In this episode, we explore the striking parallels between the betrayal of David by his trusted advisor Ahithophel in 2 Samuel 15-17 and the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot in Matthew 26-27. But our primary focus is on the emotional responses of Jesus and how this connects with David’s emotional response to Ahithophel's betrayal as recorded in Psalm 55:1–15.

Psalm 55 offers a glimpse into David's heartbroken reaction to betrayal, and we consider how its language and themes may illuminate Jesus' own experience of sorrow and distress.

As a "sad song," Psalm 55 resonates with the depth of human sadness and frustration, and Jesus—who was intimately familiar with the psalms—may have drawn on its words to process his emotions in the wake of Judas’ betrayal. Yet, not all of David’s prayer aligns with Jesus’ experience, as Jesus’ divine mission and ultimate submission to the will of God distinguish his path from David’s. - David had a mission that entailed violence, whereas Jesus did not.

Through this lens, we discuss the discernment required to read Psalm 55 in the context of Jesus’ story. Some verses might shed light on Jesus’ thoughts and feelings, while others diverge, highlighting the difference between David and Jesus. Jesus models a Messianic response to betrayal, as he submits his emotions to God and resolutely walks the path laid before him—showing us the perfect way to endure heartache with trust and obedience to God.

Join us as we delve into this "sad song" of David and how it shines a light on Jesus’ humanity, his mission, and the power of submitting our emotions to God’s will.

Key Passages:

Judas' betrayal of Jesus: Matthew 26:14–30, Matthew 26:47–50, Matthew 27:1–10

Jesus' emotional state: Matthew 26:37-38

Davids Prayer to God in response to Ahithophel's betrayal: Psalm 55:1-15

Key Resources:

Betrayal Song by Steele Croswhite

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* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

In this episode, we dig into the connections between the Absalom Revolt in 2 Samuel 15-18 and the Passion Narrative in the Gospel of Matthew, particularly the betrayal and arrest of Jesus. While Matthew's Gospel does not explicitly mention David during the Passion Narrative, it subtly portrays Jesus as walking and talking like David, employing language, themes, and narrative parallels that draw us back to David's own betrayal and suffering. By doing so, Matthew reveals Jesus as the greater David—one who fully embodies the redemptive purposes of God.

To help us see the connections, we explore the backstory of Absalom—how David's inaction in the face of grave injustice, when Amnon violated Absalom's sister Tamar, sowed seeds of bitterness that eventually led Absalom to revolt against his father. This revolt was alluded to by Nathan the prophet in 2 Samuel 12 as a consequence of David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah.

Then we highlight six key correspondences between the Absalom Revolt and Jesus' arrest, showing how Matthew intentionally echoes David's betrayal. However, we also note three critical ways Jesus is different from David.

Finally, we reflect on how Jesus understood the things that were happening to him. For Jesus, these events were not arbitrary but were a fulfillment of Israel's Scriptures. We explore the meaning of "fulfillment" not merely as a prediction about the future, but also as a past event that prefigures a future one—an event that finds its full meaning and completion in Jesus. Jesus not only walked in the footsteps of David, as the son of David he continued the journey that his father David began, but never completed.

Key Passages:

2 Samuel 15-16

Matthew 26:30-56

Key Resources:

Article by Nathan Johnson exploring the Connections between the Absalom Revolt and Jesus' Passion Narrative.

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* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

In this episode, we dive into the scene in Matthew 22:41-46, where Jesus poses a question to the Pharisees that challenges their understanding of the Messiah. Asking, "Whose son is the Christ?" Jesus draws attention to their incomplete view of the Messiah as merely the Son of David. By referencing Psalm 110:1, where David calls the Messiah "Lord," Jesus reveals a deeper truth about the identity and mission of the Christ—one that the Pharisees had failed to grasp.

