Episode 9: The God Of Miracles

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Life of Jesus

Episode 9: The God Of Miracles

Podcast: The Life of Jesus
Host: Fox Audio Network
Release Date: November 30, 2025
Key Voices: Neal McDonough (Jesus), Blair Underwood (Mark), Sean Astin (Matthew), Stacy Keach (John), John Rhys-Davies (Narrator), Ainsley Earhardt (Host/Commentator)

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Episode Overview

Episode 9, "The God Of Miracles," transports listeners into the heart of Jesus' miraculous ministry as chronicled in the Gospel of Mark (notably chapters 6-10). Through vivid dramatizations, actor portrayals, and direct readings from scripture, the episode highlights the abundance and diversity of miracles performed by Jesus, the powerful lessons they imparted, and the transformative expectations Jesus placed upon his followers' hearts. Each miracle—whether physical, spiritual, or social—serves to illustrate Jesus' divine authority, compassion, challenges to tradition, and the radical call to faith and self-sacrifice.

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Key Discussion Points & Segments

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand (Multiplication of Loaves and Fish)

[01:32–04:00]

• The apostles regroup with Jesus and recount their ministries.
• Jesus invites the disciples to rest, but crowds follow, "like sheep without a shepherd."
• Jesus feels "compassion" and teaches the multitude.
• Disciples urge Jesus to send the hungry crowd away, but he challenges them:
  Jesus: "You give them something to eat." (02:27)
• With five loaves and two fish, Jesus feeds over 5,000 people.
• Twelve baskets full are left over, underscoring abundance.

Notable Moment:

• Narrator: "They all ate and were satisfied." (03:15)

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Jesus Walks on Water

[04:05–04:10]

• As disciples struggle against strong winds on the sea at night, Jesus approaches them walking on water.
• The disciples are terrified, thinking they've seen a ghost. Jesus reassures: Jesus: "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." (04:05)
• He enters the boat, and the wind instantly ceases. The disciples remain astounded, still not fully grasping the significance of the miracles.

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Healing Ministry and Confrontation with Pharisees

[04:40–07:32]

• In Gennesaret and beyond, crowds bring the sick to Jesus, seeking even to touch "the fringe of his garment."
• Miraculous healings abound, validating his compassion and authority.
• Pharisees criticize the disciples for not adhering to hand-washing traditions. Jesus: "You leave the commandment of God and hold fast the tradition of men." (05:59)
• Jesus calls out hollow religiosity, emphasizing that true defilement comes not from what is outside, but "things which come out of a man."
  Jesus: "There is nothing outside a man which by going into him, can defile him. But the things which come out of a man are what defile him." (06:47)

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The Syrophoenician Woman (Demon-Possessed Daughter)

[08:01–08:49]

• Jesus travels to Tyre and Sidon, where a Greek woman begs him to heal her daughter.
• Jesus uses a metaphor of children's bread and dogs, and the woman humbly persists: Woman: "Even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." (08:38 – Ainsley Earhart's voice)
• Moved by her faith, Jesus heals the daughter remotely. Jesus: "For this saying, you may go your way. The demon has left your daughter." (08:42)

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New Healings and Second Multiplication of Loaves

[08:49–11:26]

• Deaf and mute man healed by Jesus:
  Jesus: "Ephphatha" ("Be opened!") (09:36) – The man’s speech and hearing are restored.
• Jesus feeds 4,000 with seven loaves, again highlighting both compassion and miraculous provision.

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Challenge to Signs and the Leaven of the Pharisees

[11:26–12:40]

• Pharisees demand a sign from heaven; Jesus refuses, lamenting the generation's lack of faith: Jesus: "Why does this generation seek a sign?...No sign shall be given." (11:26)
• In a teaching moment, Jesus warns about the "leaven of the Pharisees and Herod" (corrupting influence), and revisits the lessons of miraculous feedings.

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Healing of the Blind Man at Bethsaida

[12:40–13:17]

• Jesus restores sight in two stages, symbolizing gradual understanding. Blind Man: "I see men, but they look like trees walking." (13:00)

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Confession of Peter and Jesus’ Coming Passion

[13:21–14:16]

• Jesus asks: "Who do you say I am?" (13:37) Peter: "You are the Christ."
• Jesus foretells his suffering, death, and resurrection. Peter rebukes him, but Jesus responds sharply: Jesus: "Get behind me, Satan, for you are not on the side of God but of men." (14:06)

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Call to Discipleship and Sacrifice

[14:16–15:25]

• Jesus instructs on self-denial and the paradoxes of the Kingdom: Jesus: "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (14:19) Jesus: "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?" (14:34)

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The Transfiguration

[15:25–16:15]

• Jesus, Peter, James, and John experience the transfiguration: Jesus' divine glory appears, with Moses and Elijah.
• Divine voice from the cloud proclaims: Voice of God (Brian Cox): "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him." (16:10)
• They are instructed not to speak of the vision until "the Son of Man should have risen from the dead."

