1 00:00:00,569 --> 00:00:04,430 Speaker 1: Let us pray. Abraham believed in God and it was 2 00:00:04,570 --> 00:00:10,900 Speaker 1: counted to him as righteousness. Romans 4, 3. Dear Lord, 3 00:00:11,619 --> 00:00:15,880 Speaker 1: we understand that no righteous deeds or religious ceremonies could 4 00:00:16,120 --> 00:00:21,320 Speaker 1: ever replace pure faith in you. Trust in your promises 5 00:00:21,460 --> 00:00:26,020 Speaker 1: and redemption are what save us, not works. Keep us 6 00:00:26,180 --> 00:00:30,060 Speaker 1: humble and grounded in that knowledge. so we would not 7 00:00:30,120 --> 00:00:34,880 Speaker 1: become boastful or arrogant. Just as Abraham believed in you 8 00:00:35,240 --> 00:00:38,340 Speaker 1: and it was accounted to him as righteousness, we declare 9 00:00:38,409 --> 00:00:43,830 Speaker 1: belief in the work of Christ. May that faith transform us, 10 00:00:44,270 --> 00:00:48,850 Speaker 1: empower us to live righteous lives, and glorify you daily. 11 00:00:49,470 --> 00:00:55,730 Speaker 1: In Jesus' name, amen. Thank you for praying with me today. 12 00:00:56,340 --> 00:00:59,330 Speaker 1: Stay tuned now for another episode of Stories of the 13 00:00:59,390 --> 00:01:01,209 Speaker 1: Messiah with Rabbi Schneider. 14 00:01:09,709 --> 00:01:14,270 Speaker 2: Abram's head leaned against the stone, and slowly he drifted 15 00:01:14,330 --> 00:01:18,140 Speaker 2: away to sleep. He closed his eyes and then opened 16 00:01:18,180 --> 00:01:22,480 Speaker 2: them to see a terrible vision. He sprang up and 17 00:01:22,520 --> 00:01:26,039 Speaker 2: looked around him. He saw hundreds of thousands of people 18 00:01:26,080 --> 00:01:30,040 Speaker 2: with scars on their backs, dragging stones through the sand 19 00:01:30,080 --> 00:01:34,220 Speaker 2: and mud. The voice of God spoke to Abram, saying. 20 00:01:34,920 --> 00:01:35,600 Speaker 1: Know this. 21 00:01:36,840 --> 00:01:39,340 Speaker 3: Your offspring will be strangers in the land that is 22 00:01:39,400 --> 00:01:44,100 Speaker 3: not theirs. They will be slaves there and afflicted for 23 00:01:44,180 --> 00:01:45,620 Speaker 3: four hundred years. 24 00:01:46,260 --> 00:01:47,259 Speaker 1: Abram looked at the people. 25 00:01:47,920 --> 00:01:51,660 Speaker 2: They were his descendants, a vast sea of faces, all 26 00:01:51,780 --> 00:01:55,720 Speaker 2: somehow from him. Their image faded, and Abram was shown 27 00:01:55,760 --> 00:01:59,980 Speaker 2: a mighty torrent of water, thrashing against an army and 28 00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:01,980 Speaker 2: his descendants running towards safety. 29 00:02:02,940 --> 00:02:06,750 Speaker 3: I will bring judgment on their oppressors, and once I 30 00:02:06,790 --> 00:02:10,530 Speaker 3: have freed them, they will have a great reward. 31 00:02:11,510 --> 00:02:14,470 Speaker 2: Abram looked around him as millions flooded the valley he 32 00:02:14,530 --> 00:02:19,810 Speaker 2: called home. They outnumbered the stars. Then he saw nothing. 33 00:02:20,570 --> 00:02:23,880 Speaker 2: It was just him and the Lord, God spoke tenderly 34 00:02:23,940 --> 00:02:29,580 Speaker 2: to him, saying, As for you, Abraham, you will have peace. 