This episode originally aired on December 5, 2022. Matthew begins his biography of Jesus with a genealogy. Although a genealogy seems like something we should skip, it’s surprising who we find listed in Jesus’ family tree. It’s also amazing that Matthew didn’t hesitate to include some of these individuals. From those he includes, we’re provided a great reminder that no one is beyond the grace of God. Matthew, unlike John, further shares the details concerning Jesus’ birth. However, he also includes that Jesus’ birth causes Herod to have every boy two years old and under killed in Bethlehem. This and many other details in Matthew’s account help us see that Jesus’ birth involved real people with very real hardships.

Passage: Matthew 1-2

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This episode originally aired on November 28, 2022. John begins his biography of Jesus as an adult and with what seems to be a philosophical introduction–but one that is packed with rich theology. Contrary to what we might think, the Christmas story did not begin in Bethlehem or even when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. The Christmas story–God coming from heaven to earth–has existed in the heart of God since the very beginning. That’s what John wants His readers to know. The Christmas story is part of a larger story–the overarching story of God’s redemptive plan. To truly understand the importance of Christmas, we must place it within this larger story.

Passage: John 1:1-14

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This episode originally aired on July 31, 2023. Ken and Mike review some of the key elements from season 4’s look at the Life and Times of David. They discuss David’s faith; how he’s a man after God’s own heart; what we can learn from his intimacy with God; the significance of shepherding in these accounts of David’s life; how David served God in his generation; and how he modeled for all of us the way to grow. The guys help translate what we’ve learned about David into our own lives. Also, the demolition of the Holy Land Experience brought sadness, but there may be hope on the horizon! And a listener asks, what are the plans for season 5 of Jesus Changes People?

Passages: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Samuel 17, Psalm 51, 1 Chronicles 22, 28

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