The Triumphal Entrance: Power, Servanthood, and the Scandal of Grace | Ep 140 - Focused on Christ

Join hosts Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith as they dive into The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, a significant event traditionally associated with Passion Week.In this episode, they explore the dramatic context and contrast of this moment by first looking at the request of the mother of the sons of Zebedee in Matthew 20. The hosts discuss her self-seeking petition for her sons to sit at Jesus' right and left hand in his kingdom, which they likely understood as a political messiahship intended to overthrow Rome and restore the Davidic age.They break down Jesus' challenging response about drinking his cup, which the disciples initially understood as relational fellowship. Pastor Smith notes that this fellowship would later be understood to include sharing in Christ's suffering.The conversation then focuses on Jesus' teaching on true greatness:Serving others: Jesus contrasts the worldly rulers who "lord it over them" with the new standard for his followers—that the greatest must be a servant and the first must be a slave.The gold standard: Jesus sets himself up as the example, having "come not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many".Humility is the path of godliness.The Triumphal Entry: Peace and ProphecyThe hosts then transition to the Triumphal Entry in Matthew 21, discussing the significance of the event and its symbolism.The Donkey: The act of Jesus riding on a donkey (or colt) symbolizes peace, contrasting with a horse, which was an instrument of war.Prophetic Image: Laying down cloaks and branches was a sign of great respect, an act traditionally reserved for a king. The movement of Jesus from the Mount of Olives down through the eastern gate and into the temple is seen as a foreshadowing of the glory of God returning to Jerusalem, as prophesied in Ezekiel.The Proclamation: The crowds shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David," proclaiming him to be the prophesied Messiah (though likely understood as a political figure, not God himself) and the prophet spoken of by Deuteronomy.Finally, they tackle the irony of the crowd's quick turn against Jesus during the crucifixion, noting that many were likely disappointed when he didn't bring the expected political revolution.The episode concludes by reconciling the dual nature of Christ—the glorious God deserving of all praise and the one who came to be a servant and die for sinners. This incredible contrast is termed the "scandal of grace," which should move believers to a joyful desire to serve others.

Ep 139 - Mary Anoints Jesus’ Feet | Focused on Christ

Join hosts Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith as they continue their study on the life of Jesus, focusing specifically on Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive oil in John 12.

In this episode, they explore the significance of this powerful act of worship and the deep theological meaning behind it:

• The Significance of Oil: Discover the consecrating and precious importance of oil throughout the Scriptures, used to set apart something or someone as sacred, like a high priest or a king.

• A Sacrificial Act: Unpack the profound humility and value for Christ demonstrated by Mary, who used her most precious possession—expensive nard ointment and her own hair (an image of a woman's glory)—to anoint the lowest part of his body.

• The Context of Passover: Learn how this event, which happens just six days before Christ's death, ties into the central Jewish celebration of deliverance from death by sacrifice.

• Judas’s Hypocrisy: Examine Judas Iscariot's criticism of the "wasteful" act, which Jesus sternly rebukes, exposing the disciple's own selfish, thieving heart.

• Preparing for Burial: Hear Jesus's main point: Mary's act was a beautiful thing and a symbolic gesture of preparing him for his burial and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

  
  

The hosts also address important secondary questions raised by this passage:

• Should we still use oil for anointing today, as mentioned in James 5?

• Is Jesus’s statement, "You always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me," a broad statement about poverty? (Spoiler: The answer is no; it’s a contextual rebuke to Judas) .

• How should this text inform the church's spending and the concept of "extravagance" in worship?

  
  

This is a powerful discussion on true worship and the unmatched value of Jesus Christ.

Focused on Christ is a ministry of Heritage Baptist Church.

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Next Week: We begin walking through the Passion Week of Jesus.

Charlie Kirk and the Church - Finding Gospel Clarity Amidst Tragedy

Join hosts Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith as they discuss the significant cultural and spiritual impact of Charlie Kirk's assassination. While acknowledging that they are not a political show , they examine the widespread gospel conversations sparked by the tragic event and the millions who viewed his memorial service.

They reflect on Kirk's life as a believer in Jesus Christ whose faith drove his engagement in the public sphere, much like historical figures such as William Wilberforce. They also share how his boldness in declaring the gospel has challenged and empowered many to be more bold in their own faith.

The hosts dive into an analysis of four key moments and speakers from the memorial:

Tucker Carlson: They scrutinize his comments on the relationship between politics and Christianity, specifically addressing the concept of repentance and clarifying the biblical understanding of "repent and believe" versus a "self-correct and then come" approach.

Marco Rubio: They analyze his presentation of the gospel narrative—creation, corruption, and culmination through Christ —and raise a critical question about the "we" who are promised eternal life. They caution against

universalism or legalism and emphasize that the gospel must be grounded in faith alone, by grace alone.

