

Exploring My Strange Bible
Tim Mackie
Welcome to Exploring My Strange Bible by Tim Mackie, lead theologian and co-founder of BibleProject.
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 46min
A Severe Mercy (Remastered)
Explore the depths of Jonah’s story as he faces crisis inside a fish, revealing profound insights into divine grace. Delve into the ironic satire of his narrative and its implications for adult readers. Discover how ancient metaphors illuminate God’s providence and the idea of 'severe mercy.' Learn how Jonah's journey mirrors our own struggles with hardship, prompting reflection on our relationship with God. This engaging discussion invites listeners to confront their crises and recognize the grace in their own life journeys.

29 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 48min
Asleep at the Wheel (Remastered)
Dive into the complexities of Jonah's story, where the prophet oddly avoids God's call. Tim explores themes of spiritual apathy, likening it to being 'asleep at the wheel.' He critiques how simplified retellings miss the deeper, disturbing messages. The narrative unfolds with a storm, sailors' frantic prayers, and Jonah's hypocritical confession, showcasing the communal consequences of his indifference. Ultimately, the fish becomes a symbol of grace meeting helplessness, inviting listeners to awaken to their own spiritual slumber.

12 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 48min
Running From Your Life (Remastered)
Delve into the intriguing story of Jonah, a prophet known for fleeing from God's command. Tim Mackie debunks children's adaptations, showing Jonah as a satire that reveals human flaws like pride and hard-heartedness. Explore the historical context of Nineveh and the irony of Jonah's mission. Discover why his escape to Tarshish stems from a rejection of God's mercy. With personal anecdotes and reflections, the discussion redefines obedience as an invitation to embrace a fuller life aligned with divine purpose.

Dec 2, 2025 • 52min
What Is the Kingdom of Heaven?
The journey of Jesus' public ministry begins as he calls fishermen to follow him in Capernaum. Listeners explore what the 'Kingdom of Heaven' truly means, emphasizing God's presence in our lives rather than a distant afterlife. Tim compares the excitement in Capernaum with Jesus' radical teachings and healing practices. The podcast delves into the historical context of God's kingship throughout scriptures, tracing the concept of kingship back to Genesis, and challenges listeners to reflect on how Jesus' message reshapes our values today.

14 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 54min
The Meaning of Hope (Remastered)
Hope is explored as a vital virtue rooted in the messianic themes of the Hebrew Bible. Tim contrasts optimism and pessimism with biblical hope, emphasizing how it shapes Christian living during times of waiting. He dives into Isaiah 9, revealing a prophetic vision of restoration amidst crisis. The discussion highlights Jesus' fulfillment of these prophecies, illustrating how hope can thrive in darkness and suffering. The cross is presented as an unexpected pathway to victory, reminding us how hope transforms our lives.

29 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 18min
(Re)introducing Exploring My Strange Bible
Tim Mackie takes listeners on an inspiring journey from aimless youth to dedicated Bible scholar. He shares how skate park discussions ignited his passion for Jesus. His academic path, filled with transformative professors and a deep dive into ancient texts, fuels his biblical obsession. Mackie emphasizes Christianity's roots in Judaism and the need to clarify common misconceptions. Excitingly, he previews a series of lectures and themes to explore, including a fresh look at Jonah. Stay tuned for a blend of past wisdom and new insights!

4 snips
Apr 8, 2019 • 5min
An Update From Tim
A message from Tim to let everyone know that we will be putting this podcast on pause for now. It will remain active online so you can still listen or re-listen to his sermons.
If you want to hear more from Tim, check out The Bible Project Podcast: https://thebibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

33 snips
Feb 11, 2019 • 52min
The Crocus Flower and the Empty Tomb - Gospel of Matthew Part 35
This story has changed the course of human history over the past 2,000 years. Of course the story is profound, but the IMPLICATIONS of what it means to the history of our universe leading up to Jesus’ resurrection is incredible. This teaching is a reflection about the significance of Easter.
Jesus walking out of the empty tomb offered a whole new history of the world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

46 snips
Jan 28, 2019 • 57min
The Blood Cries Out - Gospel of Matthew Part 34
We are in the final moments of Jesus’ story, and we focus on his trial, but also the story in Matthew about Judas after his betrayal of Jesus. Judas experiences extreme remorse and ends up committing suicide.
These are grim stories, but they are very important insights into human conditions. You can see how Judas became trapped in his black hole of terrible decisions and how they destroyed him. It’s a very sobering and sobering portrait of the human condition.
I think you’ll find these stories profound and interesting while they address some of life’s biggest questions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

76 snips
Jan 13, 2019 • 57min
Panic Attack - Gospel of Matthew Part 33
We’ve come to (from my perspective) one of the most profound, mysterious, and almost terrifying stories of the Gospel. It is the story of Jesus right before he gets arrested and executed.
He took his friends and followers to a small olive grove and he was disappointed by their inability to stay awake… his closest people fail him at the moment that he needs them the most. So then Jesus turns to God and multiple times he asks that he not have to go through the arrest and execution. It was so scary that Jesus actually experienced a panic attack.
This story tells us so much about Jesus’ experience with God and it blows my mind. Listen in and we’ll learn together. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