35 00:02:33,770 --> 00:02:37,970 Speaker 4: Welcome to another episode of the Jesus Podcast. I'm your host, Ethan, 36 00:02:38,130 --> 00:02:41,390 Speaker 4: from Pray.com, here to guide you through the Bible's most 37 00:02:41,550 --> 00:02:45,280 Speaker 4: iconic stories. If this podcast has blessed you thus far, 38 00:02:45,790 --> 00:02:48,100 Speaker 4: please take a moment to leave a comment and review. 39 00:02:49,480 --> 00:02:52,639 Speaker 4: Doing so will make sure others discover these life-changing stories. 40 00:02:53,360 --> 00:02:55,900 Speaker 4: And be sure to download the Pray.com app to hear 41 00:02:55,940 --> 00:02:58,840 Speaker 4: the Bible come to life and make prayer a priority 42 00:02:59,000 --> 00:03:02,079 Speaker 4: in your daily walk with God. It's my hope that 43 00:03:02,100 --> 00:03:06,680 Speaker 4: this podcast would showcase the true hero of the Bible, Jesus. 44 00:03:08,820 --> 00:03:13,480 Speaker 4: As heroic and admirable as Noah, Abraham, and Moses are, 45 00:03:14,340 --> 00:03:17,000 Speaker 4: they are mere images of the true hero who came 46 00:03:17,100 --> 00:03:21,510 Speaker 4: after them. the Redeemer of the world, the Savior of mankind, 47 00:03:21,870 --> 00:03:26,710 Speaker 4: and the author of our faith. So, join me now 48 00:03:26,910 --> 00:03:30,350 Speaker 4: as we immerse ourselves in a cinematic retelling of Genesis 49 00:03:30,389 --> 00:03:36,330 Speaker 4: chapter 15, where God beckons Abram out of his tent 50 00:03:36,630 --> 00:03:40,270 Speaker 4: to gaze at the stars. Within them is a promise, 51 00:03:41,630 --> 00:03:43,930 Speaker 4: a promise of a greater hero that will come from 52 00:03:43,970 --> 00:03:45,890 Speaker 4: his lineage. Let's begin. 53 00:03:48,650 --> 00:03:50,350 Speaker 1: Fear not, the voice called out. 54 00:03:51,430 --> 00:03:54,310 Speaker 2: Abram sat up in a sweat. He looked around for 55 00:03:54,350 --> 00:03:56,730 Speaker 2: the source of the voice, but he could only see 56 00:03:56,790 --> 00:03:58,400 Speaker 2: Sarai sleeping beside him. 57 00:03:58,740 --> 00:04:00,940 Speaker 1: Fear not, Abram, the voice said again. 58 00:04:02,160 --> 00:04:05,260 Speaker 2: Abram looked forward. A cool breeze blew in from the 59 00:04:05,360 --> 00:04:08,580 Speaker 2: entrance of his tent. He stood to his feet and 60 00:04:08,620 --> 00:04:13,910 Speaker 2: walked outside. God was beckoning him, drawing him out of 61 00:04:14,040 --> 00:04:17,190 Speaker 2: slumber and into a vision. He heard the voice of 62 00:04:17,250 --> 00:04:20,900 Speaker 2: God again, This time, it seemed he was speaking all 63 00:04:21,040 --> 00:04:22,640 Speaker 2: around and within him. 64 00:04:22,920 --> 00:04:27,320 Speaker 3: Fear not, Abram. I am your shield and your great reward. 65 00:04:27,920 --> 00:04:31,640 Speaker 2: Abram paused and considered God's declaration as the cool breeze 66 00:04:31,700 --> 00:04:34,860 Speaker 2: brought the scent of falling leaves through the valley. His 67 00:04:34,940 --> 00:04:39,000 Speaker 2: bottom lip quivered slightly, both from the cold and from 68 00:04:39,060 --> 00:04:43,210 Speaker 2: the sadness within his heart. He closed his eyes and replied, 69 00:04:43,230 --> 00:04:47,260 Speaker 2: O Lord God! Whatever reward