Hearing Jesus: Daily Bible Study, Daily Devotional, Prayer, Hearing God & Christian Affirmations

450// Prepared Hearts: How Jesus Calls Us to Care for Others in Matthew 25

In this episode, Rachael explores the parable of separating the sheep and the goats, emphasizing the importance of being prepared. Rachael explains the symbolism of sheep and goats in Jewish culture and highlights the value placed on sheep. She discusses the significance of caring for others and the eternal consequences of righteousness vs. unrighteousness. Rachael encourages listeners to examine their hearts and live a life that bears the fruit of love and obedience to God. 

Episode Resources:

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For family discussion guides, journaling worksheets, bonus content, and our private discussion forum, please visit our Patreon page: patreon.com/HearingJesus

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449// Ready and Waiting: Jesus' Call to Spiritual Readiness in Matthew 25

In this episode, Rachael explores two parables in Matthew 25: the Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Parable of the Talents. These parables emphasize the importance of being prepared and faithful while waiting for the return of Jesus. Rachael highlights the cultural context of the parables and their significance in the kingdom of heaven. She also discusses the concepts of readiness, stewardship, and the role of believers in the kingdom.

Episode Resources:

To Sponsor a Child through Compassion International: Compassion.com/hearingjesus

Or Text HEARINGJESUS to 83393

For family discussion guides, journaling worksheets, bonus content, and our private discussion forum, please visit our Patreon page: patreon.com/HearingJesus

Coaching/Spiritual Direction: https://shehears.org/coaching

Learn: https://shehears.org

Shop: https://shehears.org/resources

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448// Known, Loved, and Protected: How the Hearing Jesus Podcast Partners with Compassion

In this episode, Rachael interviews Lori Robertson from Compassion to discuss the reasons why the Hearing Jesus Podcast has partnered with Compassion International. Together they talk about the organization's mission and impact. They cover topics such as the unique approach of Compassion, the holistic care provided to children, the long-term strategy of breaking the cycle of poverty, and the personal experiences of sponsors and sponsored children. They also address the credibility and financial integrity of Compassion and provide information on how to sponsor a child. The episode concludes with a prayer for listeners to be a reflection of God's love and to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

Episode Resources:

To Sponsor a Child through Compassion International: Compassion.com/hearingjesus

Or Text HEARINGJESUS to 83393

For family discussion guides, journaling worksheets, bonus content, and our private discussion forum, please visit our Patreon page: patreon.com/HearingJesus

Coaching/Spiritual Direction: https://shehears.org/coaching

Learn: https://shehears.org

Shop: https://shehears.org/resources

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447// Are We In the End Times? What Jesus Says About it in Matthew 24

In this episode, Rachael discusses Jesus' prediction of the destruction of the temple and the signs of the end times. Rachael emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel and living in a posture of readiness for Jesus' return. She challenges listeners to actively participate in sharing the gospel and not allow their love to become cold. Rachael also addresses the tension of longing for Jesus' return while recognizing the job we have to do in the meantime.

Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hearing Jesus for Kids - be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

This episode is a companion to Episode 63 of the Hearing Jesus for Kids Podcast.

Episode Resources:

To Sponsor a Child through Compassion International: Compassion.com/hearingjesus

Or Text HEARINGJESUS to 83393

For family discussion guides, journaling worksheets, bonus content, and our private discussion forum, please visit our Patreon page: patreon.com/HearingJesus

Coaching/Spiritual Direction: https://shehears.org/coaching

Learn: https://shehears.org

Shop: https://shehears.org/resources

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446// Heart Vs. Head: How Jesus Calls Us to An Authentic Faith in Matthew 23

In this episode, Rachael explores Matthew chapter 23, focusing on Jesus' disputes with the scribes and Pharisees. She highlights the importance of heart knowledge vs. head knowledge, making sure that we are acting in line with God's heart. Rachael also discusses the warnings Jesus gives to the hypocritical religious leaders, emphasizing the need for authenticity and integrity. 

Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hearing Jesus for Kids - be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

This episode is a companion to Episode 62 of the Hearing Jesus for Kids Podcast.

