The Jewish Road Podcast

Matt Davis + Ron Davis
  • 4.9 (88)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

Many Christians struggle to make sense of the Old Testament, or quietly wonder if it still matters. Many Jewish people have never seriously considered Jesus. But what if the two parts of the story were never meant to be separated? Hosted by Jewish followers of Jesus, Matt and Ron Davis, this podcast connects the Hebrew Scriptures with the hope of Messiah found in the New Testament. We tell the story of Israel and help Israel tell her story. God made a promise. God keeps His promises. He’s not done with Israel. And neither are we.

  1. 14h ago ·  Bonus

    Borderlines: Within the Border - Efrat

    What would it take to reopen a 2,000-year-old water system that's sat behind a line since Oslo? That's the question behind the final episode of our Border series. Fifteen minutes south of Jerusalem, in the town of Efrat, a group gathers that doesn't come together often: a Member of Knesset, IDF officers, a rabbi, the mayor, a filmmaker - pulled together in under 48 hours to walk into Solomon's Pools. Together, we trace the pools back to the Book of Ruth, stand where an Iranian missile struck just over a mile away, and hear how a mapping decision during Oslo quietly put a biblical landmark out of reach.  The conversation moves from Bethlehem's disappearing Christian community to a restoration vision that could open this site back up - and to a Member of Knesset's case for why it matters now. Beyond the border in Syria. Along the border in Gaza. Within the border, here in Efrat. This is the one that goes inside. Key TakeawaysWhy Solomon's Pools have sat inaccessible since the Oslo Accords.How the pools connect to the Book of Ruth and Solomon's own vision for the Temple.What happened a mile from this site during the April 2024 Iranian missile attack.The mapping decision that put a biblical landmark on the wrong side of a line.Why Bethlehem's Christian community is disappearing under PA rule.What a real restoration of the site would take - and what it would cost.A sitting Member of Knesset's case for sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.Chapter Markers 00:00 – The group gathers in Efrat 04:26 – Walking in: the Book of Ruth and Solomon's vision 10:56 – Inside Ohad Tal's home, the Iranian missile strike 14:58 – The Oslo mapping mistake 17:43 – Bethlehem's vanishing Christians 22:54 – Meet Lt. Col. Maurice Hirst 25:06 – Why the site is neglected - and dangerous 32:00 – The restoration vision and the budget 38:40 – MK Ohad Tal's case for sovereignty 42:32 – Closing reflection: "God Shall Be One" Visit thejewishroad.com to watch the rest of the Borderlines series and more episodes filmed throughout Israel that uncover the Jewish context of Scripture and the land. If you've ever wanted to walk this ground yourself, learn more about upcoming Jewish Road tours to Israel and experience these places firsthand with teaching that connects the geography, history, and message of God's Word.

    Borderlines: Within the Border - Efrat

  2. Aug 14

    Why Jesus Cursed the Fig Tree

    Why would Jesus curse a fig tree for not bearing fruit out of season? It's one of the most puzzling moments in the Gospels - until you understand the Jewish context.  Filmed from the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem, we explore the prophetic significance of the fig tree, the meaning of Bethphage, and why Mark intentionally places the cleansing of the Temple between two scenes involving the tree. Together, these events reveal a powerful message about authentic faith. The leafy fig tree becomes a symbol of religious appearance without spiritual substance, while Jesus' actions in the Temple expose a system full of activity but lacking the fruit God desired. This episode will change the way you read one of Jesus' most misunderstood miracles and challenge every believer to ask: Are we bearing fruit, or simply growing leaves? Key TakeawaysWhy Jesus cursed the fig tree even though it wasn't fig season.The prophetic symbolism of fig trees throughout Scripture.Why Bethphage means "House of the Early Fig."How Mark sandwiches the Temple cleansing between the fig tree stories.The connection between Genesis, Hosea, Jeremiah, and Jesus' actions.Why God looks for fruit instead of religious appearances.How this passage challenges believers today.Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome from the Mount of Olives 02:15 – Looking across Jerusalem and the Temple Mount 05:30 – Jesus leaves Bethany hungry 08:30 – Why the fig tree had leaves but no fruit 13:00 – The meaning of early figs (pag) 17:30 – Jesus cleanses the Temple 22:45 – The literary "fig tree sandwich" in Mark 11 28:30 – Bethphage: The House of the Early Fig 33:45 – What spiritual fruit looks like today 38:00 – Walking Israel changes how we read Scripture Visit thejewishroad.com to watch more episodes exploring the Jewish context of Scripture and discover how the land of Israel brings the Bible to life.  If you've ever wanted to walk where Jesus walked, learn more about upcoming Jewish Road tours to Israel and experience these biblical places firsthand with teaching that connects the geography, history, and message of God's Word.

