Day 122: Israelites give land to the priests | A suspicious altar is built | Jesus teaches Nicodemus about baptism

In Judges 7:8-8, Gideon and his tiny army of 300 men, armed with trumpets and jars with torches inside, surround the Midianite camp at night. Following Gideon's lead, they break the jars, sound the trumpets, and shout, causing chaos and fear among the Midianites who turn on each other in the darkness. Gideon's unconventional tactics lead to a significant victory, but can he maintain control and peace after such an unexpected triumph?In John 5:31-47, Jesus speaks to the Pharisees about the witnesses to His divinity, listing John the Baptist, His miracles, and the Scriptures as testaments to His identity as the Son of God. He criticizes the Pharisees for their reliance on human praise rather than seeking the glory that comes from God alone, highlighting their inability to recognize Him despite their devotion to the Scriptures. With such compelling evidence before them, will the Pharisees ever acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, or will their hearts remain closed?Support the show at Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/storymasterJudges 7:8-25Judges 8John 5:31-47Proverbs 11:19-28

In Judges 6-7, the Israelites are oppressed by the Midianites, leading them to cry out to the Lord for help. God chooses Gideon, a humble farmer, to save Israel and gives him signs of assurance, including the famous fleece test. Armed with a small army chosen by God, Gideon prepares to face the vast Midianite forces. Will Gideon's tiny band of 300 men be enough to overcome the enemy?In John 5:16-30, Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, inciting anger from the Jewish leaders because he not only broke the Sabbath but also claimed God as his Father. Jesus responds with a profound discourse about his relationship with the Father, asserting that the Son can do nothing by himself but only what he sees the Father doing. He also speaks of the authority given to him over judgment and life, hinting at the resurrection of the dead. Will the leaders' hearts be softened by Jesus’ words, or will their opposition only intensify?Support the show at Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/storymasterJudges 6Judges 7:1-8John 5:16-30Psalm 57:7-11

In Judges 4-5, Deborah, a prophetess and leader of Israel, teams up with Barak to face the formidable Canaanite army led by Sisera. Despite overwhelming odds, they trust in God's promise of victory. The Canaanites are routed, and Sisera meets his end at the hands of Jael, who drives a tent peg through his skull while he sleeps.Can Deborah and Barak's small force survive and triumph over the might of Sisera's well-equipped army?In John 4:43-5:15, Jesus returns to Galilee and performs a miraculous healing at the request of a royal official whose son is dying. Without even visiting the boy, Jesus simply declares, "Your son will live," and the child is healed at that very moment. Later, in Jerusalem, Jesus heals a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years by a pool, telling him to "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."Will the people believe in Jesus’ power just by His word, or will they need to see more miracles?Support the show at Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/storymasterJudges 4Judges 5John 4:43-5:15Psalm 57:1-6

In Judges 2:6-3, after Joshua's death, the Israelites fail to fully drive out the Canaanites, leading them to coexist and eventually adopt their pagan practices, which angers God. As a result, God decides not to assist Israel against their enemies, instead using these nations to test Israel's faithfulness. Amidst the turmoil, God raises judges as leaders to save Israel from oppression, but the cycle of sin and deliverance repeats.Will the Israelites break the cycle and fully return to God, or will they continue to fall into the traps set by their surroundings?In John 4:27-42, Jesus, talking with a Samaritan woman at the well, reveals His knowledge of her life and claims to be the Messiah. The disciples return, surprised to find Him speaking with a Samaritan, but Jesus uses the moment to teach about the importance of spiritual nourishment and the readiness of the harvest of souls. As the woman shares her encounter, many Samaritans believe in Him, affirming the power of personal testimony.Will the Samaritans' newfound faith grow into a deeper commitment, leading to a broader acceptance of Jesus beyond their initial encounter?Support the show at Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/storymasterJudges 2: 6-23Judges 3John 4: 27-42Psalm 56: 1-13

In Judges 1-2:1-5, after Joshua's death, the Israelites inquire of God who should lead them into battle against the Canaanites. The tribe of Judah is chosen, and together with Simeon, they achieve several military victories, but struggle to completely drive out the inhabitants due to their chariots of iron. Despite these victories, an angel rebukes Israel at Bochim for not fully obeying God's commands to break down pagan altars, leading to future conflicts. Will the Israelites overcome these obstacles and fully claim the land promised to them?In John 4:1-26, Jesus travels through Samaria and stops at Jacob's well, where He meets a Samaritan woman. He engages her in a deep conversation about living water, revealing her past and discussing true worship. When Jesus declares Himself as the Messiah she has been waiting for, the woman is faced with a profound realization. Will she accept this truth and share it with her community?Support the show at Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/storymasterJudges 1Judges 2:1-5John 4:1-26Proverbs 11:9-18