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Exorcism of the Possessed Boy

[17:06–19:09]

• Upon descending, Jesus confronts a crowd and a desperate father: Boy’s Father: "If you can do anything, have pity on us and help us. If you can..." (18:08) Jesus: "All things are possible to him who believes." (18:22) Boy’s Father: "I believe. Help my unbelief." (18:26)
• Jesus casts out the evil spirit after the disciples' own attempts fail. Jesus: "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." (19:09)

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Teaching: Humility, Service, and Children

[19:19–24:20]

• Arguing about “who is greatest,” the disciples are taught servant leadership: Jesus: "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." (20:03)
• Jesus cradles a child, affirming: Jesus: "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me..." (20:15)
• He stresses radical removal of causes of sin, using metaphorical language (e.g., "if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off...").
• Welcomes children, stating: Jesus: "Let the children come to me. Do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God." (24:00)

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On Marriage, Riches, and True Sacrifice

[22:32–27:02]

• Jesus fields a Pharisaic question on divorce, affirming the original unity of marriage.
• A wealthy man asks about eternal life. Jesus lists the commandments, then challenges the man to sell all possessions and follow him. The man departs sorrowful. Jesus: "How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God." (25:27) Jesus: "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (25:44)
• The disciples express amazement. Jesus reassures: Jesus: "With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God." (26:02)
• Echoing earlier teachings, Jesus concludes: Jesus: "Many that are first will be last and the last first." (26:57)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." – Jesus appearing on water (04:05)
• "All things are possible to him who believes." – Jesus to desperate father (18:22)
• "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." – Jesus on humility (20:03)
• "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?" – Jesus on true value (14:34)
• "Let the children come to me. Do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God." (24:00)
• "With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God." (26:02)

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Structural Themes

• Miracles as Evidence of Authority: Multiplying food, healing the sick, walking on water, casting out demons—each miracle reinforces Jesus' divine identity.
• Compassion: Many miracles are preceded by statements of Jesus' compassion for the crowds.
• Challenging Tradition: Jesus confronts religious legalism, prioritizing heart-change over ritual purity.
• Radical Faith and Humility: Miracles often occur in response to faith, and Jesus consistently calls his followers to humility, service, and self-sacrifice.
• Invitation to Discipleship: Jesus foreshadows his suffering, death, and resurrection, inviting those who would follow him to take up their cross.

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Conclusion

Episode 9 showcases the abundance, power, and depth of Jesus' miracles as narrated in Mark, while drawing listeners into profound teachings about faith, humility, sacrifice, and what it really means to follow the God of miracles. By dramatizing scripture through skilled actor portrayals, the episode conveys not only the wonder of what Jesus did, but also the enduring significance of how he invites every person to respond.

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For listeners:
This episode is ideal for those seeking to deepen their appreciation of Jesus’ miracles and teachings, offering a rich blend of story and lesson that resonates beyond ancient times into ongoing personal and spiritual transformation.

Transcript

[Ainsley Earhart]

The Life of Jesus podcast is sponsored by Riverbend Ranch. Hello, everyone, this is Ainsley Earhart. Thank you so much for joining me today for episode number nine of the 52 episode podcast series, the Life of Jesus. Our podcast will begin in chapter six with Mark recounting yet more miracles performed by Jesus. Miraculous events were not rare for those who followed the Son of God. They were constant. Yet the impact of these miracles was not lessened by repetition. Each time Jesus displayed his authority over all of the earth was just as astounding and wonderful as the first. Blair Underwood and Neil McDonough give inspired performances as they bring to life the miraculous events that followed Jesus wherever he went, the least of which were the hearts that were healed and the lives that were changed. More of the Life of Jesus next.

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[Narrator]

The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught.

[Jesus]

Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while.

[Narrator]

For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. Now many saw them going and knew them. And they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. As Jesus went ashore, he saw a great throng. And he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. When it grew late, his disciples came to him.

[Disciple]

This is a lonely place and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the country and villages round about and buy themselves something to eat.

[Jesus]

You give them something to eat.

[Disciple]

Shall we go and buy 200 denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?

[Jesus]

How many loaves have you? Go and see five and two fish.

[Narrator]

Then he commanded them all to sit down by companies upon the green grass. So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties, taking the five loaves and the two fish. Jesus looked up to heaven and blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. They took up 12 baskets full of broken pieces. And of the fish. Those who ate the loaves were 5,000 men. Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat. And go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida. While he dismissed the crowd. After he had taken leave of them. He went up on the mountain to pray. When evening came, the boat was out on the sea. And Jesus was alone on the land. He saw that they were making headway painfully. For the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night. He came to them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea. They thought it was a ghost and cried out. For they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them.