    Why Jesus Cursed the Fig Tree

  3. Aug 14 ·  Bonus

    Borderlines: On the Border - Gaza

    Most people know October 7th from news reports. But on the ground - at the Nova Music Festival, in kibbutzim, in bomb shelters 15 seconds from danger - the reality is far more personal and complicated.  We walked these sites with Mati, a kibbutz agricultural worker who has lived here since 1978 and witnessed October 7th from inside his home. Mati shares what it was like to be in the toilet when the alarm sounded, to receive a call that terrorists were shooting at Palestinian workers in his fields, to slowly understand - through Facebook posts and calls to friends - that something unprecedented was happening.  But beneath the immediate violence lies a deeper wound: an intelligence notebook found at Kibbutz Mefarsim revealing that Hamas had meticulously mapped every detail - where the doctor lived, the security chief's phone number, which gates had which locks, where the generators were.  That intelligence came from a trusted Palestinian worker who had lived on the kibbutz for 30 years. A man Mati knew well. A man Mati can no longer speak to.  The episode explores the layers of this betrayal and asks the question that haunts many: how do you rebuild trust after this? Key Takeaways: October 7th wasn't just a military attack; it was an intelligence operation built on detailed knowledge of kibbutz layouts, security, and daily patternsThat knowledge came from people trusted for decades - Palestinian workers embedded in communities, given humanitarian aid, treated as friendsThe Nova Music Festival massacre killed 260+ people in one location; survivors describe running in circles, not knowing where to escapeLife on the border is lived in 15-second intervals - the time between a rocket siren and needing to reach a bomb shelterNormalcy persists even amid constant danger; people exercise, children play, life goes on until the sirens soundMatan Abrigal, a Golani Brigade soldier, threw himself on a grenade to save his friends, sacrificing himselfThe wound of October 7th isn't just death; it's the violation of trust by people who were treated as part of the communityEvil and good exist simultaneously; people struggle to comprehend how the same individuals they helped could betray them so completely Chapter Markers: 00:00—Intro & context; 02:23—Golani Brigade's fight at kibbutz; 06:00—Matan Abrigal and the grenade; 09:00—Normalcy amid danger (sirens, life continuing); 14:00—The Nova Music Festival site; 26:00—The bomb shelter and Hirsch Goldberg Polen; 32:00—Mati's story begins; 40:00—October 7th from inside: the phone call; 52:00—Understanding the scope; 60:00—The intelligence notebook and betrayal; 70:00—Confronting the question of trust You cannot understand October 7th from a distance. Headlines report deaths; ground-level witnesses reveal the betrayals, the logistics, the impossible choices, the shattering of assumptions about human nature and coexistence. Visit thejewishroad.com to learn more, and schedule a tour through the Holy Land with us at thejewishroad.com/israel.

    Borderlines: On the Border - Gaza

  4. Aug 7 ·  Bonus

    Borderlines: Beyond the Border - Syria (featuring Ilan Schulman)

    Headlines tell you there's a war on Israel's borders. But they don't explain why it matters, who's fighting, or how 50 years of history shapes today.  Ilan Schulman - kibbutznik, IDF paratrooper, intelligence officer, and PhD scholar of Syrian cities - walks us through the real complexity.  Syria isn't one nation but ~200 tribes loyal to different interests.  Understanding jihadists requires reading the Quran, not just analyzing weapons.  The Ottomans' 500-year control of this region echoes in today's geopolitics.  Iran builds power through schools and hospitals, not just missiles.  And the 1973 Yom Kippur War - which nearly destroyed Israel - reshaped military philosophy that still drives strategy today. Key Takeaways: Syria = 200 tribes, not one unified nationUnderstand enemies by reading their holy texts (Quran, Hadith, Sirah)Ottoman history (500 years) still shapes regional power dynamicsYom Kippur War (1973): Israel learned strategic depth doesn't exist on populated landIsrael shifted from "Does enemy want to attack?" to "What can enemy do?"Iran's expansion relies on infrastructure control (schools, hospitals, fuel, banking) more than weaponsTribal loyalty > national identity; sectarian divisions > bordersContext, history, and ground-level truth matter more than headlines Chapter Markers: 00:00—Intro; 02:23—Ottoman history; 05:25—Islamic theology & jihadist motivation; 10:26—Eli Cohen legacy; 11:06—Intelligence failures; 16:19—Analyzing enemies by capability, not intention; 17:46—Yom Kippur War (1973); 24:36—Weapon confiscation mission; 35:00—Syrian tribal reality; 40:28—Why understanding requires ground truth Why This Matters: You cannot understand Middle Eastern conflicts from headlines. Real understanding requires knowing the history, religion, tribal structures, and the perspectives of people actually living these conflicts. That's what this episode provides. Subscribe to the Jewish Road Podcast. Visit thejewishroad.com for transcripts, resources, and tours (October 2026 departure available). Share with someone who wants the real story behind the headlines.

