Discover Your Roots

In this episode of Discover Your Roots, Mattanah DeWitt and Passages’ Visiting Scholar Dr. Luke Bray discuss what an advocate is and how Christians can learn from biblical examples of advocacy like Jesus and the Holy Spirit.   To learn more about Passages visit www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.   If you like this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and leave a review. 

Welcome to Discover Your Roots: Season 3. This season focuses on Christian advocacy. Join us as we unpack how theology influences Christian advocacy, explore what the Bible has to say about advocacy, and discuss why Christians should advocate for the Jewish people.  In this episode, Mattanah DeWitt and Passages’ Visiting Scholar Luke Bray discuss what theology actually is. They give an introduction to Christian advocacy and the different forms it takes.  Luke Bray holds a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Islamic studies and Middle Eastern history as well as a Doctorate Degree in World Religions. He has served in the United States Army and has since served in various pastoral and ministry positions. Dr. Bray has a heart for advocacy and the peoples of the Middle East. We are excited to welcome him as this season’s Visiting Scholar!   To learn more about Passages visit www.passagesisrael.org or follow us on Instagram @passagesisrael.   If you like this episode, please subscribe to this podcast and leave a review. 

This stone wall is visited by millions every year, but why? From Solomon’s Temple to the Western Wall at the Temple Mount today, trace the history of this sacred historic site on today’s episode of 5 Minutes in Israel. Explore how the Temple was built, what destroyed it two times, and why this site is still revered today. Let’s dive in!Want to visit the Western Wall for yourself? Check out PassagesIsrael.org

Wander through the streets of Jerusalem’s Old City in this episode of 5 Minutes in Israel. Explore hidden sites in the four quarters of the Old City (and finally understand how those quarters work!) From the Western Wall to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to the Temple Mount, what makes these sites so holy and what do they mean for us today?Want to visit the Old City for yourself? Check out PassagesIsrael.org

Wrapping up our time in the Galilee, trace Jesus’ ministry from the Sermon on the Mount to the Great Commission, all in this one region in Israel. Jesus’ work in Galilee fulfills an ancient biblical prophecy but is also connected to the region’s unique geography. (Hint: it has to do with the Via Maris). Tune in to hear why the Galilee is so important!

Discover an ancient mosaic that reveals the place where Jesus fed the 5,000 at Tabgha in today’s episode of 5 Minutes in Israel. Only a short walk away from this small fishing harbor in Galilee lies the beach at the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, where Jesus famously asked Peter, “Do you love me?” The stories and miracles multiply here in Tabgha, leaving us asking: What can these five loaves and two fish teach us today?Want to visit Tabgha for yourself? Check out PassagesIsrael.org!

From Abraham to King David to Jesus, explore the layered history of the Temple Mount in today’s episode of 5 Minutes in Israel. This holy site in Jerusalem holds a rich history in its ancient stones. Nearby lie the ruins of King David’s palace and the very same steps that Jesus walked up to the Temple. Tune in to hear how the Temple Mount’s ancient history shows God’s desire to keep meeting his people.Want to visit the Temple Mount for yourself? Check out PassagesIsrael.org!

What do salted fish, a groundbreaking archeology discovery, and demon possession have in common? The answer is found in Magdala, the ancient hometown of Mary Magdalene. Join Mattanah as she explores the recently discovered synagogue where Jesus taught in Magdala and the story of the woman whose life he changed there. Tune in to learn about the church now standing near these ancient ruins to honor Mary Magdalene and all women who follow in her footsteps of faith.

Why did Jesus choose a grassy hillside to preach a radical message? Join Mattanah as she explores the historical church and gardens at the Mount of Beatitudes along with the meaning of Jesus’ famous sermon. We’ll study together how Matthew 5-7 lays out a new way of life in the Kingdom of God. At this breathtaking view of the Galilee, the Sermon on the Mount comes to life with its timeless message of hope for the oppressed. To travel to Israel to see the Mount of Beatitudes for yourself, go to passagesIsrael.org 

Why did Jesus pick Capernaum, a fishing village, for his ministry headquarters? In today’s episode, join Mattanah as she explores the ruins of ancient Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee in Israel. At this archeological site, the meaning of Jesus’ call to be “Fishers of Men” comes alive. Learn about the home of Peter and the synagogue of Capernaum where Jesus performed so many miracles, and ponder: what could this biblical town mean for us today? To travel to Israel to see Capernaum for yourself, go to PassagesIsrael.org