Far from deconstructing the idea that the Messiah is the Son of David, Jesus exposes the Pharisees’ shallow and inaccurate understanding of what that truly means. Their expectation of a conquering warrior king who would crush Israel’s enemies through military might was shaped by a selective view of David’s life, emphasizing his victories while neglecting his suffering and rejection. Jesus, however, understood his own identity as the Son of David in a fuller sense. He walked not only in the footsteps of David's triumphs but also in the path of David's suffering and rejection—fleeing from Saul and enduring betrayal by Absalom. The brillilance of Jesus' question and response to the Pharisees is that it creates room for a broader, much larger point of reference for what the Messianic profile entails - both suffering and victory.

Yet, this path of suffering was not devoid of battle. Jesus engaged in a profound struggle, not against the external enemies of soldiers and swords, but against his own flesh and human nature. Like David resisting the temptation to kill Saul and take the throne by force, Jesus faced the temptation to choose a self-centered path free from suffering and death. His internal battle was a struggle to remain faithful to God’s mission, overcoming evil not through violence, but by refusing to let it provoke him into a violent response—even in the agony of his trial and crucifixion.

We conclude by exploring how Jesus’ understanding of the Messiah as both a suffering servant and a conquering king reshapes what it means for Jesus to walk in the footsteps of David. By choosing the non-violent path of suffering love, Jesus demonstrates that the true victory over evil—a victory not of force, but of faithful obedience to God - must first take place internally. This challenges us to reevaluate our own understanding of what it means to follow the Messiah and to trust in the power of God’s redemptive plan.

Key Passages:

Psalm 110

Key Resources:

For an example of a scholar who casts doubt on the Masoretic vowel pointing system, which can have implications for casting doubt on their decision to vowel point the Hebrew word Adon in Psalm 110:1 to indicate a human rather than a divine, figure, see the comments of John Sailhamer in The Expositor's Bible Commentary on Genesis, Revised Edition, page 185.

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* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

In this episode, we explore the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as recorded in Matthew 21:1-11, uncovering different layers of meaning behind this pivotal event. The crowds joyfully proclaim Jesus as the “Son of David,” yet their understanding of this title is immature and undeveloped, as Matthew subtly suggests through his narrative details.

We begin by examining the significance of Jesus starting this journey from Bethphage, a place whose name means "unfruitful" or "young." Could this be Matthew’s way of highlighting the immaturity of the crowd's understanding of Jesus’ role as the “Son of David”? Furthermore, Matthew’s mention of both the donkey and the colt suggests a contrast between old and young, mature and immature, developed and undeveloped. Through this symbolism, we see a tension between two visions of what it means for Jesus to be the “Son of David”: the crowd’s undeveloped understanding of Jesus as coming to recapitulate David's capture of Jerusalem, and Jesus’ mature, God-ordained path to bring peace and redemption to Jerusalem.

We then explore the historical reenactment taking place in the triumphal entry: Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, evoking the time of the Maccabees, when a victorious Jewish leader rode a donkey into the city after a military triumph. Yet here lies the irony—there has been no military victory. No battle has been won. The celebration seems premature. Could it be that the only battle that has been taking place is within Jesus himself, as he resolves to walk the difficult Messianic path set before him—a path of suffering and sacrifice, not conquest? (see Matthew 16:21-23 where Jesus struggles with a desire to avoid suffering and crucifixion.)

This moment underscores the crowds’ disconnect from Jesus’ true mission. Like Peter, they are “getting ahead” of Jesus. They are prematurely celebrating a victory they misunderstand, and naievely proclaiming a kingship they do not fully grasp. Their undeveloped vision of a Messiah focused on external political liberation gets ahead of the prior, necessary liberation of human nature that is needed to initiate, accomplish, and sustain a political liberation. In short, the crowds understanding of Jesus as the "son of David" is out of sync with Jesus' understanding, which is ultimately grounded in his understanding of "the Son of man" who must enter into suffering and death to advance the promises made to the "son of David" (Matt. 16:13-23; 17:22-23; 20:17-19). In other words, it is by fulfilling his role Son of Man that Jesus will fulfill his role as Son of David.

We conclude by inviting listeners to reflect on their own possible misunderstandings of Jesus. Do we, like the crowds, hold an incomplete or immature view of who he is? We may know his name, “Jesus,” and his title, “Lord,” but do we grasp the full implications of these words? Understanding Jesus requires a journey of spiritual maturity, and we are challenged to continually grow in our knowledge of him as both Savior and Lord.