Erica Kirk (Charlie Kirk's Wife): They discuss the profound, countercultural moment of forgiveness she extended to her husband's killer. They offer a theological breakdown of this act, explaining that Christian forgiveness is not pretending evil didn't happen, but releasing the offense to God's justice.

President Donald Trump: They briefly contrast his commentary with Erica Kirk's act of forgiveness, highlighting that Christian forgiveness is ultimately a demonstration of faith that entrusts justice into the hands of a God who judges justly.

This discussion ultimately serves as a call for the church to be ready with the gospel and to respond to darkness and the martyrdom of Christians worldwide with a light that draws people to Christ.

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In this episode of Focused on Christ, Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith dive deep into Jesus’ story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). Is this account a parable or an actual historical event? What does it reveal about heaven, hell, eternity, and the sufficiency of God’s Word?

We unpack:

• Why most scholars view this as a parable.

• The meaning of Abraham’s side and the Jewish understanding of life after death.

• The selfishness of the rich man’s cries from Hades.

• The eternal chasm between life and death.

• Why miracles—even resurrection—cannot replace the authority of Scripture.

• How this story points us to repentance, faith in Christ, and eternal perspective.

This conversation reminds us that God’s Word is enough and challenges us to consider what truly matters: not temporary comfort, but eternal life in Christ.

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📖 Key Scripture: Luke 16:19–31 | Psalm 73 | Matthew 8:34–36

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Jesus and the Prodigal Son | Focused on Christ Podcast (Luke 15 Explained)

In this episode of Focused on Christ, Pastor Nathan Smith and host Mike Crump dive into Luke 15, unpacking three of Jesus’ most well-known parables—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. These parables reveal the heart of God: His relentless pursuit of the lost, the scandal of His grace, and the joy in heaven when sinners repent.

We explore questions like:
✅ Why did Jesus eat with tax collectors and sinners?
✅ What does the parable of the prodigal son teach us about grace and forgiveness?
✅ How do the father’s actions foreshadow the work of Christ on the cross?
✅ Why did the Pharisees—and the older brother—struggle with God’s grace?

This conversation will challenge the self-righteous, encourage the broken, and remind us all of the beauty of the gospel.

📖 Scripture: Luke 15 – The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, The Prodigal Son
🎧 Episode 136 – Jesus and the Prodigal

✦ If you’re looking for:

• Luke 15 Bible study

• Parable of the Prodigal Son explained

• What does it mean that Jesus ate with sinners?

• Parables of Jesus explained

…this episode is for you!

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Ep. 135 | Condemnation and Love – Can Jesus Rebuke and Still Love?

Welcome to Focused on Christ, where we are passionate about exalting Christ and equipping the church. In this episode, Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith dive into Matthew 11 and unpack two seemingly opposite messages from Jesus: one of condemnation and one of comfort.

Can love and rebuke truly come from the same person without contradiction? Together we explore:

• Why Jesus rebuked cities that rejected Him despite seeing His mighty works.

• How God’s correction is actually an expression of His love.

• The invitation of Christ: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

• The tension between divine judgment and divine mercy—and why both are necessary for the gospel.

If you’ve ever struggled with how rebuke and love fit together in the Christian life, this conversation will encourage and challenge you.

📖 Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:16–30
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#FocusedOnChrist #CondemnationAndLove #Matthew11 #GospelTruth #BiblePodcast

Did Jesus really lie to his brothers?

In this episode of Focused on Christ Mike and Nathan examine John 7, where Jesus navigates family pressure, public scrutiny, and religious opposition during a major Jewish festival. Discover how Jesus responded when His own brothers didn't believe in Him and challenged Him to prove Himself publicly. Learn why Jesus chose to follow God's perfect timing rather than human expectations, and how this applies to your life today.

They discuss why religious leaders, despite their knowledge of Scripture, failed to recognize divine wisdom standing right before them. Understand the difference between knowing about God versus truly knowing Him personally. This episode addresses why people often reject spiritual truth even when confronted with compelling evidence, and how God's Word has unique power to transform lives beyond even miraculous signs.

If you're struggling with waiting on God's timing, facing misunderstanding from family about your faith, or seeking to deepen your relationship with God beyond religious knowledge, this episode offers biblical guidance and practical wisdom. Perfect for anyone navigating confusion in their spiritual journey or seeking to understand how God works in His perfect timing rather than on our schedule.

How do you define greatness? Is greatness based upon your influence, wealth, family, or even spiritual status? In this episode, Mike and Nathan look at Jesus' definition of greatness in order to better understand what we should be striving towards. They also take time to assess pastoral ministry in light of Jesus' definition of true greatness and play a clip of @PaulDavidTripp posted by @CrosswayBooks that helps us to see the dangers of worldly greatness in ministry. Find more about Focused on Christ at focusedonchrist.com.