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Have you ever wondered why some conversations linger long after the meal ends? Those extra moments around the table often reveal the most profound truths and meaningful connections. In this episode of Moments to Ponder, we explore Jesus's final teachings to His disciples during their last meal together—a conversation filled with promises that still resonate powerfully today.

We unpack Jesus's stunning promise that His followers would do "greater works" than Him—not necessarily more spectacular miracles, but greater in reach and impact. This promise extends to us today, inviting us to participate in kingdom work that surpasses what Jesus accomplished in His physical ministry alone. We also clarify what it means to pray "in Jesus's name"—not as a magic formula for getting what we want, but as an alignment with His character and purposes.

The heart of this episode centers on Jesus's gift of the Holy Spirit—our Advocate, Comforter, Counselor and Guide. Where the disciples had Jesus with them physically, we have something they couldn't yet comprehend: the Spirit dwelling within us. This indwelling presence transforms everything about how we live and love. Perhaps most precious is Jesus's parting gift of peace—not as the world gives, but a supernatural tranquility that transcends circumstances and anchors our souls through any storm.

As you listen, consider which promise speaks most deeply to your current situation. Are you stepping into the "greater works" Jesus promised? Are you experiencing the peace that outshines the world's temporary offerings? The same Spirit who empowered the early church dwells in you, producing fruit that marks you as Christ's own: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Join us as we linger at the table with Jesus and receive the gifts He's offering.

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The Upper Room glows with candlelight as Jesus gathers his eleven disciples close, Judas having already departed. What follows is one of the most intimate and profound conversations recorded in Scripture—the farewell discourse that spans several chapters in John.

Jesus begins with a revolutionary command that will become the hallmark of his followers: "Love each other. Just as I have loved you." This isn't merely an echo of ancient law, but a transformation of it. The standard has changed; no longer is it sufficient to love your neighbor as yourself, but to love with the same selfless, humble, foot-washing love that Jesus demonstrated. This love, he tells them, will be the unmistakable evidence of discipleship.

The disciples, however, fixate on something else entirely—Jesus' troubling statement that he's going away. Peter, with characteristic boldness, declares his willingness to die for Jesus, unaware that before sunrise, he'll deny even knowing him. To their anxious hearts, Jesus offers comfort: "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me." He speaks of his Father's house with many rooms, of preparing a place for them.

When Thomas admits confusion about this path Jesus speaks of, we hear those words that have echoed through centuries: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." In our pluralistic age, these words often create discomfort. Yet this exclusivity isn't about building walls but opening a door—one that all are invited to walk through.

The farewell discourse invites us to recognize Jesus not merely as a teacher pointing toward truth, but as Truth itself, embodied and accessible. As we journey through this Lenten season, remembering Christ's path toward sacrifice, we're challenged to embrace both the uniqueness of Jesus and his command to love others as he loved us. For in doing so, we not only prove our discipleship but become living signposts to the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

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Jesus washing his disciples' feet stands as one of the most powerful demonstrations of servant leadership ever recorded. Picture the scene: the disciples arguing over who's greatest while their Master silently rises, takes a towel, and kneels before them to perform a task reserved for the lowest servants.

What makes this moment so profound is that Jesus knows exactly what's coming. He knows his "hour has come." He knows Judas will betray him. Yet he washes every foot in that room—including those that will soon run away from him in his darkest hour, and those that will carry Judas to arrange his arrest. 

The disciples' reactions reveal so much about our own struggles with service. Peter refuses initially, finding it too uncomfortable, too humbling to have his Master serve him. Many of us share this discomfort—we'd rather be the ones giving help than receiving it. But Jesus gently teaches that sometimes allowing ourselves to be served requires greater humility than serving others.

When Jesus says, "Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them," he's not establishing a ceremonial ritual. He's calling us to a way of life where we constantly look for opportunities to serve, especially in ways no one else wants to. Those moments when we think "that's beneath me" or "my time is too valuable for that task" are precisely when we most need to grab our towels and kneel.

What "foot washing moment" might God be calling you toward today? Who needs your humble service, even if they can never repay you? Remember that in the kingdom of God, greatness is measured not by how many serve us, but by how willingly we serve others.

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What happens when expectations collide with divine purpose? Palm Sunday wasn't just a day of celebration—it was a moment when two kings entered Jerusalem from opposite directions. On one side, Pilate with Roman military might; on the other, Jesus on a humble donkey. The contrast couldn't be more striking.

Through John 12, we journey with Jesus during his final week as tension builds toward the cross. The crowd waves palm branches—not random foliage but potent nationalist symbols—while shouting "Hosanna" (save us). They're looking for liberation from Rome, but Jesus has an entirely different salvation in mind. When he declares "the hour has come," it marks a pivotal shift in his earthly ministry. Through the metaphor of a kernel of wheat that must die to produce many seeds, he reveals the paradoxical nature of his kingdom: true life comes through sacrifice.

The crowds wanted a warrior-king like David; what they got was a homeless rabbi talking about dying to self. Their confusion mirrors our own struggle to accept God's ways when they don't align with our preferences. Do we love human praise more than God's approval? Are we willing to acknowledge Christ publicly? As we ponder Jesus' final public teachings about becoming "children of light," we're challenged to examine where our true allegiances lie. Walk with us through this powerful transition point in Jesus' ministry and discover what it truly means to follow the servant-king. Ready to let his light transform your darkness?

