The Easy English Bible Study Podcast

This podcast is for learners of English as a foreign language who also want to study the Bible. The context or situation in today’s bible reading is that Jesus will soon be arrested. He will soon die. He is going away. He is still comforting the disciples that he will “not leave them as orphans”. He will not leave them forever. Jesus is promising the disciples that he will see them again. He also promises them a “helper”. The helper (or advocate) is the Holy Spirit. In verse 20, Jesus also tells the disciples that they will soon understand that they have a close relationship with Jesus and the Father. At the beginning and at the end of today’s reading Jesus says that “if you love me, keep my commands”. My takeaway from today’s reading is that we show our love of Jesus in obedience to his commands. We obey Jesus because we love Him. We know that God has loved us first. He created us, his Son died for us on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins and so we see that God loves us. In return we love and obey God. Love and obedience go together! I hope today’s podcast was helpful for you. I would love to hear from you. You can email me at [email protected] Take care and God bless you!! David Gray

In this reading and in this episode Jesus is comforting and preparing the disciples. He tells them that he is going away to be with the Father. They are likely very upset by this news and Jesus says “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me.” He tells them that he is “the way, the truth and the life”. He explains that if they have seen him they have seen the Father. He says “I am in the Father and the Father is in me”. Finally he tells them that they will do great things in his name. We talk about these sayings of Jesus in this episode. Thank you for listening to this podcast. God bless you! . You can contact me at: [email protected] David Gray

Here Jesus tells the Pharisees that he is the Good Shepherd. The Shepard symbolizes the religious leaders and sheep are the people that they lead. Jesus is the shepherd promised by God in the Old Testament (see Ezekiel 34). Jesus speaks against, (he is critical of) the false shepherds who are evil and do not care for their people. Through this symbolism he is being critical of the Pharisees (religious leaders). Thank you for listening to this episode. If you would like to contact me, you can email me at [email protected] God bless you! David Gray

Jesus has resurrected and walks with two men along the road to Emmaus. They do not recognize Jesus. They are sad about his death. Jesus explains what the scriptures (Old Testament) say about him. He says that “the Christ had to suffer these things and then enter his glory”. Later they have a meal together and as Jesus breaks the bread they recognize him and then he disappears. The two men to back to Jerusalem and tell the disciples what they experienced. Thank you so much for listening! You can comment on this episode or give general feedback at [email protected] David Gray

The resurrected Jesus appears to the group of disciples for the first time. He says “Peace be with you” and allows them to touch his wounds (his hands and his side). Thomas is not there and says he will not believe unless he sees Jesus and touches him. Jesus appears again and Thomas touches his wounds and believes. Jesus says “Blessed out those who have not seen and yet have believed.” You and I can not see or touch Jesus. We do not have physical proof of his resurrection. We are blessed for having faith in him, in his resurrection and in his gospel message.

Happy Easter! This episode is based on the reading John 20:1-18. Here Mary Magdalene visits the tomb of Jesus and sees that the tomb is empty. She tells Peter and John and they go running to the tomb and also see that it is empty. John believes that Jesus has resurrected. Mary is still worried about the body of Jesus and wants to know who took his body. Jesus appears to Mary and tells her that he will ascend to the Father. Mary tells the disciples that she has seen Jesus. She is the first person to see the risen Lord and to share the good news! In this episode I also give some background information on Mary Magdalene. Hope you have a great Easter! If you want to contact me or give feedback or suggestions on this podcast, you can email me at [email protected]. God bless! David Gray

This episode is about the death of Jesus on the cross; the crucifixion. Here Jesus carries his cross. Pilate writes a notice that reads: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews”. The soldiers divide Jesus’ clothes among themselves. Jesus has John take care of his mother from now on. Finally, Jesus says “It is finished” and he dies. Jesus has completed the work that the Father has given him to do on earth. He has died as a sacrifice for our sins. This is a sad day as we remember the suffering and death of Jesus.