[Jesus]

Take heart, it is I have no fear.

[Narrator]

And he got into the boat with them. And the wind ceased. They were utterly astounded. For they did not understand about the loaves. But their hearts were hardened. And when they had crossed over. They came to land at Gennesaret. And moored to the shore. When they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him. And ran about the whole neighborhood. And began to bring sick people on their pallets. To any place where they heard Jesus was. Wherever he came, in villages, cities or country. They laid the sick in the marketplaces. And besought him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. Now, when the Pharisees gathered together to Jesus. With some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem. They saw that some of his disciples ate with hands defiled. That is unwashed. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands. Observing the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the marketplace. They do not eat unless they purify themselves. There are many other traditions which they observe. The washing of cups and pots and vessels of bronze. The Pharisees and the scribes asked Jesus. Why do your disciples not live according.

[Jesus]

To the tradition of the elders. But eat with hands defiled? Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites. As it is written, this people honors me with their lips. But their heart is far from me. In vain do they worship me. Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men. You leave the commandment of God and hold fast the tradition of men. You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God. In order to keep your tradition. For Moses said, honor your father and your mother. And he who speaks evil of father or mother, let him surely die. But you say, if a man tells his father or his mother. What you would have gained from me is Corban that is given to God. Then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, thus making void the word of God through your tradition which you hand on, and many such things you do.

[Narrator]

He called the people to him again.

[Jesus]

Hear me, all of you, and understand. There is nothing outside a man which by going into him, can defile him. But the things which come out of a man are what defile him.

[Narrator]

When Jesus had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable.

[Jesus]

He said to them, then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a man from outside cannot defile him since it enters not his heart but his stomach and so passes on?

[Narrator]

Thus he declared all foods clean.

[Jesus]

What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of man come evil thoughts. Fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man.

[Narrator]

And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house and would not have anyone know it, yet he could not be hid immediately. A woman whose little daughter was possessed by an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Greek, Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, let the children.

[Jesus]

First be fed, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs. Yes, Lord.

[Ainsley Earhart]

Yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.

[Jesus]

For this saying, you may go your way. The demon has left your daughter.

[Narrator]

And she went home and found the child lying in bed, the demon gone. Then Jesus returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decapolis. And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech. And they besought him to lay his hand upon him, taking him aside from the multitude. Privately he put his fingers into his ear and he spat and touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, ephphatha, that is, be opened. And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure.

[Jesus]

He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.

[Narrator]

In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him.

[Jesus]

I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come a long way. How can one feed these men with bread here in the desert? How many loaves have you?

[Disciple]

7.

[Narrator]

Jesus commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground. He took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people. And they set them before the crowd. They had a few small fish, and having blessed them, he commanded that these also should be set before the crowd. And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over seven baskets full. There were about 4,000 people. He sent them away. And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha. The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, Seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed deeply in his spirit.

[Jesus]

Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this situation. Generation.

[Narrator]

And he left them. And getting into the boat again he departed to the other side. Now they had forgotten to bring bread. And they had only one loaf with them in the boat.

[Jesus]

Take heed. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.

[Narrator]

The disciples discussed it with one another.

[Jesus]

We have no bread. Why do you disgust the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened, having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember When I broke the five loaves for the 5,000? How many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?

[Disciple]

12.

[Jesus]

And the seven for the 4,000. How many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?

[Narrator]

7.

[Jesus]

Do you not yet understand?

[Narrator]

And they came to Bethsaida. Some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. And when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands upon him.

[Jesus]

He asked him, do you see anything?

[Monster Energy Announcer]

I see men, but they look like trees walking.

[Narrator]

Then again Jesus laid his hands upon his eyes. And he looked intently and was restored and saw everything clearly. Jesus sent him away to his home.

[Jesus]

Do not even enter the village.

[Narrator]

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea, Philippi. On the way, he asked his disciples.

[Jesus]

Who do men say that I am?

[Disciple]

John the Baptist, and others say Elijah, and others one of the prophets.

[Jesus]

But who do you say that I am? You are the Christ.

[Narrator]

Jesus charged them to tell no one about him. And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed. And after three days rise again. He said this plainly. Peter took him and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, Jesus.

[Jesus]

Rebuked Peter, get behind me, Satan, for you are not on the side of God but of men.

[Narrator]

Jesus called to him the multitude with his disciples.

[Jesus]

If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it. And whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospel's will, save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation of him, Will the Son of man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels? Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.

[Narrator]

After six days, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain, apart by themselves. And. And he was transfigured before them. His garments became glistening, intensely white, as no fuller on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses. And they were talking to Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, master, it is.

[Jesus]

Well that we are here. Let us make three booths. One for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.

