In this episode, we take a deeper look at Psalm 22, the very passage Jesus quotes when He cries,

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).

By stepping into the words of David, we begin to see not only the depth of human anguish—but also the unshakable thread of trust that runs through both David’s life and Jesus’ suffering.

When Jesus cries out, He is not losing faith—He is revealing His heart:

• He is bearing the weight of sin (2 Corinthians 5:21)
• He is entering fully into human suffering
• He is trusting the Father even in silence

And just like Psalm 22, the story does not end in despair.

In this episode, we begin our study of one of the most haunting and powerful statements ever spoken from the cross:

These words stop us in our tracks. They are raw. Honest. Emotional. And deeply meaningful.

But what did Jesus mean?

Was He truly abandoned?

Was this a cry of despair?

Or is there something deeper happening beneath the surface?

In Part 1, we explored the moment itself—the raw emotion, the setting at the cross, and the relationship between Jesus, Mary, and John. In Part 2, we turn our attention to what this statement reveals about Jesus’ heart and how it reshapes our understanding of family, care, and discipleship today.

“Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother.” (John 19:26–27)

Even in the midst of unimaginable suffering, Jesus pauses to care for His mother. What does this moment reveal about His heart—and what does it teach us about following Him today?

In the previous episode, we examined what Jesus meant when He spoke these words from the cross. In this episode, we turn our attention to the compassion behind the promise.

The statement Jesus made to the thief was not out of character. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently showed deep compassion for sinners, the suffering, and the spiritually lost. The promise of paradise reveals the heart of a Savior who cares deeply for people.

Spoken to a dying criminal in the final hours of Jesus’ earthly life, this promise reveals the heart, authority, and assurance of our Savior.

In Part 1, we focus carefully on what Jesus meant when He uttered these words.

In Part 1, we examined the statement in its immediate context at Calvary. In Part 2, we step back and ask:

How did Jesus live this prayer long before He prayed it?

And how can we bring that same spirit into our own hearts?

In this episode of Today With Jesus, Dan Winkler and Robert Hatfield begin a new journey through the seven sayings of Jesus from the cross. This season will examine each saying in two movements:

1. understanding the saying in the moment it was spoken, and
2. exploring how Jesus lived that truth throughout His earthly ministry—and how it can take root in our own hearts today.

Part 1 of this saying focuses on the context of the cross. What does it mean that Jesus prayed for forgiveness while enduring unimaginable suffering? Who were the “them” Jesus prayed for—and what does this prayer reveal about His heart, His mission, and His relationship with the Father?

In this episode of Today With Jesus, we consider a sobering truth: while Scripture records the roles played by Jewish leaders and Roman authorities, it refuses to let us push responsibility safely outward. The Bible presses the question closer to home.

Who is truly to blame for Calvary?

The cross exposes the depth of human sin and the uncomfortable reality that Jesus did not merely die because of others—He died for us. Our guilt stands in the shadow of the cross, even as God’s grace shines through it.

Roman crucifixion was intentionally degrading, designed to humiliate its victims publicly and permanently. In this episode of Today With Jesus, we slow down and look carefully at the shame our Lord endured on Calvary—and why He willingly bore it.

Peter writes to Christians enduring hardship, reminding them that Jesus’ suffering was purposeful, sacrificial, and healing. As we close this season, we reflect on the Servant who bore our sins, carried our griefs, and now shepherds our souls.

Isaiah’s prophecy shows that the Servant not only bore the sins of many, but now “makes intercession for the transgressors.” The blessing of intercession means Jesus didn’t just save us at the cross — He continues to stand for us, speak for us, and advocate for us before the Father.

Isaiah 53:10–11 reveals the heart of God’s redemptive plan — that through the anguish of His soul, the Servant would bring salvation to many. His suffering was not accidental; it was purposeful, leading to our freedom and righteousness before God.

Jesus’ burial wasn’t just a closing scene—it was a vital part of the gospel story (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). His body was laid in a borrowed tomb, fulfilling prophecy and proving both His death and His sinless character. Even in death, God’s sovereign plan was unfolding perfectly.

From the pen of Isaiah and the heart of prophecy, we see Jesus—our Suffering Servant—carrying not only the sins of others but also their pain, sorrow, and rejection. In this study, Robert and Dan explore two powerful truths:

1. The Affliction of Others — The Servant came to minister to those who were burdened, broken, and hurting. He entered our suffering to lift us from it.
2. The Rejection of the Servant — Despite His compassion, the world turned away. Yet through His rejection came our redemption.

Through rich Scripture discussion and practical reflection, this episode helps listeners feel the emotional and spiritual weight of what Jesus bore on our behalf—and invites us to respond with gratitude, faith, and deeper love for Him.

The episode concludes in Acts 8, where a man was reading from this very chapter of Isaiah. His encounter with Philip provides a powerful real-life example of how Isaiah’s prophecy led directly to Jesus.

Together, we reflect on what it means to trust in Jesus as our “bodyguard” against spiritual threats and our “helper” in times of need.

Join us as we dive deep into the text, examining how Jesus inspires us to run the race of faith with endurance and keep our eyes fixed on Him.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Understanding the Old and New Covenants:

• Explanation of the old covenant and its reliance on law.
• Introduction to the new covenant and its foundation in Jesus’ sacrifice.
• How the new covenant fulfills and surpasses the old covenant.

2. Jesus as the Mediator:

• What it means for Jesus to be our Mediator.
• The significance of Jesus’ role in bridging the gap between humanity and God.
• How Jesus’ mediation provides direct access to God without the need for earthly priests.

3. The Promise of a Better Path:

• Exploring the “better promises” mentioned in Hebrews 8:6.
• How the new covenant offers forgiveness of sins and a personal relationship with God.
• The impact of the new covenant on our daily lives and spiritual growth.