This episode is about the Last Supper. Jesus has already arranged the place where they would celebrate the Passover meal. At the meal Jesus tells the disciples that one of them will betray him. It is Judas. Jesus also gives the words and actions to what is today called Holy Communion or Holy Eucharist. Thank you for listening to this podcast. There are many bonus episodes this week. You can contact me or give feedback at: [email protected] Take care and God bless! David Gray

Matthew 27:11-31 is about Jesus before Pilate. Pilate is surprised that Jesus will not answer the charges (accusations) given against him. Pilate tries to find a way to free Jesus. There is a custom to free one prisoner each year at the festival. However, instead of Jesus the crowd yells for Barabbas to be freed. They cry for Jesus to be crucified. Jesus is flogged and mocked by the soldiers. Earlier, Jesus was very upset in the garden of Gethsemane because he knew he would be tortured and then crucified and yet he was able to face this. Pilate is weak here. He knew Jesus is innocent but did not have the courage to free Jesus. Thank you for listening to this bonus episode! You can give feedback or contact me at: [email protected] God bless! David Gray

In this reading, Matthew 26:69-27:10 shows us Peter denying knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows. Peter weeps bitterly (cries strongly) after he does this. Judas sees that Jesus is being handed over to Pilate. He has great remorse (regret) for what he did and wants to give back the money to the chief priests. Judas then hangs himself (kills himself). At times we might do something very serious and feel that it is too great a sin for God to forgive us but God will forgive us if we repent of our sin. Peter did go on to repent of his sin and was forgiven. I felt bad for Jesus in this moment that two of his disciples denied or betrayed him at this time. Jesus put his trust in God the Father and not in men.

We start at the garden of Gethsemane in this reading of Matthew 26:36-68. At first, Jesus prays to the Father asking if there is another way. But Jesus prays for God’s will not his own will. Jesus accepts that he must suffer and die on the cross. Judas betrays Jesus and Jesus is arrested. Jesus is put on trial before the Sanhedrin (the religious leaders). Jesus says that he is the Messiah when he says “you will see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven”. The high priest charges Jesus with blasphemy and decides he should be killed as punishment. My take away is that Jesus is able to face his upcoming suffering and death through prayer to the Father. He accepts the Father’s will. He is able to bravely face the situation and declares who he really is.

In this reading, Matthew 26:1-16 and 31 to 35 there are several events. In this bonus podcast episode, the religious leaders met and planned (schemed) to arrest Jesus and have him killed. Jesus is anointed with oil by a woman and Jesus again predicts his death. Judas agrees with the chief priests to betray Jesus. Jesus predicts that Peter will deny knowing him (disown him) three times. You can contact me or give me feedback by email at: [email protected] Thank you for listening! David Gray

This episode is based on John 12:12-19, which is the reading for Palm Sunday. A great crowd welcomes Jesus, who is riding on a donkey, into Jerusalem with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the king of Israel!” The Pharisees felt threatened by Jesus’ popularity. While the people likely saw Jesus as a political Messiah, Jesus has come humbly on a donkey and will soon die and resurrect and be the Savior of our souls, overcoming sin and death. You can contact me by email at: [email protected] God bless! David Gray

This episode is about John 11:1-53 You can email me and comment on this podcast at [email protected] Lazarus gets very sick. His family send for Jesus but Jesus waits a few days before going to see Lazarus in Bethany. He learns that Lazarus has died. Mary and Martha say that if Jesus had come earlier Lazarus could have been healed of his sickness. However, Jesus came late on purpose. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. While many believed in Jesus and spread the word about Jesus, the Pharisees saw Jesus as a threat to their power and their nation. From that time they plotted (planned) to take his life (to kill Jesus). Thank you for listening to this episode. If you would like to contact me or comment on this podcast you can email me at: [email protected]

This reading, John 9:1-41 is about Jesus healing a man who was born blind. Some wondered if the man was blind because of sin that he or his parents committed. Jesus said that he was blind so as to give glory to God. The Pharisees questioned the man who was healed as well as his parents. They rejected the testimony of the blind man as well as Jesus. The man but his faith in Jesus but the Pharisees remained spiritually blind. Thank you for listening to this episode. If you would like to contact me by email you can reach me at: [email protected] Thank you and God bless! David Gray

