The Family Bible Journey Podcast

To You It’s Been Given, Matthew 13:1-33 NT S1:E20

We learn the blessing of God's generous love sown into our lives. We consider the dangers that come from trying to understand Jesus' parables from a 21st century perspective, without taking into account the people, places and culture of Jesus' ministry. May we be blessed to see and hear as Jesus taught.

Languishing, Genesis 40 OT S1:E32

Joseph, languishing in prison for a crime he didn't commit finds himself the favored inmate of the warden and put in charge of the prison. He makes friends of a couple of prisoners who had served among Pharaoh's most trusted officers. When they had troubling dreams, he interpreted them. All he asked for in return is that when one of the men was restored to his position that he put word in with Pharaoh so that he can get out of jail. The man forgets Joseph, leaving him to rot in prison. Here we learn of endurance, especially when those who could help you forget you instead.

A Love, Hate Relationship, Genesis 39 OT S1:E31

Joseph finds favor in the eyes of his master Potiphar, who makes Joseph steward of everything in his house. Not only did Joseph please his master, Potiphar's wife fell head over heels for Joseph, trying to seduce him on many occasions. Joseph refused her advances as sin against Potiphar and God. In a lustful rage, Potiphar's wife striped Joseph naked and accused him of rape, for which Joseph was thrown into prison. Joseph, now twice betrayed, found himself in Pharaoh's prison, jailed for doing right the right thing.

Producing Good Fruit, Matthew 12:22-50 NT S1:E19

Here the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of the prince of demons. By refusing Him, they refused the blessing of His love. His disciples, on the other hand, he welcomed gladly not only as His disciples, but as members of His immediate family, so great was His love for them!

Who’s More Righteous? Genesis 38 OT S1:E30

In this podcast, we reflect on the righteousness of those in a story where everyone does wrong. Jacob's son Judah gives his two eldest sons in marriage to Tamar. Both die young, and so Judah decides not to give his third son as a husband to her, sending her away as a widow. This is an injustice. To get even, Tamar poses as a prostitute to subdue her father-in-law. When she is discovered pregnant, Judah demands she be killed for adultery. But Tamar had kept Judah's staff and signet as a pledge, and when she sent them back to Judah, he repented of his sin, acknowledging he had not taken care of Tamar as she deserved. 

When Dreams Become Nightmares, Genesis 36-37 OT S1:E29

Joseph's brothers find an opportunity to act on the murderous hatred stoked by their jealousy when Joseph goes to look for them out in the field. Instead of killing him, they sell him into slavery. Covering their tracks, they took Joseph's coat of many colors, tear it and dip it in blood, telling their father that Joseph was dead. Jacob laments his loss, mourning the loss of his beloved son, the son of his favored wife Rachel who had died giving birth just recently.

I Desire Mercy, Matthew 12:1-21 NT S1:E18

Jesus takes the Pharisees to task for making a god of their rules. He came to show mercy. Learn how easy it is for us to be inconsistent in how we apply the rules to ourselves and others. We do well to learn from Him how to receive mercy ourselves while showing mercy to others.

Sustaining Promises, Genesis 35 OT S1:E28

Jacob, now named Israel, loses two pillars of his life when his beloved Rachel and faithful father Isaac die in this chapter. We will learn how God's promises sustained Jacob as he resettled his family. While considering how the faith is passed to the next generation, we will take an excursus to learn how the human brain processes digital vs. paper media and how this difference impacts cognition, retention and how we relate to one another today.

A Woman Defiled, Genesis 34 OT S1:E27

The rape of Dinah was a terrible injustice forced upon her and her family shortly after they settled in the Promised Land. Her brothers Levi and Simeon couldn't stand her pain, so they slaughtered an entire community in vengeful wrath. Were they justified as her protectors or did their anger consume them and corrupt their moral compass? Either way, Jacob's family was now in jeopardy, as word about their conquest of a local village spread.

Come To Me, Matt 11 NT S1:E17

When John the Baptist is imprisoned, he sends his disciples to see and hear what Jesus is doing. Jesus commends John, as the last great prophet of the Old Testament. He encourages all who receive him in faith, recognizing that He has come to bless and give life. "Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest!"