Series: Hidden Heroes of Holy Week (Week 1)Podcast: The Bible Unplugged (TBU)Host: J. Brent EatonBible Translation: World English Bible (WEB)

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Episode Summary

On the day Jesus was crucified, fear scattered most of His followers. But a small group stayed—quietly, bravely, and close enough to hear Him speak. This episode looks at the hidden courage of the women who remained near the cross, and how their presence reveals something profound about love, faithfulness, and spiritual strength.

The Hidden Heroes

In John’s account, several women are described as “standing by the cross of Jesus”—not observing from a safe distance, but remaining close in the most dangerous and heartbreaking moment of the story.

Named in John 19:25–27

* Mary, the mother of Jesus

* His mother’s sister

* Mary the wife of Clopas

* Mary Magdalene

(See also Matthew 27:55–56; Mark 15:40–41; Luke 23:49)

Key Passage

John 19:25–27 (WEB)

John uniquely highlights the women near the cross and includes Jesus’ final act of relational care—ensuring His mother will be provided for by “the disciple whom he loved.”

Why This Matters

1) Presence is a form of courageNot all bravery is loud. Sometimes the bravest thing is simply staying present in pain.

2) Hidden people often carry heavy spiritual weightThe Kingdom of God moves forward through faithfulness that rarely gets recognized.

3) God entrusts responsibility to those who remainIn the middle of suffering, Jesus makes provision for His mother—something that happens in the presence of faithful, steady people who did not run.

Takeaways From the Story

* Presence is a ministry.

* Quiet faithfulness matters more than visibility.

* Love isn’t always action—sometimes love is endurance.

Challenge for the Week

Choose one uncomfortable moment you would normally avoid—and stay present.

Examples:

* Stay present with someone who is grieving (without fixing or advising too quickly).

* Stay present with your own emotions (without numbing or distracting).

* Stay present in prayer (without rushing past silence).

Pray as You Go:

Breath in: Lord Jesus…Breath out: … help me stay

Scripture References (WEB)

* John 19:25–27 — Women standing by the cross; Jesus provides for His mother

* Luke 23:49 — Women who followed Jesus watching the crucifixion

* Mark 15:40–41 — Women witnesses; they followed and served Jesus

* Matthew 27:55–56 — Many women present; followed Jesus from Galilee

Next Week (Week 2 Preview)

Next episode: Joseph of Arimathea — a man who steps forward when there’s nothing to gain and everything to lose.

8–10 minutes

The Bible Unplugged Podcastwith J. Brent Eaton, M.Div.

Listen on:Spotify • iHeartRadio • Amazon MusicShow notes & resources: PowerLoveandMiracles.com

TBU Bonus intro episode

Episode Summary

As we step into a new year, this short bonus episode serves as a listener letter—a moment to pause, reflect, and share where The Bible Unplugged podcast is headed next.

Many of you have shared the same thought: “The only disappointment is when the closing music starts.”I’ve taken that to heart.

Beginning in January, The Bible Unplugged will move into a new rhythm—one designed to slow us down, create space, and help Scripture settle more deeply into our lives.

Why the Change?

Our lives are loud.

We’re surrounded by constant noise—news, notifications, expectations, and the pressure to keep up. If we’re not careful, we start treating our spiritual lives the same way: rushed, compressed, and squeezed into the margins.

But Scripture doesn’t move at that pace.

God often speaks quietly. He nudges rather than shouts. And much of His work in us happens slowly, over time.

This new rhythm isn’t about adding more content—it’s about creating space:

* Space to breathe

* Space to listen

* Space for God to speak

What’s Changing

Starting in January, the podcast will move into a 7-week “Sabbath Cycle.” Here’s what that means:

* Longer episodesMost episodes will expand from 7–8 minutes to about 15–20 minutes, allowing the stories and themes of Scripture the time they deserve.

* Aligned contentPodcast episodes will align with devotional and book themes available at PowerLoveandMiracles.com. The content won’t repeat—it will expand and deepen.

* A more spacious feelSame Bible research. Same “unplugged” approach. More room to make connections and bring Scripture into real life.

* Intentional moments of quietBrief pauses—not mistakes or glitches—but intentional space to listen and reflect.