In this reading. John 4:5-26, Jesus speaks with a Samaritan women at a well in Samaria. You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected] The whole situation is amazing. Jesus travelled through Samaria even though the Jews of that time usually avoided traveling there. He talked to the woman, even though men usually did not talk with women in such situations. He told her about her life. He told her that he is the Messiah. She later became a messenger about Jesus to her town. There were many reasons for Jesus to condemn her but he did not condemn her. Instead she became a messenger about Jesus to her town. This is encouraging to all of us. We should never feel like we are “not good enough” for God to use us. God can do good things through us if we believe. You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]

In this episode I read John 3:1-17. I give comments on this reading in easy to understand English. You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected] I hope this helps you study the Bible and improve your English at the same time. In this reading, Jesus teaches Nicodemus. Jesus tells him that to see the kingdom of God you must be born again. Nicodemus does not understand Jesus and thinks Jesus is talking about being born again physically. However, Jesus is talking about being born again spiritually. Jesus also explains that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Nicodemus has trouble understanding Jesus but he listened to Jesus and followed Jesus. Many times in life we have trouble understanding what God is doing in our lives. Let us keep looking to Jesus even when we don’t understand. You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]

In this episode, Jesus is led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan in the wilderness. You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected] In the reading, Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus is tempted: (1) to turn stone to bread,(2) to have God save Him from falling and (3) to worship Satan. Jesus rejects all of these temptations strongly. He also quotes the scriptures each time. What did you learn from this reading? Personally, I learned that it is good to know the Bible (the scriptures) in difficult times when I am being tempted. The wisdom of the Bible can help us overcome temptation. Also, Jesus did not need to prove he is the Son of God. The Father declared (announced) that Jesus is the Son of God at His baptism. God also said that He loves Jesus and is pleased with Jesus. So Jesus has nothing to prove. Neither do we. God loves us. We are his children if we believe in God. We don’t resist temptation to prove that we are God’s children. We resist temptation (with the help of Jesus) because of our love for God. There are so many things we can learn from this passage. I would love to know what you learned! You can share that in your comments. You can also give a rating of this podcast. Any feedback or comments you give would be very helpful to this podcast. Thank you so much for listening! David Gray You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]

Here Jesus talks about giving to the needy (the poor), praying and fasting in secret. (  You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]  ) We should not do these things so that other people will see us. We do these things in secret so that only God will see us. The reward will be that we will be closer to God and we will have a character that is more like Jesus. Jesus also says “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. Lasting treasures are a close relationship with God and a Christ-like character. Wow! This is quite a good challenge for us in the season of lent. We can fast, pray, reflect quietly to please God and to grow in character. You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]

Matthew 17:1-9 is the Bible verse for our episode this week. Jesus is transfigured before some of the apostles. (  You can contact me, David Gray, or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected] They see His great light, his glory shine and they hear the Father’s voice. They also see Moses and Elijah. We also witness God’s greatness from time to time in our lives. Let’s remember how great God is, even in difficult times. Please tell your friends about this podcast. It also helps if you leave a comment on YouTube, Podbean or leave a rating on Apple Podcasts. This helps others find this podcast. Take care and God bless you! David You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]

Matthew 5:13-20 is the Bible reading for this episode. Here, Jesus tells us that we are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world”. ((  You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]  ))  He wants us others to see our good deeds. Why? So that we might glorify our Father in heaven. Jesus also says that He has come to fulfill the law. He wants our righteousness to surpass those who care only about “following rules”. He wants us to follow the spirit of the law with an upright heart. I hope you are enjoying this podcast. Please feel free to leave a comment. That would be helpful for this podcast. God bless you! David You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]  

Matthew 5:1-12, known as the “Beatitudes” is the Bible reading for this week’s podcast. You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]   The is the first part of Jesus’ famous message called the “Sermon on the Mount”. What Jesus teaches is often the opposite of what we think is right. For example, Jesus teaches “blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”. We would say that mourning (being sad for the death of someone we love) is not a blessing. But Jesus says that it is a blessing because God will comfort us. It is a blessing to need God and to be comforted by God. It is dangerous to be a Christian in some countries. Is it difficult, hard or dangerous for you to be a Christian where you live? If so, may these words give you comfort as you deal with your situation. God be with you and give you strength. David Gray You can contact me (David Gray) or give me helpful feedback on this podcast at [email protected]      