[Narrator]

Peter did not know what to say, for they were exceedingly afraid. And a cloud overshadowed them. And a voice came out of the cloud.

[Jesus]

This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.

[Narrator]

And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus. Only as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus charged them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man should have risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.

[Jesus]

Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come? Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should Suffer many things and be treated with contempt. But I tell you that Elijah has come. And they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him.

[Narrator]

When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd about them. And scribes arguing with them. Immediately all the crowd, when they saw Jesus, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him.

[Jesus]

He asked them, what are you discussing with them?

[Boy's Father]

Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit. Wherever it seizes him, it dashes him down. And he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. I ask your disciples to cast it out. And they were not able.

[Jesus]

Oh, faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.

[Narrator]

And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw Jesus, immediately it convulsed the boy. And he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy's father, how long.

[Jesus]

Has he had this?

[Boy's Father]

From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us if you can.

[Jesus]

All things are possible to him who believes.

[Boy's Father]

I believe. Help, my unbelief.

[Narrator]

When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit.

[Jesus]

You dumb and deaf spirit. I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.

[Narrator]

After crying out and convulsing the boy terribly, it came out and the boy was like a corpse.

[Ainsley Earhart]

He is dead.

[Narrator]

But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. When he had entered the house, his his disciples asked him privately, why could.

[Jesus]

We not cast it out? This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.

[Narrator]

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. Jesus would not have anyone know it. For he was teaching his disciples.

[Jesus]

The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.

[Narrator]

But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to ask him. They came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house, he asked them.

[Jesus]

What were you discussing on the way?

[Narrator]

But they were silent. For on the way they had discussed with one who was the greatest. Jesus sat down and called the 12.

[Jesus]

If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.

[Narrator]

And he took a child and put him in the midst of them. And taking him in his arms, he.

[Jesus]

Said to them, whoever receives one such child in my name receives me. And Whoever receives me receives not me, but him who sent me.

[Disciple]

Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name. And we forbade him because he was not following us.

[Jesus]

Do not forbid him. For no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is for us. Truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to save, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea. And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good. But if the salt has lost its saltness, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.

[Narrator]

Jesus left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan. And crowds gathered to him again and again, as his custom was he taught them. Pharisees came up and in order to test him, asked, is it lawful for.

[Disciple]

A man to divorce his wife?

[Jesus]

What? Did Moses command you?

[Narrator]

Moses allowed a man to write a.

[Jesus]

Certificate of divorce and to put her away for your hardness of heart, He. He wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. The two shall become one. So they are no longer two, but one. What therefore God has joined together, Let not man put asunder in the house.

[Narrator]

The disciples asked him again about this matter. And he said to them, whoever divorces.

[Jesus]

His wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.

[Narrator]

They were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them. And the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant.

[Jesus]

Let the children come to me. Do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.

[Narrator]

And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them. As he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him.

[Jesus]

Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments. Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud. Honor your father and mother. Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth.

[Narrator]

Jesus, looking upon him, loved him.

[Jesus]

You lack one thing. Go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.

[Narrator]

At that saying, his countenance fell, and he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked around and said to.

[Jesus]

His disciples, how hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God.

[Narrator]

And the disciples were amazed at his.

[Jesus]

Word, children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

[Narrator]

The disciples were exceedingly astonished.

[Jesus]

Then who can be saved? With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.

[Narrator]

Peter began to say to him, lo.

[Jesus]

We have left everything and followed you. Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the gospel who will not receive a hundredfold. Now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands with persecutions and in the age to come, eternal life. But many that are first will be last and the last first.

[Emily Compagno]

I'm Emily Compagno.

[Narrator]

Thank you for listening to this episode.

[Ainsley Earhart]

Of the Life of Jesus podcast series. I hope this podcast series blesses you. So good, so good, so good.

[Emily Compagno]

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[Ainsley Earhart]

We all pursue some manner of success in this world. To excel at something, to be the best at at least one thing is often a major life motivation. To become powerful, wealthy or be considered an expert in some specific field are very commonly sought after goals. Whether we long to become an influential politician or an exceptional mom, we all hope to find significance and value in our lives. However, Jesus proposes an alternative way of life that seems counterintuitive and contrary to our very natures. Rather than see seeking to be number one, we should follow a much different path toward true significance and value. Jesus said it is this whoever would be first among you must be slave of all things in God's kingdom. Work on an entirely different plane. When we give, we receive. When we give up our lives, we find them. We find value and significance in forgetting ourselves and focusing on the needs of others. However, if we focus solely on others, our own value and significance will no longer matter at all. Father, it can be so hard to take my eyes off me. I want to serve you. I know serving others is the only way to do so. Teach me how, Lord. Teach me how. Thank you for listening to episode nine of the 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.