you have for me does 70 00:04:47,310 --> 00:04:51,210 Speaker 2: not matter if I continue childless. My treasure will pass 71 00:04:51,250 --> 00:04:54,530 Speaker 2: with me and be given to my servant, and my 72 00:04:54,589 --> 00:04:58,150 Speaker 2: name will die along with me. Abram's doubt was not 73 00:04:58,210 --> 00:05:01,310 Speaker 2: a denial of God's promise, but rather a desire for 74 00:05:01,350 --> 00:05:04,870 Speaker 2: God's promise. He wanted it to be true, but the 75 00:05:04,970 --> 00:05:08,710 Speaker 2: one desire of his heart had eluded him. God's presence 76 00:05:08,770 --> 00:05:13,050 Speaker 2: surrounded Abram. He was enveloped in the comforting embrace of 77 00:05:13,089 --> 00:05:14,910 Speaker 2: the Lord Almighty. Oh, Abram. 78 00:05:15,910 --> 00:05:19,430 Speaker 1: A son from your flesh will be given to you. 79 00:05:19,750 --> 00:05:23,029 Speaker 2: God's presence called Abram to walk up a small grassy 80 00:05:23,089 --> 00:05:26,450 Speaker 2: hill like the gentle nudge of a father. Look up 81 00:05:26,790 --> 00:05:30,950 Speaker 2: at the heavens, God whispered. Abram turned his gaze towards 82 00:05:31,010 --> 00:05:34,470 Speaker 2: the heavens. Casting his gaze upward, his eyes met a 83 00:05:34,630 --> 00:05:39,990 Speaker 2: cosmic tapestry that stretched infinitely beyond his reach. Unobstructed by 84 00:05:40,070 --> 00:05:45,920 Speaker 2: clouds are earthly illuminations. A myriad of twinkling stars painted 85 00:05:45,960 --> 00:05:51,039 Speaker 2: the night canvas, each a distant sun, a silent testament 86 00:05:51,080 --> 00:05:56,550 Speaker 2: to the vastness of the universe. Abram found himself entranced, humbled, 87 00:05:57,020 --> 00:06:01,529 Speaker 2: and insignificant. God spoke to Abram's heart in this state 88 00:06:01,570 --> 00:06:05,510 Speaker 2: of awe, saying, Your descendants will outnumber the stars. 89 00:06:06,330 --> 00:06:10,880 Speaker 3: Through you, all the nations of the world will be blessed. 90 00:06:11,600 --> 00:06:12,440 Speaker 2: Abram's heart echoed. 91 00:06:12,839 --> 00:06:13,299 Speaker 1: Melted. 92 00:06:14,580 --> 00:06:17,839 Speaker 2: As he surveyed the expanse of heaven, he realized just 93 00:06:17,920 --> 00:06:20,900 Speaker 2: how incredible it was that the creator of the stars 94 00:06:20,980 --> 00:06:26,690 Speaker 2: considered him, knew him, and loved him. Abram believed God. 95 00:06:27,670 --> 00:06:30,050 Speaker 2: He had faith that the Lord would follow through with 96 00:06:30,089 --> 00:06:35,989 Speaker 2: his promises. That belief, that faith, is what made Abraham righteous. 97 00:06:36,920 --> 00:06:40,930 Speaker 2: No deed, ceremony, or religious gesture would ever replace that 98 00:06:41,080 --> 00:06:45,390 Speaker 2: pure trust in god's word abram looked up at the 99 00:06:45,450 --> 00:06:49,589 Speaker 2: heavens tears fogging his vision and whispered to the lord 100 00:06:50,410 --> 00:06:54,190 Speaker 2: oh shall these things happen bring me a heather goat 101 00:06:54,850 --> 00:07:00,430 Speaker 2: ram turtle dove and pigeon the lord replied abram knew 102 00:07:00,490 --> 00:07:04,810 Speaker 2: exactly what god was requesting in his culture Covenants were 103 00:07:04,850 --> 00:07:09,250 