Jesus in His Jewish Context | Exploring the World of the Gospels, the Kingdom of God, and the Roots of Early Christianity with Dr. Jeff Colburn

S2 E3 - You Are the Christ - Messianic Expectations During the Second Temple Period

Before Peter ever called Jesus the Christ, generations of Jews had longed for a deliverer—an anointed one who would restore Israel’s kingdom, purify the Temple, and bring justice to the world.
In this episode, Dr. Jeff Colburn uncovers the diverse messianic hopes of Second Temple Judaism—from royal sons of David to priestly reformers and prophetic figures like Moses and Elijah. Drawing on texts from the Hebrew Scriptures, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and writings like 1 Enoch and the Psalms of Solomon, we’ll explore how these expectations shaped the atmosphere of the Gospels.
Finally, we’ll see how Jesus both fulfilled and transformed these hopes—redefining messiahship not through conquest but through compassion, suffering, and resurrection.
Listen now to rediscover what “Christ” truly meant in the time of Jesus.
 
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Please join our Facebook group to receive additional resources related to each episode, engage in respectful discussions, and post questions. https://drjeffcolburn.com
You may contact me directly at drjeffcolburn@gmail.com

S2 E2 - The World Jesus Knew: Judaism Under Rome

Before we can understand what Jesus said, we must understand the world in which He spoke.
In this episode, Dr. Jeff Colburn takes you inside the world of first-century Judaism under Roman rule — a world of empires and expectation, prophets and priests, oppression and hope.
Discover how political tension, Temple worship, and Jewish faith shaped the social landscape of the Gospels. Learn about the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots — the diverse movements wrestling with what faithfulness to God meant under empire.
This episode lays the foundation for everything to come, helping us see why Jesus’ announcement of the Kingdom of God was both profoundly Jewish and deeply revolutionary.
Listen now to step into the story of faith, history, and hope that set the stage for Jesus’ ministry.
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Please join our Facebook group to receive additional resources related to each episode, engage in respectful discussions, and post questions. https://drjeffcolburn.com
You may contact me directly at drjeffcolburn@gmail.com

S2 E1 - Introduction to Jesus in His Jewish Context

What if understanding Jesus meant stepping into His world?
In this special introduction episode, Dr. Jeff Colburn welcomes you to Jesus in His Jewish Context and shares the vision behind the podcast.
You’ll discover why exploring the Jewish world of the first century—its history, Scripture, and everyday faith—opens up a richer understanding of Jesus’ message and the Gospels. Dr. Colburn explains how the podcast will bridge faith and history, combining biblical scholarship with spiritual formation so you can see Jesus as His first disciples knew Him.
Whether you’re a pastor, seminary student, or lifelong learner, this short episode will prepare you for the journey ahead: rediscovering the Kingdom of God, Second Temple Judaism, and the Jewish roots of Christian faith.
Subscribe now and join the conversation as we step into the world that shaped Jesus—and still shapes us today.
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Please join our Facebook group to receive additional resources related to each episode, engage in respectful discussions, and post questions. https://drjeffcolburn.com
You may contact me directly at drjeffcolburn@gmail.com

Jesus in His Jewish Context Trailer

What if understanding Jesus meant stepping into His world?
Jesus in His Jewish Context is a podcast that explores the Gospels through the lens of first-century Judaism — the world of the Temple, the prophets, and the Kingdom of God. Hosted by Dr. Jeff Colburn, a Bible scholar specializing in Second Temple Judaism and Early Christianity, each episode bridges faith and history to help you see Jesus as His first disciples knew Him.
Subscribe now and rediscover the Jewish roots of the Christian faith.
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Please join our Facebook group to receive additional resources related to each episode, engage in respectful discussions, and post questions. https://drjeffcolburn.com
You may contact me directly at drjeffcolburn@gmail.com

Episode 14 - What Happens at the End times (Part 2) - What is the Rapture?

