you.

[Pontius Pilate]

Release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king sets himself against.

[Narrator]

When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat at a place called the pavement. And in Hebrew, Gabbatha. Now it was the day of preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour.

[Pontius Pilate]

He said to the Jews, behold, your king.

[Chief Priests]

Away with him.

[Pontius Pilate]

Away with him. Crucify him. Crucify your king.

[Chief Priests]

We have no king but Caesar.

[Narrator]

Then Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and he went out bearing his own cross to the place called the place of a skull, which is called, in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified him. And with him two others, one on either side and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross. It read, jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. Many of the Jews read this title. For the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city. And it was written in Hebrew, in Latin and in Greek. The chief priests of the Jews then.

[Chief Priests]

Said to Pilate, do not write the King of the Jews. But this man said, I am King of the Jews.

[Pontius Pilate]

What I have written, I have written.

[Narrator]

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and made four parts, one for each soldier, also his tunic. But the tunic was without seam, woven from top to bottom. So they said to one another, let us not tear it, but cast lots.

[Jesus]

For it to see whose it shall be.

[Narrator]

This was to fulfill the Scripture. They parted my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. So the soldiers did this. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, woman, behold your son. Then he said to the disciple, behold.

[Jesus]

Your mother.

[Narrator]

And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said to fulfill the Scripture, I thirst. A bowl full of vinegar stood there. So they put a sponge full of the vinegar on Hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said.

[Jesus]

It is finished.

[Narrator]

And he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Since it was the day of preparation in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the Sabbath. For that Sabbath was a high day. The Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers Pierced his side with the spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth. That you also may believe. For these things took place that this scripture might be fulfilled. Not a bone of him shall be broken. And again another scripture says they shall look on him whom they have pierced. After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus. And Pilate gave him leave. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who had at first come to him by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. They took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now, in the place where he was crucified there was a garden. And in the garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid. So because of the Jewish day of preparation, as the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. Now, on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciples, the one whom Jesus loved.

[Mary Magdalene]

They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.

[Narrator]

Peter then came out with the other disciple and they went toward the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there. But he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came following him and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying and the napkin which had been on his head, not lined with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who reached the tomb first also went in. And he saw and believed, for as yet they did not know the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. And as she wept, she stooped to look into the tomb. She saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, woman, why are you weeping?

[Mary Magdalene]

Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.

[Narrator]

Saying this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing. But she did not know that it was Jesus.

[Jesus]

Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?

[Narrator]

Supposing him to be the gardener.

[Mary Magdalene]

She said to him, sir, if you have carried him away, Tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.

[Jesus]

Mary, she turned Rabboni.

[Narrator]

Rabboni means teacher.

[Jesus]

Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brethren and say to them. I am ascending to my Father and your Father. To my God and your God.

[Narrator]

Mary Magdalene went and said to the.

[Mary Magdalene]

Disciples, I have seen the Lord.

[Narrator]

And she told them that he had said these things to her. On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them.

[Jesus]

Peace be with you.

[Narrator]

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

[Jesus]

Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.

[Narrator]

And when he had said this, he breathed on them.

[Jesus]

Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven. If you retain the sins of any, they are retained.

[Narrator]

Now, Thomas, One of the 12 called the Twin. Was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, we have seen the Lord. But he said to them.

[Pontius Pilate]

Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails. And place my finger in the mark of the nails. And place my hand in his side, I will not believe.

[Narrator]

Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house. And Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them.

[Jesus]

Peace be with you.

[Narrator]

Then he said to Thomas, Put your.

[Jesus]

Finger here and see my hands. And put out your hand and place it in my side. Do not be faithless. But believing My Lord and my God. Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.

[Narrator]

Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples. Which are not written in this book. But these are written. That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. And that believing you may have life in his name. After this, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples. By the sea of Tiberias. And he revealed himself in this Simon Peter. Thomas called a twin, Nathaniel of Cana in Galilee. The sons of Zebedee and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, I'm going fishing. We will go with you. They went out and got into the boat. But that night they caught nothing. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach. Yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to Them.

[Jesus]

Children, have you any fish? No. Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.

[Narrator]

So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, it is the Lord. When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat dragging the net full of fish. For they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it and bread. Jesus said to them, bring some of.

[Jesus]

The fish that you have just caught.

[Narrator]

So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore full of large fish. A hundred and fifty three of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn.

[Jesus]

Come and have breakfast now.

[Narrator]

None of the disciples dared ask him, who are you? They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them. And so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples. After he was raised from the dead. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said.

[Jesus]

To Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Feed my lambs. Simon, son of John, do you love me? Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Tend my sheep. Simon, son of John, do you love me?

[Narrator]

Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, do you love me?

[Jesus]

Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you. Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and another will gird you and carry you where you do not.

[Narrator]

This he said, to show by what death he was to glorify God.

[Jesus]

Follow me.

[Narrator]

Peter turned and saw, following them, the disciple whom Jesus loved. Who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, lord, who is it that is going to betray you? When Peter saw him, he said to.

[Jesus]

Jesus, lord, what about this man? If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me.

[Narrator]

The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die. But if it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things and who has written these things. And we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

[Lauren Green]

I'm Lauren Green. Thank you for listening to this episode of the 52 episode podcast series, the Life of Jesus. Make sure to spread the word, toast.

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[Ainslie Earhart]

It's not hard for most of us to relate to Thomas, AKA Doubting Thomas Doubt and lack of faith seem to be the default position for Christians when faced with deep heartbreak and overwhelming loss. When our hearts are devastated, there seems to be little room for hope. And without hope, there cannot be faith. But Jesus meets us at our point of need, just as he did for Thomas. 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. Father, please increase my faith. Help me trust in you and never lose hope. Thank you for listening to episode 23 of this 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.

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