4. Application for Today:

• How believers can embrace the new covenant in their walk with Christ.
• Encouragement to rely on Jesus as our Mediator in times of need.
• Practical ways to live out the truths of Hebrews 8 in everyday life.

Key Topics Discussed

• Understanding Jesus as Our High Priest: Explore the biblical context of Jesus’ role as the high priest, how it connects to the Old Testament, and what it means for believers today.
• The Heavenly Sanctuary: A deep dive into the concept of the heavenly sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and the implications of His ministry for our daily lives.
• Jesus on Our Side: The comforting reality that Jesus is not just in a distant position of power but is actively involved in our lives, interceding and advocating for us before God.
• Application to Daily Life: Practical ways to live out the truth of Jesus’ ministry in our everyday struggles, challenges, and decisions.

Hebrews 7 gives us the following argument:

• The prophets established that there would be another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:11, 15, 17).
• This was necessary because …
  • a better priesthood was needed (7:1-10); and
  • a better law was needed (7:11-28, especially verse 18).
• Jesus gives us …
  • a better priesthood than the Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 7:7),
  • a better hope than the Law could provide (7:19), and
  • a better covenant than the old covenant (7:22).

Our study of Hebrews, continued from season 9, focuses on the descriptors of Jesus within this wonderful book. This episode focuses on Jesus as “someone who is always there.” While this title is not specifically given in the text, it is certainly implied as we study Hebrews chapter seven.

Hebrews 7 is admittedly a complex chapter as it weaves in many concepts which will form the foundation for future chapters. Focusing on Jesus’ presence in his role as our High Priest, let’s notice the CONFIDENCE of his presence (Heb. 7:16-21; Psa. 110:4), the CONTINUANCE of his priesthood (Hebrews 7:23-24), and the CONSEQUENCE of his permanence (Hebrews 7:25-28).

1. Where are we?
2. Why are we here?
3. Who is there?
4. What is said there?

Then, once the context is established, they dive into Paul’s sermon itself to explore how Paul thought of Jesus and how he preached Jesus to this specific group of people.

1. 1. “Several times prior to the establishment of the New Covenant via the shedding of Jesus’ blood on the cross, the Scriptures give examples of sins being forgiven. For example, in Leviticus, Moses repeats several times something along the lines of “and they shall be forgiven” or “and he will be forgiven” (Lev. 4, 5, 6, 19). When Isaiah had his great vision of God in His throne room in heaven, an angel flew to him with a burning coal and touched Isaiah’s lips and said “… your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” (Isaiah 6:6-7) Furthermore, when John the Immerser was preparing the way for the Messiah, he proclaimed “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Luke 3:3) My question is: When were these sins forgiven? Were they “rolled forward” to the cross (like I’ve heard my entire life) or were they forgiven at that very moment when the condition for forgiveness was met?”
   2. “Can you elaborate and explore holidays? I grew up in the church and we never celebrated Halloween, Christmas etc.”
   3. “My question is one that I’ve had for a couple years that goes back to a good Bible class where we were discussing examples vs. expediencies. What would Jesus say about the church owning the buildings where we gather to worship? Tangentially, what do you think Jesus would say about our tendency to have a building-based focus in what we do today?  It isn’t fair to say I’m struggling with church ownership of buildings / properties, but I do struggle with our consistency with the motto of “speaking where the Bible speaks, and being silent where the Bible is silent”.  I think the building/property ownership may be speaking where the Bible is silent and would love your thoughts and opinions on the matter.   Please let me know if I can add additional clarification or elaboration to my question above.   I appreciate the Ministry that you have built with this (and the other Light Network) podcasts.  You are doing a great work in continuing to push us towards Jesus as revealed in the Bible.”

1. 1. “I just listened to your lesson about struggling with contentment. It was a blessing to me. However, I am struggling with contentment, not contentment with money or possessions. I am struggling with finding contentment since I lost my husband of 35 years. I just can’t find peace since he is gone.”
   2. “Hey guys been thinking about this question and would love to hear it on your podcast, are we allowed to protect our family with guns if someone broke into our house, I am in a gun state and have guns but I feel conflicted because I feel that god would rather us to turn the other cheek vs Harm someone to protect our wives and kids, would love to see you guys break this down! You guys have helped me grow my Faith and thanks for this podcast!”
   3. “What would Jesus say about benefiting from another’s harm? I have been presented by a preacher and elder from a congregation this concept which has far reaching consequences if it is Scriptural. He uses Luke 6:31 as the main point to show benefiting from another’s harm is sinful.”

• What does Jesus say about God’s love? Does God love everyone? What about Malachi 1:3?

1. What would Jesus say about people with disabilities (mental and physical), and people who struggle with mental health issues?
2. What would Jesus say about aging and deteriorating health?

What does Jesus say about a lukewarm church? What if I attend a congregation that is largely lukewarm? [We’re dealing with being part of a lukewarm church and are getting discouraged, especially with our daughter being the only child there (18 months and no other kids close in age). There are no other sound congregations in the area, so what would Jesus want us to do? We would love to move from the area but we’re waiting for God to present that opportunity to us.]

• What would Jesus say to a Christian who would rather hear a “motivational talk” than a sermon from God’s word?

• What would Jesus say about the modern American church’s evangelistic efforts as a whole? What would Jesus say about our priorities?

• What does Jesus say about the Lamb’s Book of Life? If my name is written in it, will I have to explain all the sins in my book of deeds?
• What would Jesus say about staying encouraged during the pandemic?

• What does Jesus say about loving others and ministering to their needs?
• What does Jesus say about people who put more emphasis on the kingdom of the USA than they do on the kingdom of God?

– “If salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” (Mat. 5:13)

– “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?” (Mat. 5:46)