In this episode, Angela and Jeff finish their discussion about what happens during the end times. They address the original question, "what is the rapture?" Angela shares what she learned of the end times and the rapture growing up in the church. Jeff shares the various interpretations of the end times and how some believe in the rapture while others don't. Illustrations of the various interpretations are posted in the Safe Harbor Digital Community Facebook Group. Please join us at https://digitalsafeharbor.com  

Episode 13 - The Power of Personal Testimony | Making the Decision for Jesus

This is the conclusion of the discussion from last week's episode (E12 - Experiencing the Church). In this week's episode, Angela and Jeff discuss how powerful giving our personal testimony about God is in attracting others to Jesus. Jeff shares his own experience on how he came to Christ. They conclude with what it means to make the decision to give your life to Jesus. Have questions about God? Want to be able to talk to someone? Do you want to feel heard? Please join our community on Facebook at digitalsafeharbor.com This is a safe place where you may ask any questions you have, share your own personal struggles and experiences, and challenge what you may have been taught.Or you may email Dr. Jeff at jeff@digitalsafeharbor.org Finding the Narrow Way is the official podcast of the Safe Harbor Digital Community. An online space where people may feel loved and connected as they discover God and grow in Christlikeness.This podcast is hosted by Angela Vasquez and Dr. Jeff Colburn. Jeff earned his Ph.D. in Bible Exposition. 

Episode 12 - Experiencing Church (Part 1) - The First Time Visitor

In this episode, Angela and Jeff discuss their experience visiting a new church for an Easter service.  They share what they believe were the strengths and weaknesses of the service and how first time visitors may perceive them.  Angela and Jeff walk through their entire experience. Next week's episode will share the second half of this conversation.Topics Include:The parking lot before the serviceMeeting the PastorWorshipScreen fatigueTithing (Contributions)Service DistractionsPlease join the discussion on Facebook at digitalsafeharbor.comIf you have questions about this episode or any other questions about God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at digitalsafeharbor.org.

Episode 11 - What Happens at the End Times. What is the Kingdom of God. Why You Should Care

Angela and Jeff received a question this week that causes them to explore what the Bible says about the End Times. In this episode, they discuss the Kingdom of God. Jeff shares:What Jesus taught of the Kingdom of GodThe stages of the Kingdom's arrivalWhat is Today's AgeWhat is the Age to ComeWhat is the MillenniumWhat did Jesus mean by "already," and "not yet."How believers experience the Kingdom todayHow believers will experience the Kingdom in the Age to ComeThis is part 1 of a series on the End Times.Episode LinksGospel of the Kingdom by George Eldon LaddScriptureMatthew 12:281 Corinthians 15:20-282 Corinthians 4:3-4Revelations 20:4-5, 12-13Please join the discussion on Facebook at digitalsafeharbor.comIf you have questions about this episode or any other questions about God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at digitalsafeharbor.org.

Episode 10 - Finding Significance through God

In this episode, Angela and Jeff discuss one of the two personal needs for our sense of self-worth. Our need for significance. People need their lives to have purpose, meaning, impact, and importance. They discuss how wrong beliefs influence our basic assumptions which lead to misguided goals that will not meet the need for significance. Failing to achieve these misguided goals have a negative impact on our self-worth and cause anxiety and depression. Jeff and Angela share how the need for significance can only be met through God. That everyone has been perfectly created to meet their God given purpose for their life. They remind people how they can remain centered in God and allow Him to meet their need for significance. Please join the discussion at digitalsafeharbor.comIf you have questions about this episode or any other questions about God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at digitalsafeharbor.org.

Episode 9 - New Podcast Name New Episode - The Narrow Way of Jesus

We are excited to announce that we are changing the name of the podcast. We are now Finding the Narrow Way podcast where we learn to live and love like Jesus.In this episode, Angela and Jeff discuss:What is the narrow way and how to find itJesus' invitation to follow Him on the narrow wayCharacteristics of a Jesus followerHow we are to live as ChristiansWhat it means to be obedient to GodThe importance of building a loving relationship with GodHow we can tell if we are maturing as ChristiansEpisode LinksEffective Biblical Counseling by Larry CrabbThe Gospel of Matthew by R.T. FrancePlease join the discussion at facebook.com/groups/digitalsafeharborIf you have questions about this episode or any other questions about God, Jesus, or the Bible, please email us at questions@digitalsafeharbor.org or visit our website at digitalsafeharbor.org.