Speaker 2: made through sacrifice. Two people making promises would split animals 104 00:07:09,330 --> 00:07:12,490 Speaker 2: in half and walk through the middle. To seal a 105 00:07:12,510 --> 00:07:14,650 Speaker 2: covenant with blood meant that if one were to break 106 00:07:14,690 --> 00:07:19,200 Speaker 2: that promise, it would mean death. God intended to make 107 00:07:19,240 --> 00:07:23,060 Speaker 2: an unbreakable vow with Abram, a promise sealed in blood 108 00:07:23,100 --> 00:07:27,260 Speaker 2: that would endure throughout the generations. Abram took his eyes 109 00:07:27,320 --> 00:07:31,010 Speaker 2: off the heavens and retreated to his tent. The following day, 110 00:07:31,410 --> 00:07:36,050 Speaker 2: He gathered the necessary animals, split them in half, then waited. 111 00:07:37,530 --> 00:07:40,450 Speaker 2: The sun's heavy rays were briefly shaded by the wings 112 00:07:40,510 --> 00:07:44,570 Speaker 2: of vultures flying overhead. They descended on the carcasses of 113 00:07:44,620 --> 00:07:48,620 Speaker 2: the animals, but Abraham fought them off. Thrashing and screaming, 114 00:07:48,800 --> 00:07:52,480 Speaker 2: he scared them away, then sat on a stone and panted. 115 00:07:53,500 --> 00:07:56,460 Speaker 2: Abram was sure God would show up. He had heard 116 00:07:56,500 --> 00:08:00,830 Speaker 2: his voice so clearly. Abram leaned back and looked out 117 00:08:00,890 --> 00:08:04,150 Speaker 2: on the horizon. He waited for God's voice to return. 118 00:08:04,810 --> 00:08:07,270 Speaker 2: He waited all day, staring. 119 00:08:07,950 --> 00:08:09,510 Speaker 1: Praying, pondering. 120 00:08:10,990 --> 00:08:14,870 Speaker 2: Faith kept him hopeful. The day drew on, and Abram 121 00:08:14,930 --> 00:08:18,410 Speaker 2: watched the sun slowly descend over the valley. Hues of 122 00:08:18,550 --> 00:08:22,550 Speaker 2: orange and crimson splashed the skies, matching the blood soaking 123 00:08:22,590 --> 00:08:27,090 Speaker 2: the ground near the slain animals. Abram's head leaned against 124 00:08:27,130 --> 00:08:31,500 Speaker 2: the stone, and slowly he drifted away to sleep. He 125 00:08:31,580 --> 00:08:35,540 Speaker 2: closed his eyes, then opened them to see a terrible vision. 126 00:08:36,380 --> 00:08:39,920 Speaker 2: He sprang up and looked around him. He saw hundreds 127 00:08:39,960 --> 00:08:43,110 Speaker 2: of thousands of people with scars on their backs, dragging 128 00:08:43,230 --> 00:08:46,809 Speaker 2: stones through sand and mud. The voice of God spoke 129 00:08:46,850 --> 00:08:49,170 Speaker 2: to Abram, saying, Know this. 130 00:08:50,390 --> 00:08:52,910 Speaker 3: Your offspring will be strangers in a land that is 131 00:08:52,950 --> 00:08:57,630 Speaker 3: not theirs. They will be slaves there and afflicted for 132 00:08:57,730 --> 00:08:59,150 Speaker 3: four hundred years. 133 00:08:59,990 --> 00:09:04,140 Speaker 2: Abram looked at the people. They were his descendants, a 134 00:09:04,179 --> 00:09:08,600 Speaker 2: vast sea of faces, all somehow from him. Their image faded, 135 00:09:08,940 --> 00:09:11,800 Speaker 2: and Abram was shown a mighty torrent of water thrashing 136 00:09:11,880 --> 00:09:15,209 Speaker 2: against an army and his descendants running toward safety. 