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Step into a poignant exploration of Mary's anointing of Jesus, an act steeped in significance that transcends the boundaries of time. This episode draws listeners into a vivid picture of first-century Jerusalem, where political tension, military presence, and faith intersect in a powerful narrative. As we unpack this compelling story, we invite you to consider the complexities of sacrificial love represented through Mary's daring gesture—anointing Jesus with a costly perfume in an act that could have shunned her socially.

The essence of this episode transports you to a moment of divine intimacy, prompting reflection on how we, too, can emit the fragrance of Christ in our daily lives. With beautiful metaphors that resonate deeply, we ponder whether our actions reflect the rich aroma of Jesus’ grace and mercy in a broken world.

Together, let’s reflect on what it means to embody the essence of Christ, becoming living witnesses to His love and the transformative power it holds for everyone we encounter.

We encourage you to subscribe, share this episode, and leave a review. As we gather the fragrance of our stories towards the beauty of Christ, may it linger in the hearts of many.

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What if waiting wasn't a hindrance but a gateway to deeper faith and divine revelation? Join Betsy Marvin as she embarks on a profound exploration of waiting within scripture and its crucial role in our modern lives. Betsy offers unique insights into how Jesus deliberately chose moments of waiting before performing miracles, with a special focus on the significance of the fourth day after Lazarus' death in Jewish tradition. This episode promises to transform your understanding of waiting as an opportunity to witness God's perfect timing and experience His glory.

Witness the awe-inspiring power of belief as Betsy delves into the moment Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, an act that shook the faith of all who witnessed it. By reflecting on Jesus' prayerful acknowledgment of the audience's faith, listeners are invited to examine their own seasons of waiting and the challenges of maintaining belief in an era of instant gratification. Betsy reassures those who feel lost in uncertainty that while God's timing may perplex us, it is always impeccably orchestrated. Tune in for encouraging words that affirm the eventual revelation of God's presence and glory in your life, even in the quiet and uncertain moments of waiting.

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Have you ever wondered if there is a connection between Jesus and the Jewish festival of Hanukkah? Join me on Moments to Ponder, as I share my personal journey of discovery, including warm memories from my college years spent with a Jewish family who introduced me to the vibrant traditions of Hanukkah. We'll explore how this festival is intricately linked to Jesus, as depicted in the Gospel of John, and reflect on the compelling conversations he had with those questioning his identity as the Messiah. This episode invites you to contemplate your own beliefs and consider what might be holding you back from embracing certain truths.

As we navigate through these biblical narratives, we'll consider how grounding our faith in Jesus can bring peace amidst the chaos of modern life, offering love and assurance that we are safe in his hands.

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Imagine the tender moment when a newborn first recognizes their parent's voice—it's a beautiful reminder of how our hearts are tuned to love and familiarity. Join me as we explore this powerful connection to dive into the teachings of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. We'll look at how Jesus, much like a caring shepherd, guides us with trust and love through life's noise and confusion.

What if life's challenges could be met with a love that is both wild and sweet? Together, we'll explore the transformative music of a life led by the voice of the Good Shepherd—a voice that calls us to abundance and away from negative forces. Through careful reflection, we’ll discover the profound ways in which we are loved and known beyond our comprehension. As your week unfolds, I encourage you to find quiet moments to listen for this voice that speaks your name, offering solace, strength, and a sense of belonging in an often chaotic world. 

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What if the hardships in your life were not punishments, but opportunities for divine glory? Join me, Betsy Marvin, as we uncover the powerful story of Jesus healing a man born blind, found in the Gospel of John, chapter 9.  Explore how Jesus uses mud and saliva in a miracle that goes beyond physical healing to reveal deeper spiritual truths. 

As we journey through this narrative, we'll reflect on choosing light over fear amidst varying reactions—skepticism from neighbors, criticism from Pharisees, and the silence of fearful parents. These responses highlight the courage it takes to embrace transformation, much like the healed man does. With insights from theologian N.T. Wright, this episode encourages you to confront fear with truth and let the light of Jesus guide you. By doing so, you can welcome transformative change in your life, dispelling fear and illuminating your path forward.

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Have you ever felt both challenged and inspired by a message that seemed to pierce through the noise of everyday life? Join us as we navigate the power of conviction with insights from dynamic speakers like Francis Chan, whose compelling delivery mirrors the urgency found in Jesus's teachings from John 8. We recount personal encounters from conferences and explore how different speaking styles affect audiences, emphasizing how profound messages can provoke thought and foster spiritual growth. This episode shines a light on the way Jesus communicated with the temple crowd, offering a poignant reminder of the importance of spiritual awareness over mundane routines, and how truth carries the potential to set us free.

As we journey through this conversation, we unravel the deep link between truth and freedom, discussing how embracing authenticity can lead to true liberation. Discover the transformative power that comes from sharing secrets, confronting fears, and releasing burdens within a framework of divine truth. We also explore the spiritual awakenings occurring on college campuses, where students are finding liberation through openness and honesty. Encouraging listeners to bring hidden struggles into the light, we emphasize the incredible freedom that comes from aligning life with truth and love as taught by Jesus. Get ready for an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion about living a life of truth that leads to genuine freedom.

To find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to
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For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head to
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You can follow me on Instagram
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