Join us as we delve into this profound moment in Matthew’s Gospel and question whether our understanding of Jesus is as fully developed as it should be.

Key Passages:

Zechariah 9:9

Psalm 118:26

Key Resources:

Map and video of Bethphage, Mt. of Olives, and Jerusalem

Explanation of ⁠the Maccabeean Revolt

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* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

In this episode, we explore the connection between Ezekiel's prophecy about "David" as the servant shepherd (Ezekiel 34:23) and Matthew's presentation of Jesus as the ideal shepherd in his Gospel. We begin by examining Ezekiel 34:1-6, where the prophet critiques Israel's leaders for their self-centeredness, neglect, and abuse of their authority. These shepherds failed to feed, teach, heal, and seek the weak and lost sheep. Instead, they prioritized their own gain at the expense of the flock.

Matthew's Gospel shows us the contrast: Jesus steps into the role of shepherd that Israel’s leaders abandoned. Specifically, in chapters 8-10, and most notably in Matthew 9:35-38, Jesus embodies God's vision of what a truly good shepherd does. He feeds the people by teaching them, heals their afflictions, and seeks out the lost sheep. In this way, Jesus embodies Ezekiel's profile of God's servant "David" who would recapitulate and perfects the role of Israel's shepherd according to God's ideal.

What makes Jesus' shepherding unique and counter-intuitive is his focus on enabling others to become shepherds, too. Unlike narcissistic leaders who need to be needed, and fear the success of others, Jesus models what it looks like to be a true servant-leader. In Matthew 9:37-38, he invites his disciples to join him in shepherding Israel by seeing the sheep as having no shepherd as a plentiful harvest just waiting for more laborers to arrive, implying that the 12 are to not only pray for laborers, but are also intended to become the very laborers who get sent into the harvest. Then, in Matthew 10, their prayers are answered! Jesus sends the Twelve out into the harvest to teach, heal, and gather the lost, just as he has been doing. Jesus develops others into shepherds, demonstrating that healthy leadership prioritizes serving the development of others over self-preservation.

As the "David" of Ezekiel 34, Jesus is the mature, servant-like shepherd who leads selflessly and empowers others to step into leadership, ensuring that more people receive the care they need. He is not co-dependent or ego-centric; instead, he models a selfless commitment to the flourishing of others.

We end this episode by inviting listeners to reflect on Jesus as the ideal leader—a shepherd who serves rather than dominates, who gives rather than takes, and who helps others step into their God-given potential. What might it mean for us to follow his example as servant-shepherds in our own spheres of influence? Tune in to find out.

Key Passages:

Matthew 9:35-38

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* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

In this episode, we explore the comparisons and contrasts between two stories in Matthew’s Gospel where blind men call out to Jesus as the "Son of David" and receive sight. Found in Matthew 9:27-31 and Matthew 20:29-34, these stories frame key elements of discipleship and reveal different ways of how we come to recognize Jesus for who he really is.

The two accounts show contrasting settings, characters, and responses. The first story unfolds in an unspecified location, where two blind men actively pursue Jesus with help from the crowd. In contrast, the second takes place outside of Jericho, where two blind men sit passively by the road, calling out despite the crowd’s opposition. Jesus’ questions to them differ as well: he asks the first pair if they believe he can heal, while he asks the second pair what they desire from him. After their healing, the first pair proclaims the miracle to everyone they meet, while the second set of men follows Jesus toward Jerusalem, where he will ultimately face his death and resurrection.

These two healing stories are located at corresponding points in Matthew’s literary structure, known as a chiastic composition, with the parables of the kingdom of God in Matthew 13 functioning as the centerpoint of the chiasm. There, Jesus laments that people have closed their eyes and ears to the kingdom's message, and therefore resist the healing he offers. In this framework, the two stories of the blind men serve as counterpoints, illustrating different forms of discipleship. The second story, in particular, represents a model of discipleship that not only seeks healing but willingly follows Jesus on the difficult path to Jerusalem, demonstrating a “vision” of true discipleship.