137 00:09:16,090 --> 00:09:19,890 Speaker 3: I will bring judgment on their oppressors, and once I 138 00:09:19,929 --> 00:09:23,490 Speaker 3: have freed them, they will have a great reward. 139 00:09:24,470 --> 00:09:25,719 Speaker 1: Abram looked around. 140 00:09:25,690 --> 00:09:28,790 Speaker 2: As millions flooded the valley he called home. 141 00:09:29,670 --> 00:09:34,069 Speaker 1: They outnumbered the stars. Then he saw nothing. 142 00:09:35,110 --> 00:09:38,590 Speaker 2: It was just him and the Lord. God spoke tenderly 143 00:09:38,650 --> 00:09:39,430 Speaker 2: to him, saying. 144 00:09:40,270 --> 00:09:43,970 Speaker 3: As for you, Abraham, you will have peace. 145 00:09:44,910 --> 00:09:49,460 Speaker 2: Abram opened his eyes to see something miraculous. God had 146 00:09:49,640 --> 00:09:54,700 Speaker 2: passed through the sacrifices himself. A smoking fire pot and 147 00:09:54,740 --> 00:09:57,189 Speaker 2: a flaming torch stood at the other end of them. 148 00:09:58,390 --> 00:10:00,900 Speaker 2: God had made his promise to Abraham. and his offspring 149 00:10:01,300 --> 00:10:05,080 Speaker 2: without him. But what of the blood that's required if 150 00:10:05,400 --> 00:10:11,040 Speaker 2: I break my part of the covenant? Abram wondered. God 151 00:10:11,400 --> 00:10:13,040 Speaker 2: was the one to pass through himself. 152 00:10:14,300 --> 00:10:15,839 Speaker 1: That means God. 153 00:10:16,270 --> 00:10:18,380 Speaker 2: Would be the one to die if Abram and his 154 00:10:18,420 --> 00:10:23,160 Speaker 2: descendants broke their promise. God would later rename Abram, making 155 00:10:23,220 --> 00:10:27,300 Speaker 2: him Abraham, a father of nations. He said that through 156 00:10:27,360 --> 00:10:30,890 Speaker 2: his seed, all the nations would be blessed. A son 157 00:10:30,970 --> 00:10:33,930 Speaker 2: from his lineage would rise to redeem and bless the world. 158 00:10:34,890 --> 00:10:40,109 Speaker 2: Abraham eagerly awaited that time. He believed in the future redemption. 159 00:10:40,790 --> 00:10:45,840 Speaker 2: He hoped for that future blessing. And one day, He 160 00:10:45,900 --> 00:10:48,900 Speaker 2: would meet the promised son in eternity. 161 00:10:52,400 --> 00:10:56,230 Speaker 4: What a moving moment between God and Abram. Could you 162 00:10:56,330 --> 00:11:00,630 Speaker 4: feel the intimacy between them? Could you sense Abram's doubt 163 00:11:00,850 --> 00:11:04,030 Speaker 4: melting away under the warm embrace of his heavenly father? 164 00:11:07,080 --> 00:11:10,200 Speaker 4: It makes sense that Abram would be doubtful of God's promises. 165 00:11:10,860 --> 00:11:13,559 Speaker 4: Think about it. He was old and had tried to 166 00:11:13,600 --> 00:11:17,670 Speaker 4: have children for years. He feared all his blessings wouldn't 167 00:11:17,730 --> 00:11:24,110 Speaker 4: be shared with his descendants. But God comforted Abram and 168 00:11:24,170 --> 00:11:27,510 Speaker 4: made a promise that his offspring would outnumber the stars 169 00:11:27,550 --> 00:11:34,430 Speaker 4: in the sky. They would multiply, suffer from slavery, be rescued, 170 00:11:34,610 --> 00:11:38,170 Speaker 4: and prosper in the land promised to them. And