Opening Up the Gospels
A video series on the life of Jesus.
The life of Jesus as revealed by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John is a precious treasure and testimony of God's faithfulness. For a large part of my life of faith, Jesus' story as told by the books we call the "Gospels" was not much more than a fairy tale to me. I realized my "relationship" with Jesus was sincere but had little substance to it beyond sentiment towards His work on the cross. I could spend hours telling you about my favorite TV shows, but I couldn't tell you much about the details of the life of the Promised One that humanity has longed for since the fall in Eden's garden.

Beginning in the summer of 2013 and finishing in the summer of 2017, I recorded short videos that chronologically walk through the Gospels to encourage others to "behold the Lamb of God" (John 1:29) and to "hear Him" (Matthew 17:5) - to look at the treasure of His life and to listen to His matchless words. I pray this contribution to the body of Messiah would help us to marvel at His "unsearchable riches" (Ephesians 3:8) and to help us "eagerly wait" (Hebrews 9:28) for His return to rule in Jerusalem.

This teaching series is called Opening Up the Gospels. There are 156 episodes, enough to watch one episode per week for three years straight. I hope these are edifying and strengthening to your faith in Jesus.
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Episodes

Episode 30 - The Childhood of Jesus

After the circumstances of the birth of Jesus, the Gospels fall silent and give us no information about Jesus' upbringing. What was life like in Nazareth? What was it like for Jesus to be a toddler and to play with his friends? What was it like when He lost His first tooth? This episode examines… Read More »

Episode 31 - Jesus at Twelve

The Gospels only give us one glimpse into the years of Jesus' life between his birth and the start of His ministry, and its significance is momentous. When Jesus was twelve years old, He journeyed to Jerusalem for the Passover feast with His family. This episode looks at His visit and begins to lay a… Read More »

Episode 32 - Eighteen Years of Silence

The Gospels offer no record of Jesus' life and words between His visit to the Temple at 12 and the start of His ministry at 30. What did the living God do during these years of silence? For those with ears to hear, the silence is deafening - for it is in these years that… Read More »

Episode 33 - Introduction to John the Baptist, Part 1

All four Gospels tell us about John the Baptist, making him an extremely important figure in the story of Jesus. Who was John and how do the writers of the Gospels present him? These are critical questions to ask if we are to rightly understand the words and mission of Jesus. This episode develops the… Read More »

Episode 34 - Introduction to John the Baptist, Part 2

John the Baptist as a very unique individual. After 400 years of prophetic silence in Israel, the Gospels clearly present John as prophet in several main ways: the formula used to introduce him, the way he dressed, and the message he proclaimed. This episode helps link John into the continuing story of the Old Testament.

Episode 35 - John the Baptist and the Maccabean Revolt

In 166BC, the Jews revolted against their Greek oppressors in a time historians call the Maccabean Revolt. After the Jews violently fought and regained control of Jerusalem, leaders would be set in place over the next century that would cause Israel to stray from the Lord, setting the stage for a Roman takeover in 63BC.… Read More »

Episode 36 - The Message of John the Baptist, part 1

The story of John the Baptist precedes the ministry of Jesus in all four Gospels and is critical for rightly understanding why Jesus says what He says and does what He does. John speaks to the people of Israel of soon judgment and gives an urgent plea for repentance. The God of Israel was coming… Read More »

Episode 37 - The Message of John the Baptist, part 2

The significance of John's message to the nation of Israel is only heightened when we see that he is baptizing. Yet it is important to remember the audience of his proclamation was not Gentiles, but the Jews, the physical descendants of Abraham. This episode examines the importance of baptism and how offensive it would have… Read More »

Episode 38 - The Message of John the Baptist, part 3

John the Baptist said that the One coming after Him (who we know to be Jesus of Nazareth) would separate the "wheat" from the "chaff" and would be the one to baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. This is yet another example of John's offensive message to Israel. This episode also discusses the… Read More »

Episode 39 - The Message of John the Baptist, part 4

John the Baptist's message of division was not something new in redemptive history. This episode examines the Old Testament foundation of the promise of restoration and regeneration and links it to Jesus' first coming. As we trace "the seed" (Genesis 3:15), the message of John and the story of the Gospels will become much clearer… Read More »

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