Mark 1:14-15, Matthew 3:1-2, Luke 3:7-9 | What is “the gospel?” Seasoned Christians have a pat answer for this that sounds like “Jesus died for our sins” or something like that. True. But there was a gospel before that gospel spoken by the prophets and echoed by John the Baptist and Jesus. Repentance. It’s good news to turn from your earthly ways. Embrace the Kingdom of Heaven. It’s right in front of you.

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Mark 1:1-3, Luke 3:4-6 | If you’ve ever written a paper that required precise citation, you know how important it is to get your quotes right. You would think the Bible would be just as careful. However, many times when the Bible quotes itself, it’s a jumble of seemingly random verses that get blended together. This isn’t careless quoting. The Biblical authors know exactly what they’re doing and it’s awesome. In this episode, Pastor Seabaugh takes us through a prime example from Mark 1 quoting the prophecies about John the Baptist.

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Mark 1:4-6 | Why would the people flock to a random long-haired loudmouth dunking people in the wilderness? This was no freak show. It was God’s way of getting our attention through a well-placed prophet walking in the footsteps of Biblical heroes, fulfilling prophecies, and paving the way for the Savior of the world. Reacquaint yourselves with one of the most colorful Biblical figures, John the Baptist.

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Luke 3:1-2 | Why was there a Roman governor ruling in Jerusalem while Herod’s sons ruled in other places? Why does Luke say there were two high priests at Jesus’ time? And… what’s up with the reclusive scary man in the wilderness dunking people? It all matters, and it’s all right here.

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Luke 2:39-52 | Can you imagine being Jesus’ parents when the realized that they had left Jerusalem without their 12-year-old, who also happened to be the Messiah! Why does Luke tell us he was 12? Why was Jesus attracted to the temple and what did he do there?

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Matthew 2:19-23 | Our story takes a dramatic turn when Herod the Great dies. The events surrounding his death and his choice of a successor lead to an alternate route back to Nazareth for Joseph and Mary. Once again, an ounce of history makes certain phrases jump off the page and the drama gets real.

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Matthew 2:11-18 | What is the significance of the gold, frankincense and myrrh? Pastor Seabaugh has a theory that connects their gifts to the tabernacle, the exile and how Jesus is the new temple. Later, we see some Old Testament quotes that seem to be taken way out of context, that is, until we see how they show us how Jesus is walking in the footsteps of Israel.

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Matthew 2:3-12 | How troubling would it be for Maji from the east to visit paranoid King Herod with news of a newborn king? We find out that and how the religious leaders saved their necks in the process. This visit from the Maji is also a reference to Moses. How? Find out in this episode of Walking with Messiah Jesus.

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Matthew 2:1-12 | One of the more odd and seemingly unlikely encounters in the Bible occur between Herod the Great and the mysterious Maji from the east who have come to worship the newborn King of the Jews. Who is Herod? Who are these Maji? Why do the sparks fly when they meet? Pastor Seabaugh explores that and more in Episode 11.

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Luke 2:22-38 | What brought Mary and Joseph up to the temple that day where the met Simeon and Anna? When we understand the cultural and religious significance of the rituals performed that day, the moment lights up for us and fills it with meaning. We even see a foreshadowing of the pain Mary will experience with her newborn son.

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