through them, 171 00:11:38,760 --> 00:11:43,600 Speaker 4: a greater hero would come. Abram took all of this 172 00:11:43,679 --> 00:11:47,990 Speaker 4: in and had faith in God That faith was accounted 173 00:11:48,010 --> 00:11:53,010 Speaker 4: to him as righteousness. It wasn't any good deeds, holy exploits, 174 00:11:53,190 --> 00:11:57,720 Speaker 4: or obedience that made him righteous. It was his belief 175 00:11:57,860 --> 00:12:01,020 Speaker 4: in the promises of God. To seal the promise he 176 00:12:01,059 --> 00:12:05,459 Speaker 4: made to Abram, God made a covenant. He had Abram 177 00:12:05,520 --> 00:12:10,020 Speaker 4: prepare sacrifices for them to walk through together. These type 178 00:12:10,040 --> 00:12:13,870 Speaker 4: of contracts were weighty back then. That's why God walked 179 00:12:13,890 --> 00:12:17,729 Speaker 4: through the sacrifice on his own. He was going to 180 00:12:17,770 --> 00:12:22,630 Speaker 4: bear sole responsibility for the promise. If Abram or any 181 00:12:22,670 --> 00:12:26,170 Speaker 4: of his descendants broke the covenant, God would pay the penalty, 182 00:12:26,690 --> 00:12:30,850 Speaker 4: not them. He would eventually do that through the sacrifice 183 00:12:30,890 --> 00:12:36,450 Speaker 4: of Jesus. Abram was eventually renamed Abraham, and God promised 184 00:12:36,490 --> 00:12:39,110 Speaker 4: that all the nations would be blessed one day through 185 00:12:39,150 --> 00:12:44,990 Speaker 4: his seed. Abraham looked forward to that time. He hoped 186 00:12:45,110 --> 00:12:48,390 Speaker 4: in God, and believed his promised descendant would save the world. 187 00:12:50,190 --> 00:12:55,860 Speaker 4: He knew his prophesied son would be greater than him, mightier. Now, 188 00:12:56,200 --> 00:12:59,720 Speaker 4: let's fast forward to when Abraham's descendants are great in number. 189 00:13:01,620 --> 00:13:03,980 Speaker 4: They have an established culture and a way of life. 190 00:13:05,080 --> 00:13:08,520 Speaker 4: They look back at Abraham as the ultimate example of righteousness, 191 00:13:08,860 --> 00:13:11,679 Speaker 4: but they seem to have forgotten that someone greater than 192 00:13:11,720 --> 00:13:12,860 Speaker 4: him was supposed to come. 193 00:13:15,559 --> 00:13:18,420 Speaker 2: Just admit it, one of the scribes shouted from a 194 00:13:18,460 --> 00:13:19,520 Speaker 2: group of Jewish leaders. 195 00:13:20,220 --> 00:13:24,580 Speaker 4: You are a Samaritan dog and are possessed by a demon. 196 00:13:25,140 --> 00:13:30,140 Speaker 2: The crowd stirred, uncomfortable with the accusation. Jesus remained calm 197 00:13:30,210 --> 00:13:34,990 Speaker 2: under scrutiny. His eyes pierced through his accusers. He exhaled 198 00:13:35,070 --> 00:13:37,390 Speaker 2: and shook his head. I do not have a demon, 199 00:13:37,870 --> 00:13:41,410 Speaker 2: he replied matter-of-factly. I honor my father in all things, 200 00:13:42,130 --> 00:13:45,150 Speaker 2: yet you stand here and dishonor me. I won't fret 201 00:13:45,190 --> 00:13:47,820 Speaker 2: over this, though, for I do not seek my own glory. 202 00:13:48,580 --> 00:13:49,420 Speaker 4: There's only one who. 203 00:13:49,360 --> 00:13:52,920 Speaker 2: Seeks my glory, and he's the ultimate judge between. 