We then discuss how this story’s setting outside of Jericho—a city famous for the military victory of another Yeshua (Joshua)—underscores the contrast between Jesus’ mission and Joshua’s conquest. Jesus, the Son of David, has not come to overthrow the Roman occupiers but to heal the spiritual blindness of the people, symbolized by his refusal to silence those crying out for mercy.

We close with a reflection on how we, too, might have “blind spots” in our understanding of Jesus’ titles and mission. Just as “Savior” might mean both an immediate healer and a guide on a treatment journey, Jesus' role as the Son of David holds depths that challenge our expectations. As disciples, our journey is one of continually coming to “see” who Jesus really is and what it means to follow him.

Key Passages:

Matthew 20:29-34

Joshua 6 - Joshua/Yeshua conquers Jericho

Key Resources:

Short explanation of chiasm

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* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

In this episode, we explore the fascinating connections between the story of David and the King of Tyre in 2 Samuel 5:9-12 and the story of Jesus and the Canaanite woman from Tyre and Sidon in Matthew 15:21-28. When David receives aid from King Hiram of Tyre to build his palace, we see a powerful image of Gentile support in establishing Israel’s king. Centuries later, in a scene full of rich echoes, a Gentile woman from Tyre seeks the help of David’s greater descendant—Jesus. Like David, Jesus sees His mission as initially directed toward Israel, the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," but, unexpectedly, it is a Gentile woman who calls Him both “Lord” and “Son of David,” recognizing His Messianic identity and power.

This story highlights a unique theme in Matthew’s Gospel: Gentiles often perceive Jesus' true identity more clearly than Israel does. We dive into the interpretive challenges around Jesus’ use of the term “little dogs” in His conversation with the woman. Could this be a window into Jesus’ humanity where he seeks a temporary break from His ministry to Israel? Yet, even in this moment, the woman’s persistence draws Him back into His Messianic calling, pressing Him to heal her daughter, despite His exclusive mission focus on Israel.

In the end, Jesus encounters profound faith from an unexpected place and person, echoing Matthew’s message that the Gentiles often grasp Jesus’ identity when His own people do not. We conclude with a powerful reflection: genuine faith in Jesus can emerge from unlikely backgrounds, reminding us that we may encounter faith in surprising places—even among those with a history of different beliefs. Sometimes, those who have only heard faint whispers of Jesus display a faith more fervent than those who have been close to Him for a lifetime.

Key Passages:

2 Samuel 5:9-12

Matthew 15:21-28

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* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

In this episode, we dive deep into the connection between the story of David confronting the evil spirit that tormented King Saul in 1 Samuel 16:15-23 and Jesus’ encounter with a deaf and mute man afflicted by an evil spirit in Matthew 12:14-23. These two scenes, set centuries apart, draw a remarkable parallel between David and Jesus, both empowered by the Spirit of God to exercise authority over spiritual forces of darkness.

We explore how David’s influence over the evil spirit that plagued Saul was granted after he was anointed by Samuel with the Spirit of God, but before he ascended to Israel’s throne. Similarly, Jesus, the “Son of David,” cast out demons and healed the afflicted after His own anointing with the Spirit at His baptism. Yet, like David, Jesus performed these works of power before His exaltation to the throne of Israel—which was ultimately fulfilled through His resurrection and ascension.

We also examine Isaiah 42:1-4, which prophesies that the “Servant of the Lord” would be anointed by the Spirit to bring justice and make right what had gone wrong in the world. Jesus fulfills this prophecy by casting out the demon and restoring the man’s speech and hearing, demonstrating that His Spirit-led ministry isn’t merely about physical healing but also about bringing justice to those who are afflicted by evil sirits. This exorcism by Jesus leads the people to ask, “Could this be the Son of David?”—a question that connects Jesus with David’s reputation as someone able to influence spiritual forces, as we see in 1 Samuel 16.

