The Life of Jesus

Episode 45: Touched By An Angel
Fox Audio Network | March 29, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, the podcast journeys through the second chapter of Hebrews and explores the spiritual significance of Jesus as the High Priest. Through dramatic readings of scripture and reflection, the episode emphasizes Christ's divinity, His humanity, and the role of angels as ministering spirits. Special focus is given to correcting popular misconceptions about angels, contrasting cultural depictions with biblical teaching.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Hebrews and Christ as High Priest (00:24–01:42)

• Host Ainsley Earhardt opens by highlighting Hebrews’ enlightening perspective on Jesus' ministry, especially His life, death, and resurrection.
  • "It gives deep insight into the fact that Jesus is our high priest." (Ainsley Earhardt, 00:24)
• The authorship of Hebrews is acknowledged as uncertain, but its spiritual authority is asserted.

2. Dramatic Reading: Hebrews Chapters 2–8 (01:42–25:57)

a. Jesus Made Lower Than the Angels—For a Time (01:42–04:51)

• The reading poetically underscores the humility of Christ:
  • "But we see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone." (Hebrews Narrator 1, 03:28)
• Jesus identified completely with humanity—His suffering and temptation make Him a compassionate High Priest.

b. Christ's Suffering, Perfection, and Priesthood (04:51–11:48)

• Jesus, like others, "shared in flesh and blood" to destroy "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil." (Hebrews Narrator 1, 04:18)
• Uniquely merciful and faithful, Christ’s priesthood surpasses that of Moses.
• The only true rest—God’s “Sabbath rest”—comes from faith and obedience, not mere legal observance.
• "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword...discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews Narrator 2, 10:14)

c. Jesus, the Sympathetic High Priest (11:48–17:30)

• Christ is depicted as an eternal and compassionate intercessor.
• Memorable Moment: "We have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews Narrator 1, 11:03)
• The new covenant is introduced: Christ's offering is superior and permanent.

d. The Order of Melchizedek (18:27–22:33)

• The mysterious Melchizedek is introduced as a type of Christ—both king and priest—predating the Levitical priesthood.
• Jesus as "a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" meaning his priesthood is eternal and not based on lineage.
• "But he holds his priesthood permanently because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them." (Hebrews Narrator 1 & 2, 22:10–22:29)

e. The New Covenant (23:25–25:57)

• The distinction between old and new covenants is highlighted.
• God's new promise is to write His law on believers’ hearts and offer complete forgiveness of sins.
• "I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." (Hebrews Narrator 3, 25:41)

3. Reflection: Understanding Angels Biblically (26:45–28:43)

• Ainsley Earhardt debunks popular myths about angels, emphasizing their biblical roles as warriors, messengers, and ministering spirits:

  • "There is a misconception that seems widespread that human beings whose lives in this world have ended become angels in the next. This is not at all true." (Ainsley Earhardt, 26:52)

• Angels and humans are distinct creations—angels enable, minister, and sometimes appear to believers for God's purposes, but do not become or originate as humans.

• "God's angels are certainly warriors...They are messengers of God who have announced amazing acts of God in this world. And they are warriors fighting the powers of darkness in an ageless battle waged throughout the heavens." (Ainsley Earhardt, 27:11)

Prayer of Gratitude for Angels

• Short reflection and prayer thanking God for angelic beings and divine assistance.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jesus’ Priesthood:

  • "He is a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." (Multiple, e.g., 13:17, 18:27, 21:31)
  • "He did this once for all when he offered up himself." (22:58)

• On Scriptural Faith:

  • "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (11:07)
  • "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf." (17:37)

• On Angels:

  • "Angels are heavenly beings who serve God continually. They interact with humanity as ministering spirits, sometimes visible, sometimes not." (Ainsley Earhardt, 27:03)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:24 — Introduction to Hebrews and episode theme (Ainsley Earhardt)
• 01:42 — Dramatic reading: Hebrews 2–8 (Narrators)
  • 03:28 — Jesus made lower than the angels
  • 11:03 — Jesus as the sympathetic High Priest
  • 17:37 — Jesus as hope and anchor ("inner shrine behind the curtain")
  • 18:27 — Explanation of Melchizedek
  • 22:58 — Once-for-all sacrifice
  • 24:52 — Announcement of a new covenant
  • 25:41 — "I will remember their sins no more"
• 26:45 — Reflection on angels: correcting common myths (Ainsley Earhardt)
• 27:11 — Angels as warriors and ministering spirits
• 27:52 — Prayer of gratitude for angels

Episode Tone & Language

The episode combines a reverent, scriptural tone in the narration with the accessible explanations and warm reflection characteristic of Ainsley Earhardt's hosting. Actor readings bring scripture to life with drama and clarity, while the reflective segment gently invites listeners to a biblically grounded understanding of angels.

Summary

Episode 45 centers on the spiritual identity of Jesus as High Priest and clarifies the distinct and powerful scriptural roles of angels. Through immersive narration of Hebrews and thoughtful commentary, the episode challenges misconceptions, encourages fortitude in faith, and celebrates the hope, intercession, and grace made possible through Christ. Listeners are reminded of the continuous spiritual support available through both Christ’s priestly ministry and the often unseen work of angels.