Discover the Word Podcast

The Bible is filled with feasts and tables set for God’s people. Discover the significance of these meals and gatherings and why they still matter today.

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God delights in setting a table for His people. From the last supper Jesus shared with His disciples before His sacrificial death to the meals He shared with His disciples after His glorious resurrection, there are various lovely moments of fellowship between Jesus and His followers recorded for us in Scripture. The early church also knew the importance of breaking bread together. As we consider the meals mentioned in the Old and New Testaments and the greatest wedding banquet that’s still to come mentioned in Revelation, may we rejoice in knowing that God lovingly provides for our every need.   

Reflect 
What do Matthew 9:9–13, Luke 19:1–10, and Luke 7:34 teach us about who is invited to the Lord’s table? 
Why does Jesus’ last supper with His disciples recorded in Matthew 26:17–30, Mark 14:12–26, Luke 22:7–23, and John 13–17 still matter to us today? 
Why did Jesus break bread with His disciples even after His resurrection as mentioned in Luke 24:30–32 and John 21:1–14?   
In Acts 2:42–27 we read about the early church sharing meals together. Why would that have been so important to them?   
Isaiah 61:10–62:5 and Revelation 19:6–9 point to the church being the bride of Christ and look ahead to Jesus’ bridal banquet. How do these Bible verses help you understand how precious you are to God? 

Respond 
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 
“Dear God, thank You for your love and faithfulness. Thank you for providing for my every need. Help me to trust You even more with every day that passes. Help me to live for You especially as the day of Your great bridal banquet approaches.”   

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 
Mentioned in this episode: 
The Holy Land Series 
Listen: 
The Abundant God 
Sinners Dinners 
Read: 
The God Who Protects and Provides 
Humble Hearts, Open Hands 
Watch: 
Feast of Sukkah  
Inviting Others to the Table

Whether it’s in the Garden of Eden, Egypt, the wilderness, or a mountainside near the Sea of Galilee, God knows how to provide for His people. Let’s learn about the tables and meals in Scripture.
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How lovely that the story of God happens around tables. From the farm-to-table picnic of lavish eating in the Garden of Eden, to the “fast food,” rushed meal during the first Passover, to God’s provision in the wilderness of heavenly food, on into the New Testament servings of a simple lunch to feed thousands, God delights in providing for His people. May we relish in knowing that God longs to fellowship with His people, including us, and a wonderful way He chooses to do so is to set a table for us. 

Reflect 
Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
Genesis 1–3 
Exodus 12:1–20 
Exodus 16 
Psalm 23:5  
Matthew 14:13–21 
Mark 6:30–44 
Luke 9:13–17 
John 6:1–13 
How does Genesis 1:29–30 show God’s generosity toward Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden? 
How does the Passover lamb mentioned in Exodus 12:12–13 point to the coming of Jesus, the Lamb of God? 
What does Exodus 16:13-20 teach us about God’s willingness and ability to provide for His people even in the wilderness? 
Psalm 23:5 says God prepares a table for you even in difficult situations. How does that give you courage? 
How does the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with just a simple lunch found in Matthew 14:13–21, Mark 6:30–44, Luke 9:13–17, and John 6:1–13 encourage you that God can provide for your needs? 
 
Respond 
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 
“Dear God, thank You for how You lovingly provide for Your people from generation to generation. Thank You for how You continue to faithfully provide for me. Help me to always believe that You alone can satisfy my every need.” 
 
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 
Mentioned in this episode: 
The Holy Land Series 
Listen: 
The Abundant God 
Sinners Dinners 
Read: 
From Loaves to Love  
Gardens and the History of Humanity  
Watch: 
Are You Hungry?  
Provision in Every Season

Discover the Jewish writings between the Testaments, known as the Apocrypha, and why they still matter for Christians today.
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The books in the Apocrypha may be a mystery to us, but when we consider that they played a role in shaping Judaism during Jesus’ time and the apostle Paul’s life and that they would have influenced the early church, it may be worth learning about these ancient texts. Perhaps by being familiar with these writings, we’ll get a better understanding of the culture and teachings of the devout Jews who wrote them during the “silent years” between Malachi and Matthew, and we will discover how the writings may still influence us today. 

Reflect 
Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
Mark 6:2 
Matthew 6:12  
Matthew 18:14–35  
Luke 6:30–36 
Philippians 3:6  
Hebrews 1:1–4  
Colossians 1:15–17 
Could some of Jesus’ teaching referred to in Mark 6:2 have reminded listeners of some of the writings from devout Jews found in the Apocrypha?   
When you read Jesus’ teachings about forgiveness found in Matthew 6:12, Matthew 18:14–35 and loving your enemies in Luke 6:30–36, do they echo some of the teachings found in the Apocrypha? 
Could Philippians 3:6 be an example of how the apostle Paul may have been influenced by the Apocrypha?  
Could Hebrews 1:1–4 and Colossians 1:15–17 be examples of how the early church used language found in the Apocrypha to express their thoughts about Jesus? 