Overall, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus’ first mission is to rule over the internal forces of evil, bringing liberation from spiritual darkness, not liberation from the mililtary forces of Rome. This internal conquest of evil prepares the way for Jesus’ future external victory over evil forces at His second coming.

As we close, we reflect on the invitation Jesus extends to each of us to join in His work of overcoming evil spirits. His ministry shows that we are not destined to live under the influence of evil spirits but can walk in freedom and authority with Him today. This is truly good news, offering hope and liberation for all who find themselves in spiritual battle.

Key Passages:

1 Samuel 16:14-23

Matthew 12:15-23

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* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

In this episode, we dive into Matthew 12:1-8, where Jesus and his disciples are accused by the Pharisees of breaking the Sabbath by eating grain from the edges of the field. Jesus responds by identifying himself with David, specifically referencing the story of David eating the sacred shewbread from the Temple when he was fleeing from Saul. This comparison is more than just about Jesus identifying his actions with David's supposedly "unlawful" actions—it sheds light on how Jesus saw himself as walking in the footsteps of David, as he, like David, is also on the run, having to evade the authorities who see themselves as enforcers of the law. Essentially, Jesus is aligning himself with the larger story of David as a fugitive who moves "against the grain" of the powers that be.

We also discuss how this story comes right after Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 where he tells those who are weary to come to him for rest and to take his yoke upon them. The story of his disciples eating the grain illustrates what Jesus is offering his followers—rest for those burdened by heavy and unreasonable religious expectations. The eating of the grain from the edges of the field becomes a picture of the kind of rest and mercy Jesus is provinding his followers, which contrasts with the rigid and oppressive interpretation of the Sabbath that the Pharisees try to enforce.

Moreover, Jesus’ statement "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" does not dismiss the law. Instead, he emphasizes that when laws appear to be in conflict, the guiding principle must be mercy rather than legalistic technicalities. The Sabbath, after all, was made to serve human needs, and as the Son of Man, Jesus shows what it truly means to honor and obey the law in a way that realizes its true intent.

We end the episode by emphasizing that Jesus upholds the law—not by abolishing it, but by fulfilling its true purpose and intent: to give life, rest, and mercy to those who seek God.

Key Passages:

Matthew 12:1-8

1 Samuel 21:1-9 the episode in David's life where he is on the run and eats the shewbread in the temple

Hoseah 6:6 the passage Jesus quotes to the Pharisees "I desire mercy and not sacrifice"

Numbers 28:9-10 - Priests are commanded to offer sacrifices on the Sabbath, which technically contradicts and breaks the command about not working on the Sabbath

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* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

In this episode, we explore how Jesus is recognized as the Son of David, not just by his royal lineage, but through the miraculous healings he performed, even though the Scriptures do not directly or explicitly associate healing with the Son of David or the Messiah. Instead of a clear-cut profile, the identity and role of the Messiah are scattered throughout the Old Testament, in isolated passages that act as pieces of a larger puzzle. As these pieces come together in the life of Christ, we see a mosaic emerge, with his ministry serving as the reference point for understanding the full picture.

We then turn to the story of two blind men in the Gospels who cry out to Jesus, addressing him as "Son of David" and pleading, "Have mercy on us." This plea likely connects to Isaiah 55:3, which speaks of God’s promise to extend the "sure mercies of David" to His people, satisfying their deepest desires. We also discuss how Matthew, in particular, draws heavily from Isaiah to craft his messianic portrayal of Jesus, connecting the healing of the blind, the deaf, and the lame to the prophecies of the Servant of the Lord and a time of restoration in Israel.

We also discuss how Jesus’ question to the blind men, “Do you believe I can do this?” is also significant, as it highlights the importance of faith in participating in the fulfillment of Jesus making good on the Davidic promises.

We conclude by inviting you to turn to Jesus in your own life, imagining him asking, “Do you believe I can do this?” We, too, can experience the power of Jesus to satisfy our deepest longings, just as he did for the blind men on the road.

Key Passages:

Matthew 9:27-31

Isaiah 29:18; 35:4-6 Passages that speak of healing, which are later understood to be talking about Jesus since no one else but Jesus had fulfilled them.

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* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music