Episode Resources:

To Sponsor a Child through Compassion International: Compassion.com/hearingjesus

Or Text HEARINGJESUS to 83393

For family discussion guides, journaling worksheets, bonus content, and our private discussion forum, please visit our Patreon page: patreon.com/HearingJesus

Coaching/Spiritual Direction: https://shehears.org/coaching

Learn: https://shehears.org

Shop: https://shehears.org/resources

Takeaways:

Heart knowledge and acting in line with God's heart are more important than just knowing the scriptures.

Authenticity and integrity are crucial in one's relationship with God.

Outward appearances should align with inward character.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

01:18 Jesus' Disputes with the Scribes and Pharisees

06:09 Contextualizing the Message for the Audience

07:06 Knowing the Scriptures vs. Acting in Line with God's Heart

10:11 Warnings and Curses for Hypocrisy

13:41 The Importance of Heart Knowledge

14:25 The Illusion of Outward Cleanliness

15:22 Whitewashed Tombs and Decorated Monuments

20:13 Consequences for Rejecting the Prophets

20:36 Prayer and Reflection

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445// Interpreting the Old Testament Through Jesus : Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 22:34-46

In this episode, Rachael discusses the concept of the greatest commandment and the importance of loving God and loving others. She explains how Jesus linked the commandments understanding the rest of the Torah. 

Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hearing Jesus for Kids - be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

This episode is a companion to Episode 61 of the Hearing Jesus for Kids Podcast.

Episode Resources:

To Sponsor a Child through Compassion International: Compassion.com/hearingjesus

Or Text HEARINGJESUS to 83393

For family discussion guides, journaling worksheets, bonus content, and our private discussion forum, please visit our Patreon page: patreon.com/HearingJesus

Coaching/Spiritual Direction: https://shehears.org/coaching

Learn: https://shehears.org

Shop: https://shehears.org/resources

Takeaways

The greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Loving God and loving others are interconnected and should be the guiding principles in interpreting the rest of the Torah.

Jesus presents a riddle to the religious leaders about the Messiah's identity as the son of David and his Lord.

The religious leaders refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, despite knowing the scriptures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:38 The Greatest Commandment

02:01 Love for God and Love for Others

04:12 The Priority of Love

05:17 The Riddle of the Messiah

07:26 The Son of David and Lord

09:00 The Silence of the Religious Leaders

10:43 The Two Sides of the Coin

11:05 Interpreting the Torah

12:25 Conclusion

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444// Context Matters: Jesus' Perspective on Scripture : Devotional, Bible Study, Matthew 22:15-33

In this episode, Rachael continues the devotional reading through the book of Matthew, focusing on the middle portion of chapter 22. The chapter begins with the Pharisees and Herodians plotting to trap Jesus with a tax question. Jesus responds with wisdom, revealing God’s heart in the process.

The Sadducees then question Jesus about the resurrection, and he reveals why it’s so important to read scripture in context of the entire storyline of Scripture.

Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hearing Jesus for Kids - be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

This episode is a companion to Episode 60 of the Hearing Jesus for Kids Podcast.

Episode Resources:

To Sponsor a Child through Compassion International: Compassion.com/hearingjesus

Or Text HEARINGJESUS to 83393

For family discussion guides, journaling worksheets, bonus content, and our private discussion forum, please visit our Patreon page: patreon.com/HearingJesus

Coaching/Spiritual Direction: https://shehears.org/coaching

Learn: https://shehears.org

Shop: https://shehears.org/resources

Takeaways:

Read scripture in context and through the lens of Jesus.

Surrender to God is the priority, even in dealing with oppressive governments.

Death is not the final word; God’s covenant outlasts death.

Heaven is better than earth, and relationships will be fulfilled and even better in eternity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Matthew Chapter 22

02:08 The Pharisees' Tax Question

03:02 The Sadducees' Question about Resurrection

03:29 The Pharisees and Herodians Plot Against Jesus

04:23 The Herodians' Desire for Herodian Rule

05:16 The Issue of Taxes in Palestine

06:47 The Trap of the Tax Question

07:20 The Coin with Caesar's Image

08:44 The Priority of Surrendering to God

09:40 The Sadducees' Question about Leverite Marriage

10:05 Jesus Corrects the Sadducees' Doctrine

11:12 The Importance of Reading Scripture in Context

12:58 Jesus Affirms the Resurrection and God's Covenant

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443// Why Doesn’t God Answer My Prayers? And Other Audience Questions

In this episode, Rachael answers various questions from the audience. The topics covered include baptism for salvation, concerns about the strength of one's relationship with God, dealing with family disapproval of interracial relationships, and understanding unanswered prayers. 