Respond 
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 
“Dear God, thank You that I can learn about You and Your Son Jesus through the Bible. I also give thanks for writings that can help me learn about the culture and context of the years when You seemed to be silent. Help me to draw closer to You as I seek to learn more about You and Your marvelous ways.”  

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 
Mentioned in this episode: 
The Apocrypha by David deSilva   
Listen: 
 What the Bible Can Teach Us About Reading It 
The Bible Reset 
Read: 
The Preservation of the Bible 
Three Things to Know about the Bible's Story 
What Every Christian Needs to Know About Reading the Bible 
 Watch: 
Why Should You Read the Bible?

What are you conquering—or being conquered by? Explore how God’s surprising plan for His people to both conquer and be conquered is revealed throughout the Bible!
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The word “conqueror” may make you feel uncomfortable for various reasons. But what if the Bible’s idea of conquest is better than we could ever imagine? As we ponder what it means for us to be more than conquerors through Him who loves us, let’s look to Jesus’ example of what it means to overcome. And let’s remember that His story isn’t over. May we be encouraged and remain confident that when it’s all said and done, Jesus will still be victorious.  

Reflect 
Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
Matthew 20:20–28 
John 16:33 
1 John 4–5 
Revelation 12:13 
According to Jesus in Matthew 20:20–28, what are the characteristics of a true leader? 
How does John 16:33 help to encourage you despite whatever you may be facing? 
How does 1 John 4–5 help you better understand that we overcome by being conquered by God’s love? 
Revelation 12:13 describes God’s ultimate victory. How does this encourage you as you remember that our story isn’t over? over? 

Respond 
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 
“Dear God, thank You that You have made me more than a conquer through Your perfect love! Help me to remember that You have the ultimate victory and that You can help me through every battle that comes my way.” 

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 
Mentioned in this episode: 
Our Daily Bread Devotional in Print- https://go.odb.org/dtw-printsub  
Our Daily Bread Mobile App - https://go.odb.org/appdownload-dtw  
Explore the Devotional Collection from Our Daily Bread Publishing- https://go.odb.org/odbpdtw  
Listen: 
More Than Conquerors Week 1 - https://go.odb.org/more-than-conquerorsw1  
More Than Conquerors Week 2 https://go.odb.org/more-than-conquerorsw2   
Read: 
Living in Light of Our Savior’s Victory - https://go.odb.org/living-in-light-dtw  
Serving God and Others - https://go.odb.org/serving-god-and-others  
Watch: 
Victorious in God - https://go.odb.org/victorious-in-god-dtw  
The Empty Tomb Is Our Receipt - https://go.odb.org/the-empty-tomb-is-our-receipt

Conquerors can be scary—but God’s power is different. Discover from Genesis to Revelation how He makes us more than conquerors!
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The word “conqueror” can stir up many mixed feelings and rightfully so. But the idea of conquest is found in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. What if instead of avoiding the complicated topic, we pondered how the Bible points to a better idea of conquering? As we ask God to help us overcome various trials and obstacles in our life, we can take courage knowing that we are more than conquerors though Him who loves us.  
 
Reflect 
Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
Romans 8:28-37 
Genesis 3:1-7 
Joshua 1:1-14 
How does Romans 8:28-37 help you better understand what the apostle Paul meant when he said we are more than conquerors? 
How does Romans 8:31 boost your faith and courage as you seek to be more than a conqueror? 
How does Genesis 3:1-7 help you recognize the danger of trying to conquer God’s plan for your life? 
Joshua 1:1-14 describes how God was with Joshua during the conquest of the Promised Land. How can these verses help encourage you when you need to conqueror the giants of fear, doubt, or unforgiveness in your life? 
 
Respond 
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 
“Dear God, thank You that You are with me in every trial and battle I face. Thank You that I am more than a conqueror through You! Help me overcome any temptations or sin I’m struggling with in my life.”   
 
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 
Mentioned in this episode: 
Our Daily Bread Devotional in Print- https://go.odb.org/dtw-printsub  
Our Daily Bread Mobile App- https://go.odb.org/appdownload-dtw  
Explore the Devotional Collection from Our Daily Bread Publishing- https://go.odb.org/odbpdtw  
Listen: 
More Than Conquerors Week 1 - https://go.odb.org/more-than-conquerorsw1  
More Than Conquerors Week 2 - https://go.odb.org/more-than-conquerorsw2   
Read: 
Overcoming Fear - https://go.odb.org/overcoming-fear  
Overcoming Worry - https://go.odb.org/overcoming-worry  
Watch: 
Overcoming the Bullies  
How to Win Against Injustice