Episodes

Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman who was surprised a Jew would talk to her. Why did the Jews and Samaritans hate each other so much? Let’s find out together as we read John 4:1-26 and Nehemiah 4 & 6.

Jesus and his disciples baptized, which caused John’s disciples to be jealous. What does John say about it? Let’s find out together as we read John 3:22-36 and Zechariah 12 and 13.

Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee, wants to talk to Jesus, but Jesus has a message for him. What is it? Let’s find out together as we read John 3:1-10 and Psalm 87.

At the beginning of his ministry Jesus drives out the animals and the merchants inside the temple. Why does he do that? Let’s find out together as we read John 2:12-25 and Psalm 69.

Jesus first miracles isn’t a healing or bringing someone back from the dead. It’s to give wine to a poor couple. Why is that so important? Let’s find out together as we read John 2:1-11 and Psalms 44 and 91.

John calls Jesus “the Lamb of God” twice. Why does he do that? Let’s find out together as we read John 1:29-51 and Leviticus 4.

The tempter comes to test Jesus. He responds to every trial with scripture. How does that work? Let’s find out together as we read Matthew 4:1-11, Deuteronomy 6:10-25 and Deuteronomy 8:1-10.

Jesus asks John to baptize him and the Spirit comes on Jesus. Why was that important? Let’s find out together as we read Matthew 3:13-17 and Isaiah 44.

John the baptist talks about Jesus in all four gospels before Jesus shows up. What does he say about him? Let’s find out together as we read Luke 3:15-20 and Ezekiel 36:16-37:14.

When John tells the people to repent, they do! But they don’t know what to do, so they ask John. What did he tell them? Let’s find out together as we read Luke 3:10-14 and Amos 2:6-16 and 5:4-17.

John tells those who come to be baptized that they should repent. This is a common theme of the Old Testament. Why should God’s chosen people have to repent? Let’s find out together as we read Luke 3:7-9 and 2 Chronicles 7:1-22.

All four gospel writers quote the same passage from Isaiah to introduce John the baptist. What’s so important about that passage? Let’s find out together as we read Luke 3:1-6, Mark 1:4-8 and Isaiah 40:1-11.

The Gospel of John’s introduction to John the baptist focuses on Jesus as the light and the Word. But Jesus’ own people didn’t receive him. Does the Old Testament predict that? Let’s find out together as we read John 1:6-18 and Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

Jesus’ parents lose Jesus in Jerusalem and can’t find him for three days during what is probably his Bar-Mitzveh. When they finally find him in the temple, he tells them he was in his Father’s house. What did he mean when he said that? Let’s find out together as we read Luke 2:41-52 and Psalm 19.

Joseph is told to return to Israel after Herod dies. When he does, Matthew quotes a prophecy from the Old Testament that we can’t even find! Where does it come from? Let’s find out together as we read Matthew 2:19-23, Luke 2:39-40 and Isaiah 11:1-12:6.

Matthew tells the story of Jesus’ family fleeing to Egypt. Then he quotes two Old Testament passages. One isn’t a prophecy, and the other is a prophecy of deep mourning! What’s up with that? Let’s find out together as we read Matthew 2:13-21 and Hosea 11:1-12:1 and Jeremiah 31:1-26.

Joseph and Mary fulfill the requirements of Jewish law in naming Jesus at 8 days, and redeeming his a first-born at 30 days. Two elderly saints see Jesus and recognize him as Messiah, even though he’s just a month old. What do they say? Let’s find out together as we read Luke 2:21-38 and Isaiah 42-43.

Persian astrologers come to visit Jesus and they worship him. Why did foreigners come to worship Jesus when his own people ignored him? Let’s find out together as we read Matthew 2:1-12 and Micah 5:1-6:8.

Jesus’ first visitors were simple farmers, shepherds. Why does Luke focus on the lowly so much? Let’s find out together as we read Luke 2:8-20 and Lamentations 4-5.

Matthew and Luke tell of Jesus’ birth from two different sets of eyes. What do they say? Let’s find out together as we read Matthew 1:18-25, and Isaiah 7-8.

Matthew’s account of Jesus’ genealogy has 40 generations from Abraham to Jesus, and names four women, each of whom is an odd choice. Why does Matthew do that? Let’s find out together as we read Matthew 1:2-17 and Ruth 1 and 4:13-22.

Once John was born and named, his father Zechariah was healed from being mute. What did Zechariah say first? Let’s find out together as we read Luke 1:57-80 and Malachi 2:17-3:6 and Jeremiah 31:31-37.

After Gabriel told Mary about Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Mary stayed with Elizabeth during her final trimester. What happened? Let’s find out together as we read Luke 1:39-56 and Psalms 98 and 107.