This is not a meditation podcast. It remains a Bible-focused teaching show. But the goal is to move from information to formation.

What’s Not Changing

This is still The Bible Unplugged.

* Scripture stays front and center

* Context, background, and meaning still matter

* Mistranslations and misunderstandings are still addressed

* Faith is still applied to real, messy life

Same heart. Same voice. Same commitment.Just… a better pace.

What’s Coming in January

Beginning with Episode 70, we’ll launch a new series:

Hidden Heroes of Holy Week

This series focuses on:

* The overlooked

* The unassuming

* The background figures God used in extraordinary ways

At the same time, a companion book and devotional project will develop alongside the podcast—moving together without overwhelming you.

Instead of speeding up, the goal is to settle in.

A Simple Invitation

As we begin this new rhythm:

* Don’t let the episodes become background noise

* Try listening a little differently

* Pause for a moment after the episode ends

* Let one thought or sentence stay with you

No pressure. No perfect listening.Just an open heart.

God often does His best work in quiet places.

My Prayer for You

Let God meet you in the ordinary moments of your day, release the pressure to carry everything alone, and receive the gift of a slower, steadier faith.

Have a blessed week.

Disclaimers

* All opinions are my own

* Scripture quotations from the World English Bible (public domain)

* Theme music: “Awesome Call” by Kevin MacLeod (Creative Commons)

* © 2026 J. Brent Eaton

* A Power Love and Miracles production

The Bible Unplugged Podcast with J. Brent Eaton, M.Div.

Listen on:Spotify • iHeartRadio • Amazon MusicShow notes & resources: PowerLoveandMiracles.com

Episode Summary

Over the last four episodes, we’ve explored how God prepared the world for the birth of His Son—through history, creation, dreams, and politics.

In this final episode of our Advent series, we focus on a powerful and encouraging truth: Christmas didn’t end in Bethlehem. God continues to reveal Christ through the world—and through us—every single day.

This episode explores what Christmas is meant to look like the other 364 days of the year.

Key Scripture

John 1:14 - “The Word became flesh, and lived among us.”

Christmas is not just a moment in history. It is the ongoing reality of God stepping into human life—not as a distant observer, but as a participant.

Background & Big Picture

* God used history, creation, dreams, and politics to bring Jesus into the world

* That same God is still working today through ordinary and extraordinary circumstances

* The world Jesus was born into was chaotic, divided, and unstable—much like ours

* Christmas began in poverty, danger, and noise—not peace and perfection

God doesn’t wait for ideal conditions. He enters real ones.

The Deeper Meaning of the Ongoing Christmas

* God creates holy moments in ordinary life

* He speaks through silence and guides through unexpected means

* He works through conversations, interruptions, and quiet nudges of the Spirit

* What looks like coincidence often carries a divine fingerprint

As Paul reminds us:

Colossians 1:27 — “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Bethlehem was not the finish line. It was the spark of a fire that is still burning.

Takeaways from the Christmas Story

* Christmas is not a date—it’s a demonstration of how God still enters the world

* God shows up in stress, uncertainty, schedules, and disruptions

* Wherever Christ’s love, peace, truth, and compassion are expressed, Christmas happens again

* God’s plan is never shaken, even when the world feels unstable

* Hope is not nostalgic—it is present and active

Challenges for This Week

* Look for Christ in ordinary moments and unexpected interruptions

* Be someone’s Bethlehem by offering kindness, comfort, or encouragement

* Pay attention to what moves your heart—the Spirit often nudges gently

* Share the light through prayer, generosity, and simple acts of love

End each day with this prayer: “Lord, be born in me again today.”

What’s Next

In the next episode, we begin a new series: Hidden Heroes of the Bible — stories of people who played small roles but made a major impact.

Closing Prayer

My prayer for you is that God’s Spirit would shine in and through you—not just at Christmas—but every day God gives us.

Have a blessed week.

Disclaimers

* All opinions are my own

* Scripture quotations from the World English Bible which is in the public domain

* Theme music: “Awesome Call” by Kevin MacLeod (Creative Commons)

* © 2025 J. Brent Eaton

* A Power Love and Miracles production