204 00:13:52,700 --> 00:13:53,699 Speaker 3: You and me. 205 00:13:54,280 --> 00:13:56,700 Speaker 2: He looked away from the group of accusers, turned to 206 00:13:56,720 --> 00:14:00,550 Speaker 2: the crowd, and said, Truly, truly, I say to you. 207 00:14:01,330 --> 00:14:04,410 Speaker 1: If anyone keeps my words, he will never see death. 208 00:14:05,170 --> 00:14:08,790 Speaker 2: The group of scribes and Pharisees stirred. Their holy veneer 209 00:14:08,830 --> 00:14:12,490 Speaker 2: was slowly eroding. giving way to a more perturbed and 210 00:14:12,590 --> 00:14:15,569 Speaker 2: petty countenance. Now we are sure that you have a demon. 211 00:14:15,830 --> 00:14:16,429 Speaker 1: They shouted. 212 00:14:17,030 --> 00:14:18,990 Speaker 2: They began to spit on the floor and mock him. 213 00:14:19,570 --> 00:14:25,070 Speaker 2: Abraham died, as did all the prophets. Yet you say 214 00:14:25,130 --> 00:14:28,010 Speaker 2: whoever keeps your word will never taste death. 215 00:14:28,670 --> 00:14:30,110 Speaker 4: Who do you think you are? 216 00:14:30,630 --> 00:14:34,200 Speaker 2: You think you're greater than Abraham? The Jews postured to 217 00:14:34,260 --> 00:14:38,760 Speaker 2: threaten Jesus, but he remained unperturbed by their presence. Jesus 218 00:14:38,800 --> 00:14:41,560 Speaker 2: stepped towards them. and they took a few paces back 219 00:14:41,600 --> 00:14:44,400 Speaker 2: as he approached. I will tell you again, I do 220 00:14:44,420 --> 00:14:48,000 Speaker 2: not aim to give myself glory. If I did, it 221 00:14:48,020 --> 00:14:48,690 Speaker 2: would mean nothing. 222 00:14:49,410 --> 00:14:50,290 Speaker 4: It is my father who. 223 00:14:50,250 --> 00:14:51,850 Speaker 1: Glorifies me, your God. 224 00:14:52,970 --> 00:14:54,250 Speaker 4: But you don't know him, do you? 225 00:14:55,210 --> 00:14:58,230 Speaker 1: I know him. And your father, Abraham, knew him. 226 00:14:59,070 --> 00:15:00,110 Speaker 4: He rejoiced that one. 227 00:15:00,070 --> 00:15:02,810 Speaker 2: Day he would get to see me. He had faith 228 00:15:02,850 --> 00:15:04,510 Speaker 2: in me and was filled with joy. 229 00:15:04,810 --> 00:15:06,210 Speaker 1: Ridiculous, they shouted. 230 00:15:06,230 --> 00:15:09,150 Speaker 2: You're not even 50 years old, yet you claim to 231 00:15:09,170 --> 00:15:13,550 Speaker 2: have seen Abraham. Jesus' gentle countenance shifted slightly at that moment. 232 00:15:14,070 --> 00:15:16,600 Speaker 2: It was as if the air around him became thick 233 00:15:16,820 --> 00:15:22,180 Speaker 2: with glory. Jesus spoke, his voice resounding with calm authority. 234 00:15:22,800 --> 00:15:24,480 Speaker 2: I was before Abraham. 235 00:15:25,380 --> 00:15:28,270 Speaker 1: Before Abraham was the great I Am. 236 00:15:29,040 --> 00:15:32,440 Speaker 2: Those were the words they had been waiting for. Jesus 237 00:15:32,680 --> 00:15:37,120 Speaker 2: had claimed to be God himself. With zealous rage, the 238 00:15:37,180 --> 00:15:42,280 Speaker 2: Jews ran to retrieve stones. They wanted to end Jesus' life. 239 00:15:43,120 --> 00:15:47,260 Speaker 2: Jealous and indignant, they turned with rocks to hurl at Jesus. 