Episode 3: The Tax Collector Turned Storyteller

He wasn’t a rabbi. He wasn’t a scholar. He was a tax collector—a man seen as a traitor to his people. And yet, he would become the author of one of the most beloved books in all of Scripture. His name was Matthew.

In this episode of The Messiah King, we step into the life and transformation of the Gospel writer himself. Before he followed Jesus, Matthew sat at a booth collecting taxes for Rome, enriching himself at the expense of his fellow Jews. But when Jesus said, “Follow Me,” he left everything. And years later, he would pick up a different kind of pen—one that told the story of a King like no other.

We explore:

What tax collectors represented in first-century Jewish culture

Why Matthew’s profession made him an outcast—and the perfect picture of grace

How his Gospel reflects the heart of someone who has received mercy

Why his structure, themes, and audience reveal a clear theological mission

The unique way Matthew weaves Old Testament prophecy into the story of Jesus

More than a biography, this episode is a reflection on redemption. Matthew’s life reminds us that no one is too far gone to be called—and that those who are forgiven deeply often tell the story best.

For listeners who value:

Biblical character studies, Christian testimony, New Testament background, Reformed theology, and gospel-centered storytelling.

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Episode 2: Voices in the Wilderness

Before Jesus began preaching, the wilderness was already echoing with voices—each one crying out with a different vision of hope, power, and salvation. The world of first-century Judea was not silent—it was crowded. Pharisees called for purity, Sadducees defended the temple, Essenes waited in isolation, and Zealots sharpened their blades. Into this divided and desperate landscape, a true voice would rise.

In this episode of The Messiah King, we explore the fractured spiritual climate of the time, uncovering how each Jewish faction responded to Roman rule and longed for deliverance in their own way. These were not just theological debates—they were survival strategies. And each group was asking the same question: When will the Kingdom come?

But in their noise, the true voice—the one crying in the wilderness—was about to be heard.

You’ll learn:

What drove the Pharisees to create fences around the Law

Why the Sadducees compromised with Rome to hold power

How the Essenes rejected society in pursuit of holiness

What made the Zealots see the sword as the path to salvation

Why John the Baptist’s call to “prepare the way” shattered expectations

This episode brings clarity to the chaos, revealing the backdrop against which Jesus would proclaim a kingdom not built by force, compromise, or retreat—but by grace and truth.

Ideal for:

Listeners seeking deep Bible study, historical and cultural context for the Gospels, and a devotional approach rooted in Reformed theology.

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Episode 1: When God Was Silent

For four centuries, heaven was quiet. No prophets. No visions. No new word from God. But behind the silence, the world was being prepared for something extraordinary.

In this premiere episode of The Messiah King, we enter the world between the Testaments—a time of empire, exile, and expectation. From the final echoes of Malachi to the opening lines of Matthew, we trace the rise of the Roman Empire, the reshaping of Jewish identity, and the deepening hunger for a Savior.

You’ll hear:

How Greek and Roman empires shaped the world Jesus would enter

What the “silence of God” really meant—and why it matters

How generations clung to prophecy while living under foreign rule

Why Matthew’s Gospel begins not with a miracle, but a name

Blending immersive narrative, historical insight, and devotional reflection, this episode sets the foundation for the entire series. Because when God is silent, He is never still. He is setting the stage for the King.

Perfect for:

Bible readers, Christian history lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Gospel story.

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Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Christ, Bible podcast, Christian history, Bible study, Roman Empire, intertestamental period, Jewish history, Messianic prophecy, Reformed theology, Christian storytelling, devotional podcast