    Borderlines: Beyond the Border - Syria (featuring Ilan Schulman)

  5. Jul 10

    Where Jesus Heals a Demoniac

    What did Jesus mean when He said, "Let's go to the other side"? In this episode, filmed at the ancient Decapolis city of Susita overlooking the Sea of Galilee, we uncover the deeper significance behind one of Jesus' most familiar journeys.  What appears to be a simple boat ride becomes a powerful picture of God's mission reaching beyond Israel into the Gentile world. Walking through Mark chapters 4 through 8, we revisit the healing of the Gerasene demoniac, the calming of the storm, and the feeding of both the 5,000 and the 4,000.  Together, these events reveal a remarkable pattern: Jesus wasn't only revealing His identity as Israel's Messiah - He was preparing the nations to receive Him. This episode offers fresh insight into familiar passages and demonstrates how geography, Jewish culture, and biblical symbolism deepen our understanding of the Gospel. Key Takeaways "The other side" represented crossing into Gentile territory. The Gerasene demoniac became the first missionary to the Decapolis. The feeding of the 5,000 and 4,000 highlight God's provision for both Jews and Gentiles. The numbers twelve and seven carry powerful biblical symbolism. Jesus' authority extends over nature, demons, sickness, and death. Opposition often accompanies God's mission. The Gospel has always been intended for all nations. Chapter Markers  00:00 – Welcome to Susita overlooking the Sea of Galilee 02:00 – Why "the other side" mattered in Jesus' day 05:00 – The Gerasene demoniac and the Decapolis 11:00 – Why Jesus told one man to stay and tell everyone 16:00 – Feeding the 5,000 and the symbolism of twelve baskets 22:00 – Feeding the 4,000 and the meaning of seven baskets 28:00 – The storm on the Sea of Galilee and spiritual opposition 34:00 – Why Jesus intentionally crossed cultural boundaries 38:00 – Our challenge: Will we go to the other side? Visit https://thejewishroad.com to discover more biblical teaching filmed on location throughout Israel, helping you explore the Jewish context of Scripture and deepen your understanding of Jesus' life and ministry.

  6. Jul 3

    Inside Operation Israel (featuring Adi Vaxman)

    What do you do when your homeland is under attack and you're thousands of miles away? In this powerful episode, Dr. Adi Vaxman recounts the unforgettable hours of October 7 and the overwhelming helplessness she experienced as family members entered combat, friends fought for their lives, and Israel faced one of the darkest days in its history. Rather than remaining paralyzed, Adi turned heartbreak into action by founding Operation Israel.  What began with purchasing protective gear for soldiers has grown into an organization that has raised more than $11 million to fund medical equipment, drone defense technology, trauma recovery programs, and innovative battlefield solutions that are now influencing the IDF itself. This conversation is a compelling reminder that while we can't all be on the front lines, every one of us has the opportunity - and responsibility - to do something. Key Takeaways October 7 transformed helplessness into purposeful action. Operation Israel has raised more than $11 million for life-saving initiatives. Innovation from the battlefield is helping reshape IDF operations. Trauma care is as essential as military equipment. Jewish identity carries both responsibility and resilience. Standing with Israel requires action, not just sympathy. Every person has the ability to make a meaningful difference. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome back to The Jewish Road Podcast 02:00 – Experiencing October 7 from New Jersey 08:00 – The first hours and the feeling of helplessness 13:00 – Buying protective equipment for Israeli soldiers 18:00 – The birth of Operation Israel 22:00 – Innovation, technology, and saving lives 28:00 – Jewish identity and generational purpose 35:00 – Antisemitism in America and refusing to be silent 41:00 – Israel, Iran, and the future ahead 45:00 – How listeners can get involved with Operation Israel Visit https://thejewishroad.com for more conversations exploring Israel, biblical faith, and the stories shaping our world today. To learn more about Operation Israel, support innovative defense initiatives, trauma recovery programs, and life-saving equipment for Israeli soldiers and first responders, visit: https://operationisrael.org You can also invite Dr. Adi Vaxman to speak, explore current projects, and partner with Operation Israel as they continue equipping those on the front lines with practical hope and tangible support.