240 00:15:47,280 --> 00:15:50,590 Speaker 2: But he had vanished. He had escaped from the temple 241 00:15:51,070 --> 00:15:55,530 Speaker 2: just in time. One day, the Jewish leaders would successfully 242 00:15:55,630 --> 00:15:58,630 Speaker 2: execute Jesus, but they would do so on his timing. 243 00:15:59,150 --> 00:16:03,090 Speaker 2: Abraham indeed became the father of a great nation. God's 244 00:16:03,150 --> 00:16:07,180 Speaker 2: promise to Abraham was kept, and the children of Israel 245 00:16:07,320 --> 00:16:08,420 Speaker 2: were preserved through slavery, wilderness. 246 00:16:08,440 --> 00:16:09,340 Speaker 1: War, oppression, and pride. 247 00:16:28,570 --> 00:16:34,210 Speaker 4: Despite themselves, God was faithful. Through them, the great hero 248 00:16:34,310 --> 00:16:38,680 Speaker 4: of heaven came. But not everyone recognized him as the 249 00:16:38,720 --> 00:16:44,600 Speaker 4: Messiah right away. Jesus was continually challenged about his identity, 250 00:16:45,220 --> 00:16:48,200 Speaker 4: but we know now that he is the promised Redeemer, 251 00:16:49,380 --> 00:16:53,900 Speaker 4: the seed from Abraham that would bless every nation. In 252 00:16:53,950 --> 00:16:57,150 Speaker 4: his discourse with the religious leaders, he declared that he 253 00:16:57,190 --> 00:17:01,410 Speaker 4: was there before Abraham, He said, Before Abraham was the 254 00:17:01,450 --> 00:17:05,790 Speaker 4: great I Am. Before Abraham was the great I Am. 255 00:17:06,990 --> 00:17:11,270 Speaker 4: What does that mean? That means that Jesus preexisted Abraham 256 00:17:11,600 --> 00:17:16,200 Speaker 4: and life itself. He was the one who spoke life 257 00:17:16,480 --> 00:17:21,300 Speaker 4: and light into existence. He was the one who fashioned 258 00:17:21,380 --> 00:17:24,420 Speaker 4: man from the dust and crafted the heavens and the earth. 259 00:17:25,490 --> 00:17:31,280 Speaker 4: Jesus was God Himself. In this way, Jesus is more 260 00:17:31,320 --> 00:17:34,240 Speaker 4: than just a patriarch of faith or a member of 261 00:17:34,300 --> 00:17:38,260 Speaker 4: a great lineage. He is God. He's not just a 262 00:17:38,320 --> 00:17:40,649 Speaker 4: man of faith. He is the one we put our 263 00:17:40,710 --> 00:17:48,030 Speaker 4: faith in. Through Jesus, the lineage of Abraham was extended 264 00:17:48,109 --> 00:17:53,219 Speaker 4: beyond just a bloodline. He unified different nations, cultures, and 265 00:17:53,359 --> 00:17:56,640 Speaker 4: creeds under the banner of faith into a nation of faith. 266 00:17:57,520 --> 00:18:00,290 Speaker 4: Under the banner of faith, into a nation of faith, 267 00:18:00,970 --> 00:18:06,210 Speaker 4: the church. Because of all this and more, Jesus is 268 00:18:06,310 --> 00:18:11,650 Speaker 4: greater than Abraham. Be sure to join us next time 269 00:18:11,830 --> 00:18:14,910 Speaker 4: as we explore another patriarch in the lineage of Abraham. 270 00:18:15,930 --> 00:18:19,169 Speaker 4: This man is not known for his courage or strength. 271 00:18:19,740 --> 00:18:22,899 Speaker 4: In fact, he willingly submitted himself to be killed by 272 00:18:22,940 --> 00:18:27,160 Speaker 4: his own father. Join us next episode to discover why 273 00:18:27,280 --> 00:18:29,130 Speaker 4: Jesus is the greater Isaac.