Takeaways:

Baptism is not a requirement for salvation; it is a public declaration of one's faith in Jesus.

Growing in your relationship with God is a lifelong journey, and it's okay to not know everything about the Bible.

Stand firm in your convictions and set boundaries when faced with family disapproval of your choices based on biblical principles.

God's timing and ways are not always understandable to us, and unanswered prayers can be part of His greater plan.

Episode Resources:

To Sponsor a Child through Compassion International: Compassion.com/hearingjesus

Or Text HEARINGJESUS to 83393

For family discussion guides, journaling worksheets, bonus content, and our private discussion forum, please visit our Patreon page: patreon.com/HearingJesus

Coaching/Spiritual Direction: https://shehears.org/coaching

Learn: https://shehears.org

Shop: https://shehears.org/resources

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Q&A Session

00:48 Do You Need to be Baptized to Go to Heaven?

05:39 Worrying About the Strength of Your Relationship with God

07:22 Dealing with Family's Disapproval of Interracial Relationships

10:54 Understanding Unanswered Prayers

17:07 Closing Prayer and Conclusion

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442// Accepting God’s Invitation: Devotional, Bible Study: Matthew 22:1-14

In this episode, Rachael teaches on Matthew chapter 22 and explores the parable of the wedding feast. She explains the cultural context of wedding feasts in ancient times and the significance of the invitations. Rachael highlights the rejection of the initial guests and the parallel to the behavior of the religious leaders. 

Takeaways:

The parable of the wedding feast highlights the importance of accepting God's invitation to a relationship through Jesus.

The rejection of the initial guests represents the religious leaders who refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah.

The generosity of the king in inviting the commoners demonstrates God's inclusive love for all people.

Wearing the wedding clothes symbolizes faithfulness to the covenant and respect for the king.

Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hearing Jesus for Kids - be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

This episode is a companion to Episode 59 of the Hearing Jesus for Kids Podcast.

Episode Resources:

To Sponsor a Child through Compassion International: Compassion.com/hearingjesus

Or Text HEARINGJESUS to 83393

For family discussion guides, journaling worksheets, bonus content, and our private discussion forum, please visit our Patreon page: patreon.com/HearingJesus

Coaching/Spiritual Direction: https://shehears.org/coaching

Learn: https://shehears.org

Shop: https://shehears.org/resources

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:20 The Unwilling Guests

02:15 The King's Response

03:33 The Messianic Banquet

04:18 The Rejected Invitation

05:13 The Shocking Behavior

06:08 The Generosity of the King

07:03 The Mistreatment of the Servants

08:03 The Destruction of the City

08:54 Inviting the Commoners

09:49 The Wedding Clothes

10:45 Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen

12:42 Closing Prayer and Sponsorship

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441// The Capstone the Builders Rejected: Devotional, Bible Study: Matthew 21:33-46

In this episode, Rachael continues her exploration of the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on the parable of the vineyard in Matthew chapter 21. She provides background information on the social structure and power dynamics of the time, highlighting the role of the religious leaders. The parable serves as a metaphor for the religious leaders' rejection of God's prophets and ultimately Jesus himself. Jesus compares himself to the cornerstone and warns that the kingdom of God will be taken away from those who do not produce fruit. The religious leaders understand that Jesus is speaking about them but fear the crowd's response.

Calling all kids (and parents of kids)! Check out my new show Hearing Jesus for Kids - be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

This episode is a companion to Episode 58 of the Hearing Jesus for Kids Podcast.

Episode Resources:

To Sponsor a Child through Compassion International: Compassion.com/hearingjesus

Or Text HEARINGJESUS to 83393

For family discussion guides, journaling worksheets, bonus content, and our private discussion forum, please visit our Patreon page: patreon.com/HearingJesus

Coaching/Spiritual Direction: https://shehears.org/coaching

Learn: https://shehears.org

Shop: https://shehears.org/resources

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:30 The Parable of the Vineyard

03:18 Social Structure and Power Dynamics

04:12 Role of the Religious Leaders

06:47 Rejection of the Prophets

08:29 Jesus as the Cornerstone

09:51 Response of the Religious Leaders

11:17 The Kingdom of God

12:33 Compassion Partnership

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