  7. Jun 19

    The Water That Sustained Jerusalem (featuring Ryan Levin)

    What if one of Israel’s most significant biblical sites remains largely unknown to modern visitors? In this episode, Ryan Levin introduces listeners to Efrat and Solomon’s Pools, a remarkable Second Temple-era water system that supplied Jerusalem with fresh water for centuries.  Located in the biblical heartland of Judea, these pools tell a story that connects archaeology, Scripture, and modern Israel. Ryan explains the historical significance of the site, the challenges of preserving it, and why restoring access to Solomon’s Pools could create an entirely new pilgrimage experience for visitors seeking to walk in the footsteps of the Bible. This conversation is a fascinating exploration of heritage, identity, and the importance of preserving biblical history for future generations. Key Takeaways Efrat sits in the biblical heartland of Judea near Bethlehem and Jerusalem Solomon’s Pools are the largest man-made ancient water reservoirs in Israel The pools supplied fresh water to Jerusalem and the Temple for centuries Water played both practical and spiritual roles in Jewish life and worship Archaeological preservation is essential for protecting biblical heritage The modern restoration effort seeks to make the site accessible to visitors Biblical places continue to tell an important story today Chapter Markers 00:00 – Introduction and meeting at NRB 02:00 – What is Efrat and why does it matter? 05:00 – The biblical significance of Judea and Bethlehem 08:00 – Discovering Solomon’s Pools 12:00 – Why access to the pools has been difficult 16:00 – Water, Jerusalem, and the Temple connection 20:00 – Biblical history and modern preservation efforts 24:00 – The challenge of protecting heritage sites 28:00 – Vision for restoration and future tourism 32:00 – Why Christians should care about biblical Judea 35:00 – Final invitation to visit and support the project Visit https://thejewishroad.com for more conversations exploring Israel, biblical history, and the places where Scripture comes alive. To learn more about Efrat and the restoration of Solomon’s Pools, visit: https://kerenefrat.org/ You can explore current preservation projects, learn about the history of biblical Judea, and support efforts to restore one of Israel’s most important ancient heritage sites for future generations.

  8. Jun 12

    Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (featuring Aaron Evans)

    What does it mean to stand with Israel when the world seems to be turning against her? In this episode, Aaron Evans shares how October 7th became a turning point that moved him from passive support to active involvement with Friends of the IDF.  As antisemitism surged around the world, Aaron felt compelled to use his voice and resources to support Israel and its defenders. The conversation explores biblical foundations for supporting Israel, the challenges facing younger generations, and the growing influence of misinformation on social media. Most importantly, it shines a light on the men and women of the IDF - the people carrying the weight of defending Israel while balancing family, work, and the emotional toll of war. Key Takeaways October 7th awakened many Christians to the reality of antisemitism Biblical literacy is essential for understanding Israel's significance Young people are increasingly shaped by social media rather than Scripture The IDF is made up of ordinary people protecting their families and nation PTSD and emotional trauma are major challenges facing soldiers today Friends of the IDF provides practical and emotional support where it's needed most Supporting Israel requires more than agreement - it requires action Chapter Markers  00:00 – Introduction and Aaron's background 03:00 – Growing up with a biblical understanding of Israel 06:00 – October 7th and the decision to get involved 10:00 – Antisemitism and the influence of social media 13:00 – Why truth matters in a culture of misinformation 16:00 – Discovering Friends of the IDF 20:00 – Visiting Israel and meeting soldiers firsthand 23:00 – Why Christians should stand with Israel 26:00 – PTSD, trauma, and the hidden cost of war 29:00 – How Friends of the IDF supports soldiers and families 31:00 – Final challenge and invitation to get involved Visit https://thejewishroad.com for more conversations exploring Israel, faith, and the Jewish roots of Christianity. To learn more about Friends of the IDF and support Israel's soldiers and their families, visit: https://fidf.org You can donate, find a chapter near you, participate in educational events, or join an upcoming mission to Israel. Your support helps provide counseling, family assistance, educational opportunities, and critical resources for the men and women serving in the Israel Defense Forces.

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About

Many Christians struggle to make sense of the Old Testament, or quietly wonder if it still matters. Many Jewish people have never seriously considered Jesus. But what if the two parts of the story were never meant to be separated? Hosted by Jewish followers of Jesus, Matt and Ron Davis, this podcast connects the Hebrew Scriptures with the hope of Messiah found in the New Testament. We tell the story of Israel and help Israel tell her story. God made a promise. God keeps His promises. He’s not done with Israel. And neither are we.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Davis + Ron Davis
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    179
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Matt Davis + Ron Davis
  • Show Website
    The Jewish Road Podcast

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