Episode 832
Confronting Authority: Jesus' Model of Resistance and Compassion | Ep 832
This podcast episode centers on the profound theme of "Speaking Truth to Power," as articulated through the lens of Luke 13:31-35. In this passage, we witness Jesus exhibiting both resistance against oppressive authority and a profound compassion for the vulnerable, exemplified by His metaphor of a mother hen gathering her chicks. We explore the significance of Jesus’ defiance in the face of threats from Herod, illustrating the imperative of collective liberation over individual bravery in the struggle against systemic oppression. Moreover, we delve into the notion of ministry as a form of resistance, emphasizing the necessity for genuine healing to confront the underlying causes of suffering in our communities. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to engage in prophetic resistance while embodying radical tenderness, thus fostering spaces of safety and belonging amidst societal challenges.
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
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- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
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- A prayer for your day.
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Delving into the profound scripture of Luke 13:31-35, the episode elucidates the interplay of divine authority and human oppression, as exemplified in the life of Jesus. The narrative begins with a warning from the Pharisees regarding Herod's lethal intentions, a moment that encapsulates the tension between prophetic mission and political danger. Jesus' response, which includes a scathing reference to Herod as a ‘fox,’ highlights his refusal to succumb to fear or intimidation, thereby modeling a form of spiritual resistance that is both timely and timeless. The discourse emphasizes that this resistance is not merely an act of individual bravery but a clarion call for collective liberation in the face of oppressive systems.
The episode further explores the thematic richness of Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem, where he employs maternal imagery to articulate a vision of justice grounded in deep love and compassion. The metaphor of the mother hen gathering her chicks becomes a powerful symbol of protection and nurturing, contrasting sharply with the violence often associated with power. This segment encourages listeners to reflect on the necessity of infusing love into acts of resistance, positing that true justice entails addressing the root causes of suffering—be they socio-economic or systemic in nature.
In concluding the episode, actionable steps are presented to the audience, inviting them to engage in prophetic resistance by identifying harmful systems within their communities. Through research and collective action, listeners are encouraged to connect with others striving for justice while exhibiting tender care for those adversely affected. This holistic approach to ministry as a form of resistance culminates in a heartfelt prayer that seeks divine wisdom and courage, reinforcing the episode's central message of harmonizing strength with compassion in the quest for a more just world.
Takeaways:
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of spiritual resistance against oppressive powers, exemplified by Jesus's response to Herod's threats.
- We are encouraged to engage in collective liberation, as individual bravery alone is insufficient against systemic oppression.
- True ministry involves addressing the root causes of suffering, such as poverty and racism, rather than merely treating individual symptoms.
- The metaphor of the mother hen gathering her chicks illustrates that justice must be rooted in deep love and compassion, not violence.
- Listeners are invited to identify harmful power structures in their communities and take concrete actions of resistance with tenderness.
- The podcast advocates for the creation of safe spaces that balance righteous anger towards injustice with a tender love for those affected.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- voiceofgoddaily.com
Transcript
Welcome to Daily Bible Refresh with Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A: million years by the year: Speaker A:We do that by a daily reading the selected reading from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker A:We're in the Lenten season in Year C and we make the reading of the Bible understandable.
Speaker A:We read from the New Testament, the Message version relatable.
Speaker A:We give you a couple of points to ponder applicable by tab in an action step.
Speaker A:We do all that under 10 minutes and have a prayer too.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com that's our website where you can find the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible study method.
Speaker A: eading from the day from Luke: Speaker A:Herod's got your number, he's out to kill you.
Speaker A:Jesus said, tell that fox that I've no time for him right now.
Speaker A:Today and tomorrow I'm busy clearing out the demons and healing the sick.
Speaker A:The third day I'm wrapping things up.
Speaker A:Besides, it's not proper for a prophet to come to a bad end outside Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem.
Speaker A:Killer of prophets, abuser of the messengers of God.
Speaker A:How often I've longed to gather your children, gather your children like a hen, her brood safe under her wings.
Speaker A:But you refused and turned away, and now it's too late.
Speaker A:You won't see me again until the day you say Blessed is he who comes in the name of God.
Speaker A:We're reflecting here on this passage here about how Jesus is really modeling both resistance to oppressive power and a tender compassion for vulnerable.
Speaker A:Here are some points to courage in the face of an empire.
Speaker A:Jesus response to Herod's threats Calling him a fox, for instance, and refusing to be intimidated demonstrates spiritual resistance to authoritarian power.
Speaker A:This isn't about individual bravery, but about collective liberation.
Speaker A:And today we're called to have similar courage in facing systems of oppression, whether they're political, economic or religious.
Speaker A:Another point is about ministry in as resistance.
Speaker A:Really notice how Jesus defines his work of clearing out demons and healing the sick in this context.
Speaker A:Both activities were deeply political and challenging systems that blamed individuals for their suffering.
Speaker A:Today, true healing ministry must similarly address systematic causes of suffering.
Speaker A:That's things like poverty and racism, environmental destruction, not just individual symptoms.
Speaker A:One more point to ponder is radical tenderness.
Speaker A:The shift from confronting Herod to lamenting over Jerusalem with maternal imagery of the hen shows how justice work must be grounded in deep love.
Speaker A:The metaphor of the mother hen gathering her chicks presents an alternative to the violence of the empire protection without domination, strength through vulnerability and community over control.
Speaker A:Let's talk about some action steps that you can take.
Speaker A:I would just invite you to practice prophetic resistance with radical tenderness.
Speaker A:So identify a fox in your community that is a system or power structure that's causing harm and research how this system impacts vulnerable people and connect with all others who are resisting that negative impact with positive by doing resistance work.
Speaker A:Do that and take a concrete action of resistance while practicing tender care for those who are impacted by the oppression.
Speaker A:Think about what you can do.
Speaker A:We're going to pray in just a moment, but just a reminder that we One of the things that you always can do is to go to our website, Voice of God Daily and pick up our our Bible study guide.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC123 Bible Study Guide and it will help you in your everyday walk in life in the scriptures.
Speaker A:Let's pray.
Speaker A:Oh God, you are a mothering God.
Speaker A:Give us courage to face today's foxes, the powers that threaten our beloved community who were tempted to run from conflict.
Speaker A:Remind us of Jesus's bold truth telling when we're tempted to respond with violence.
Speaker A:Remind us of your gathering wings and help us to hold both righteous anger at injustice and tender love for your people at hand.
Speaker A:Show us how to create spaces of safety and belonging even as we resist systems of harm.
Speaker A:May we, like Jesus, be about the work of healing, liberation, trusting in your protecting presence.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:Always a pleasure to be with you here on the voiceofgoddaily.com here on the Daily Bible Refresh and we hope that you'll join me again tomorrow.
Speaker A:We're here every single day.
Speaker A:We usually drop these episodes before 6:00am Eastern Time and I hope that you'll join me tomorrow and bring a friend this time.
Speaker A:That is the way we're going to get to the goal that we have of putting the audible word of God into 2 million ears.
Speaker A: million people by the end of: Speaker A:Until that time comes, please join me again tomorrow and bring a friend.
Speaker A:My name is Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:Remember that God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new.
Speaker A:Everybody.