Acts 9:1-22 is the Bible reading for this bonus episode. Here we are learning about Saul’s (later know as Paul) conversion. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] Saul was attacking or persecuting the early Christians who belonged to the Way. He went to Damascus to find them and have them put in prison. However, on the way to Damascus he was knocked down by a bright light. In a special vision he encountered Jesus himself. Saul became a Christian and immediately started preaching that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah. From this story we see the very extreme change in Saul from someone who persecuted Christians to a great evangelist for Jesus. We see such dramatic conversions today too. However, our own personal conversion might be very simple or quiet in comparison. That is ok! Some of us convert more gradually and in a much less dramatic way. The most important thing is that we now believe and trust in Jesus. How we are converted is much less important than the simple fact that we have been changed. I hope you benefit from this bonus episode. If possible please leave a comment. If you enjoy this podcast feel free to subscribe. Take care and God bless! David Gray You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]  

This podcast is for people who want to study English as a second language or as a foreign language and also learn about the Bible at the same time! You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] Matthew 4:12-25 is the Bible reading for this episode. Here Jesus begins his ministry. John the Baptist is put in prison. Jesus leaves Nazareth and lives in Capernaum. He calls his first disciples and they immediately leave their work of fishing and follow Him. Jesus teaches in synagogues, proclaims the good news of the kingdom and heals many kinds of sicknesses and diseases. Large crowds from many regions follow him. After the reading I talk about Jesus starting His ministry at a dangerous time. I also comment on the fact that there are times when we need to immediately respond to the call of God. I hope this podcast is helpful for you! How is this podcast for you? Is is helpful? How could it be better? Please leave a comment and let me know. You can also tell me about yourself if you want to. What is your first language? Where are you from? Thank you so much for listening! David Gray You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]  

Mark 8:27-9:1 is the reading for this Bonus episode of “The Easy English Bible Study Podcast.” Jesus asks “Who do people say that I am?” You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] Peter says that Jesus is “the Messiah” but later when Jesus says that he will be killed and rise again Peter wants to stop Jesus from such a future. Jesus rebukes Peter. Jesus then teaches that we are to lose our lives for Jesus and the gospel. In my comments I ask: What does it mean for you and for me to lose our lives for Jesus? Are we embarrassed of Jesus? Or are we willing to tell others about Jesus and his teachings? You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]

John 1:29-42 is the reading for this episode of “The Easy English Bible Study Podcast.” You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected] Here John the Baptist gives a testimony about Jesus. He tells us what happened at Jesus’ baptism and he tells us that Jesus is the Lamb of God. Andrew and one other leave John and start to follow Jesus. Andrew tells Simon (later to be called Peter) about Jesus saying that Jesus is the Messiah. In my comments I talk about how we too can give our own testimony about Jesus and about what He is doing in our lives. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected]

This reading is about the baptism of Jesus. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] John the Baptist was surprised when Jesus came to him to be baptized. John thought that he should be baptized by Jesus. After Jesus is baptized we see in one moment the trinity. The Father says “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Also the Holy Spirit comes down to Jesus like a dove. One take away is that we too can tell our children that we love them and that they please us just as the Father did to Jesus. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]

Matthew 2:1-12. This is a bonus episode about the Magi (or the Wisemen) visiting Joseph, Mary and Jesus. This is a special day on the church calendar called “The Epiphany of Our Lord”. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] In the reading the Magi come from the East and at first they see King Herod in Jerusalem and state that they are looking for the King of the Jews. This disturbs Herod. The Maji visit Jesus and when they return, they go home a different way and they do not tell Herod where to find Jesus. In my comments I explain some of the text and I also clear up two false ideas about this story. One take away that I have from this reading (one lesson I learned) is that this story shows that Jesus is not only the “King of the Jews” but also the Lord or King of all people. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]

Happy New Year! This is a bonus episode for January 1st. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] The Bible passage is only one verse, Luke 2:21. It is about the circumcision and naming of Jesus on the child’s eighth day of his life. I also take a moment to thank you, my listener for listening to this podcast. We already have listeners from many countries! What country are you from? How is the podcast for you? I am looking forward to reading the Bible with you in the new year! God bless you in the new year! David You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]  