In Joshua chapters 23 and 24, Joshua, nearing the end of his life, gathers all the tribes of Israel to deliver a poignant farewell address. He recounts the mighty deeds God performed for Israel, from delivering them from Egypt to granting them victory over their enemies and possession of the Promised Land. Joshua challenges the people to remain faithful to God, reject foreign gods, and choose whom they will serve, prompting his famous declaration, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."Will Israel heed Joshua’s call and stay true to their covenant with God, or will they stray and follow other gods?In John 3:22-36, Jesus and His disciples go into the Judean countryside, where Jesus teaches and His disciples baptize many. Meanwhile, John the Baptist continues baptizing and reaffirms Jesus' divine origin and superior status, emphasizing that "He must increase, but I must decrease." John testifies to Jesus' heavenly origins, asserting that Jesus speaks God's words and that God has given all things into His hands.Will the people recognize Jesus as the Son of God sent from heaven, or will they continue to follow only John the Baptist?Support the show at Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/storymasterJoshua 23Joshua 24John 3:22-36Psalm 55:12-23

In Joshua 21:20-22, the tribes of Israel receive their allotments of land, fulfilling God's promises made to their ancestors. The Levites, dedicated to religious duties, are granted cities and pasturelands throughout the tribal territories. As the Israelites settle into their new homes, Joshua calls the eastern tribes—Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh—to remind them of their promise to serve God faithfully. Will these tribes keep their promise and maintain unity with their brethren across the Jordan?In John 3:1-21, Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Jewish leader, visits Jesus at night to discuss His teachings. Jesus explains the necessity of being "born again" to see the kingdom of God, highlighting the spiritual rebirth through water and the Spirit. As they delve into the mysteries of faith and salvation, Jesus declares that God’s love for the world is so immense that He gave His only Son to save it. Will Nicodemus step out of the shadows of doubt to embrace this new birth?Support the show at Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/storymasterJoshua 21:20-45Joshua 22John 3:1-21Psalm 55:1-11

In Joshua chapters 19 to 21, the remaining seven tribes of Israel receive their inheritance of land, divvied up by Joshua under God's guidance. The Levites, who have no land of their own, are granted specific towns and pastures within these allocations, ensuring their care by the other tribes. Amidst these distributions, how will the Levites maintain their spiritual duties without a land to call their own?In John 2:1-25, Jesus performs his first public miracle at a wedding in Cana, turning water into wine, astonishing the guests and revealing his divine authority. The narrative then shifts to Jesus cleansing the Temple in Jerusalem, driving out merchants and money changers, asserting his zeal for his Father's house. How will these bold actions affect Jesus' relationship with the religious leaders and the people around him?Support the show at Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/storymasterJoshua 19Joshua 20Joshua 21:1-19John 2: 1-25Psalm 54: 1-7

In Joshua chapters 17 and 18, the Israelites continue the division of the Promised Land under Joshua's guidance. Chapter 17 details the allotments for the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim, highlighting issues such as gender in inheritance rights and territorial disputes. By chapter 18, seven tribes had not yet received their land, prompting Joshua to urge them to define their territories through a surveying process.As the land is meticulously divided and the remaining tribes stand ready to claim their inheritance, tension mounts: Will the unresolved territorial disputes disrupt the unity of the Israelites?In John 1:29-51, John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the "Lamb of God," asserting that Jesus will take away the sin of the world. As Jesus begins to gather his disciples, he calls individuals like Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael, each following after recognizing him as the Messiah. Jesus impresses Nathanael by revealing his supernatural knowledge, promising even greater signs to come.As Jesus's group of followers grows, revealing his divine knowledge and identity, one must wonder: What extraordinary signs will Jesus show them next?Support the show at Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/storymasterJoshua 17Joshua 18John 1:29-51Proverbs 10:31-32Proverbs 11:1-8

In Joshua 15-16, the land of Canaan is divided among the tribes of Israel, with Caleb claiming the hill country of Hebron and the descendants of Joseph receiving vast territories including Ephraim and West Manasseh. These chapters detail the specific boundaries and cities encompassed within these tribal allotments, reflecting God's promises and the fulfillment of Israel's inheritance. As the tribes settle into their new homes, questions arise: Will they remain faithful in the lands marked by their forefathers' struggles?In John 1:1-28, the Gospel begins with the profound declaration that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God," establishing Jesus's divine nature and eternal existence. John the Baptist appears as a pivotal figure, testifying to the Light coming into the world, preparing the way for Jesus among the people of Judea. As religious leaders question John's identity and mission, suspense builds: How will John's bold testimony affect the coming days of Jesus's ministry?Support the show at Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/storymasterJoshua 15Joshua 16John 1:1-28Psalm 53:1-6