In episode 67, Dr. David Pocta and Hannah DeSouza analyze the final days of Jesus' public ministry in Jerusalem, exploring his arrival as "The Prophet in Jerusalem." They trace his actions from the humble Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday) and his lament over the city, to his cleansing of the Temple and confrontations with religious leaders.

This biblical commentary on the Gospel of Luke culminates in Jesus' powerful teaching on the widow's offering and the call to wakefulness in the Olivet Discourse. The discussion highlights themes of relational accountability, wholehearted devotion, and faithfulness amidst a world that feels unstable, offering practical spiritual growth for those seeking a deeper Bible study experience.

01:45 The Prophet in Jerusalem: Setting the Tone

01:45 - The narrative of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem

03:15 - Why the episode is titled "The Prophet in Jerusalem" (Accountability and fruit of religion)

05:45 The King Who Weeps

06:00 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry on a borrowed donkey and the echo of Zechariah 9:9

07:00 - The significance of riding a donkey in times of peace

08:30 - Jesus weeping over the city (Luke 19:41) and the relational nature of his lament

11:45 Truth in the Temple

12:15 - Cleansing the temple as reclaiming a sacred space

13:30 - Jesus' action as restorative, not destructive anger

15:00 - The challenge of institutional religion and reclaiming purpose

16:15 Confrontations and The Parable of the Tenants

16:30 - Leaders' questions (authority, taxes, resurrection) as a trap

18:30 - Parable of the Tenants (The Beloved Son and the Cornerstone)

22:15 - The choice: fall on the cornerstone (humility) or be crushed by it (judgment)

24:00 The Prophet Who Sees What We Miss

24:45 - The Widow's Offering (Luke 21:1-4)

25:00 - Contrasting the powerful with the powerless, trusting heart

28:30 - God sees the heart and motivation, not the amount

29:15 The Prophet Calls Us to Wakefulness (The Olivet Discourse)

30:15 - Prophesying the temple's destruction and the fall of human structures

31:45 - Calling disciples to an internal spiritual response and faithfulness in chaos

33:30 - Living alert, grounded, and hopeful for redemption (Luke 21:28)

36:15 Reflection Questions

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Dr. David Pocta

Hannah DeSouza

In episode 66 of 'Thread', Dr. David Pocta and Hannah DeSouza conclude the three-part series on the journey to Jerusalem, discussing the themes of participation, humility, and spiritual need as Jesus approaches the city. They examine Luke chapters 18 and 19, focusing on parables and encounters that highlight who truly understands and is ready to follow Jesus. Stories discussed include the persistent widow, the Pharisee and the tax collector, Jesus' blessing of children, the rich ruler, and Zacchaeus. The episode emphasizes the importance of spiritual posture, persistence in prayer, and the responsibility of utilizing the gifts and mission entrusted by Jesus, culminating in a reflection on how this journey prepares for the events in Jerusalem.

00:00 Introduction: The Purpose of the Kingdom

01:26 Welcome to Episode 66: Journey to Jerusalem Part 3

02:27 Understanding the Kingdom: Spiritual Sight vs. Blindness

04:23 Parables of Prayer and Humility

04:48 The Persistent Widow: A Lesson in Relentless Faith

09:05 The Pharisee and the Tax Collector: True Humility

12:09 Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child

15:51 The Rich Young Ruler: The Challenge of Wealth

18:40 Zacchaeus: A Story of Repentance and Acceptance

27:02 The Parable of the Ten Minas: Accountability and Stewardship

35:45 Conclusion: Reflecting on the Journey

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Dr. David Pocta

Hannah DeSouza

In episode 65 of Thread, hosts Dr. David Pocta and Hannah DeSouza continue to accompany Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem, focusing on Luke's portrayal of humility, hospitality, and the boundless grace of God. The episode delves into the themes of Jesus redefining greatness through shared meals and parables, especially emphasizing Luke 14 and 15. Key topics include Jesus challenging religious leaders around the Sabbath meal, the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and sons, and the profound messages of inclusivity and lavish love. With reflections on various interpretations of the parable of the Prodigal Son, the hosts explore the idea that both sons were lost and the overarching message of God's scandalous grace.

00:01:00: Introduction The Journey to Jerusalem Continues

00:03:00: Around the Table and Boundarylessness of Grace

00:05:15: Healing on the Sabbath and Compassion over Rules

00:08:15: Parables on Humility and Hospitality

00:10:30: The Significance of Table Fellowship

00:13:45: The Lost and the Found Parables (Luke 15)

00:17:15: The Parable of the Lost Sons

00:19:00: Discussion on the Younger Son

00:22:15: The Father's Prodigal and Undignified Love

00:25:20: Discussion on the Older Son

00:29:20: The Parable's Cliffhanger and Invitation to the Pharisees

00:32:15: Application to "Older Sons" and Avoiding Grumpiness

00:34:40: The Messiness of Grace and Henry Nouwen's Commentary

00:37:55: Summary of the Three Lostness Parables

00:40:40: Conclusion of the Episode

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Dr. David Pocta

Hannah DeSouza