This reading is about the baptism of Jesus. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] John the Baptist was surprised when Jesus came to him to be baptized. John thought that he should be baptized by Jesus. After Jesus is baptized we see in one moment the trinity. The Father says “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Also the Holy Spirit comes down to Jesus like a dove. One take away is that we too can tell our children that we love them and that they please us just as the Father did to Jesus. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]  

In this episode we read Luke 2:40-52 for the Second Sunday after Christmas. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] Joseph, Mary and Jesus visit Jerusalem for Passover. However, on the way back home Joseph and Mary can not find Jesus among their relatives so they return to Jerusalem to find him. They find him among the teachers at the temple. At the end of the reading I ask “Where do find Jesus (in our lives)? I hope this reading and my comments are helpful for you in your faith and in your study of English. I wish you God’s blessings in the new year! Please be sure to comment on this podcast! That would be wonderful. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]  

This podcast is for listeners learning English as a second language who also want to study the Bible. Today’s episode is based on Matthew 2:13-23. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected] In this passage Joseph, the Magi (wisemen) do not give information to Herod to help him find baby Jesus. Herod is furious. An angel tells Joseph to escape with his family to Egypt. Herod demands that all children that are two years of age or younger and who live in or near Bethlehem be killed. An angel tells Joseph to escape with his family to Egypt. After Herod dies they return but live in Nazareth where Jesus grows up. In this episode (as always) I read the Bible passage and make some comments in easy to understand English. I would very much appreciate your comments on this podcast. Thank you for listening!! David You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your feedback at: [email protected]  

This passage (Luke 2:1-20) is the Christmas story. It is all about the birth of Jesus. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected] In this story there is the census ordered by Caesar Augustus, the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, the appearance of angels to the shepherds, and the shepherds visiting Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Here we see that even though Jesus is the Son of God his birth was very simple. Jesus is not a far away, hard to reach king. We can be close to Jesus no matter how humble are situation. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected]

For the 4th Sunday in Advent, this episode if based on the reading from Matthew 1:18-25.   You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected] In this passage Joseph is planning to divorce Mary quietly when he finds out she is pregnant.  An angel of the Lord appears to Joseph and tell him that the baby is conceived from the Holy Spirit and he is to take Mary home as his wife.  The baby’s name will be Jesus.    I will talk about Joseph’s good example of obedience to God even though he probably found the situation very difficult to understand.  Joseph is a good example to us to trust and obey God even in difficult situations.   You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected]  

For the Third Sunday in Advent this episode looks at Matthew 11:2-11. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected] Some major themes are that John the Baptist was a great prophet despite his doubts while in prison. Also, we have a greater position in Christ than John had since we know the full gospel message, grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. We have greater access to God through Jesus. We are not better than John but have a greater position, a great opportunity, since we come after the ministry of Jesus. One theme I did not talk much about, that I would like to share here is that Jesus understands our honest doubts, just as he understood John. Let us remain faithful in our times of doubt and ask God for help in those times. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected]

This Bonus Episode is on the epistle reading, Romans 15:4-13 for the 2nd Sunday of Advent. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected] The main themes of this reading are hope and unity. We can find hope in God and through the scriptures (the Bible). Paul tells encourages us to have unity with one another, to accept one another just as Jesus accepts us. After listening to this episode please consider leaving a comment. Let me know what you think and where you are from! Since many are listening in Japan, if you are from Japan please also tell me what part of Japan you are from (prefecture or city). Thank you and God bless you! You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected]  

In this week’s episode the bible reading is Matthew 3:1-12. I also make comments on the reading in easy to understand English. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected] The reading is about John the Baptist and his message to “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”. I talk about the meaning of this message. I hope you enjoy this episode and please leave a comment and subscribe if you wish. You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected]

For the 1st Sunday of Advent. In this week’s bible reading (Matthew 24:26-44) Jesus says that no one knows when he will return. We should be ready not only for Christmas but also for the second coming of Jesus. The question is: How can we be ready? You can contact me, David Gray, or give me your helpful feedback at: [email protected]