The Dusty Discipleship Podcast

Mitchell Feliciano
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Dusty Discipleship is a discipleship journey through Scripture, helping listeners follow Jesus more closely by seeing the Bible as one unified story. Each episode reads the text, traces the story, and asks what it means to live as a disciple of King Jesus today.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 11 - The Yoke of Expectations (Matthew 11)

    Episode SummaryIn Matthew 11, John the Baptist is in prison, wrestling with a question many followers of Jesus eventually face: what do we do when Jesus does not do what we expected Him to do? John expected the Messiah to bring judgment, fire, and immediate kingdom power, but Jesus is healing, restoring, eating with sinners, and preaching good news to the poor. In this episode, Mitch walks through the yoke of expectations, the difference between honest questions and hardened resistance, and Jesus’ invitation to true rest. Jesus does not offer a yoke-free life. He offers the right yoke — His yoke. Opening Thought / SetupJohn is in prison, hearing reports about Jesus’ ministry. Jesus is healing, cleansing lepers, raising the dead, and more. But John expected the Messiah to come with judgment, fire, and immediate kingdom power. This chapter asks a deeply human question: What do we do when Jesus does not match the expectations we brought to Him? John’s Question: The Yoke of ExpectationsJohn asks Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come...?” This is not merely a theological question. It is a prison question. It is the kind of question that rises up when Jesus does not do what we thought He would do. John expected something else. But Jesus points John back to the signs of the kingdom: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed...etc. Jesus does not shame John for asking. He reorients him. Questioning Is Not FailureAfter John’s disciples leave, Jesus honors John in front of the crowd. He does not call John weak or faithless. Instead, He says John is not a reed shaken by the wind. John is not soft. John is a prophet — and more than a prophet. This matters for how we talk about doubt, questions, disappointment, and faith. Honest questioning is not failure. A faithful disciple can be confused, disappointed, and still bring those questions to Jesus. The danger is not bringing questions to Jesus. The danger is refusing to be taught by Jesus. When Expectations HardenJesus then warns about people who refuse to respond. John came fasting, and they said he had a demon. Jesus came feasting, and they called Him a glutton. The problem was not John or Jesus, the problem was that they did not want to respond. This section reminds us that expectations can harden into criticism, indifference, and pride. John brings his expectations to Jesus and is reoriented. The crowds, cities, and proud protect their expectations from Jesus and become resistant. The Yoke That Gives RestMatthew 11 ends with one of Jesus’ most famous invitations: “Come to me...and I will give you rest.” This is not a random ending. Jesus has been exposing the heavy yokes people carry: expectation, disappointment, criticism, indifference, and pride. Then He invites the weary to come to Him. But Jesus does not say, “Come to me and I will give you nothing to carry.” He says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me.” A yoke is a way of life. A yoke is a teaching. A yoke is an invitation to come under the way of a rabbi. Jesus is not offering a life without obedience, surrender, mission, or discipleship. He is offering the right yoke. Application / How Do We Get Dusty With This?Matthew 11 invites us to ask: What expectation have I been carrying about Jesus?Have I brought my questions honestly to Jesus, or am I trying to protect them from Him?Where are my expectations hardening into criticism, indifference, or pride?What would it look like this week to take Jesus’ yoke instead of my own?Getting dusty with Jesus means we do not simply ask Him to bless our way. We come to Him, take His yoke, and learn His way.ClosingJesus does not offer a yoke-free life. He offers the right yoke. And His yoke is the only one that leads to rest.

    34 min

  2. Jun 19

    Episode 10 - Sent People Surrender (Matthew 10)

    Episode SummaryIn this episode, Mitch walks through Matt 10 and explores what it means to be sent by Jesus. Matt 9 ends with Jesus seeing the crowds as harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd, and Matt 10 begins with Jesus sending His disciples into the mission. The big idea is simple: restored people become sent people. But being sent by Jesus is not always easy, comfortable, or safe. Sent people surrender comfort, control, fear, and lesser loyalties as they join the restoring work of Jesus in the world. Episode OutlineOpening Thought / SetupMatt 10 flows directly out of Matt 9. In Matt 9, Jesus restores the whole person, the outsider, the broken, and the shepherdless. But the chapter ends with Jesus telling His disciples to pray for workers because the harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few. Then Matt 10 begins with those same disciples becoming part of the answer to that prayer. Context and BackgroundMatt 10 begins with the compassion of Jesus. Before the chapter is about mission, surrender, or persecution, it is about Jesus seeing people as sheep without a shepherd. The mission of the disciples is born from the compassion of Jesus. This episode also reflects on the story of Hagar in Genesis 16, where she calls God “El Roi,” the God who sees. That image connects with Jesus seeing the harassed, helpless, overlooked, and wounded. Main Teaching Movement1. Sent People Surrender ComfortComfort is not evil. Rest, home, rhythms, family, and stability are good gifts. But comfort becomes dangerous when it becomes the highest goal of our lives and makes us unavailable to Jesus. 2. Sent People Surrender ControlJesus tells His disciples not to take extra money, extra supplies, or the normal things people would use to secure themselves for the journey. They have a message, but they cannot force people to receive it. They can speak peace, proclaim the kingdom, and bear witness, but they cannot control the outcome. Sent people do not carry the burden of being the Savior. They carry the message of the Savior. 3. Sent People Surrender FearJesus tells His disciples He is sending them out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Fear may be present, but fear does not get to be Lord. Fear does not get to silence our witness, reshape our discipleship, or edit Jesus down into someone safer. 4. Sent People Surrender Lesser LoyaltiesJesus says He did not come to bring peace, but a sword. This does not mean Jesus loves conflict. It means allegiance to Him will sometimes create division. Jesus names some of the closest relationships in life: father, mother, son, and daughter. He is not anti-family, and He is not minimizing family. He is reordering allegiance. Being sent by Jesus means death to the old center of life. Jesus is not an accessory to our lives. He claims the center. 5. Sent People Practice Ordinary FaithfulnessMatt 10 ends with something surprisingly ordinary: receiving, welcoming, supporting, and giving a cup of cold water. The sent life is not always dramatic, but it is always meaningful. Sometimes it looks like public and bold and other time it is a simple cup of cold water in Jesus’ name. Application / How Do We Get Dusty With This?1. Where has comfort made me unavailable to Jesus?2. Where am I refusing to obey because I cannot control the outcome?3. Where has fear made me quiet?4. What lesser loyalty is competing with Jesus?Scripture ReferencesGenesis 16 — Hagar calls God “El Roi,” the God who sees Matthew 11:28–30 — Jesus invites the weary to come to Him and find rest Resources & LinksBible translations mentioned: ESV, NET, and NLT. Closing TaglineRestored people become sent people. And sent people surrender comfort, control, fear, and lesser loyalties.

    33 min

  3. Jun 12

    Episode 9 - Restored to Follow (Matthew 9)

    Episode SummaryIn Matthew 9, Jesus does more than perform miracles or fix visible problems. He restores people at every level: the whole person, the outsider, the broken, and the shepherdless. In this episode, Mitch walks through Matthew 9 and shows how Jesus brings restoration to sin, shame, sickness, isolation, death, blindness, oppression, and spiritual exhaustion. This chapter invites us not only to receive the restoration of Jesus, but to become disciples who join His restoring work in the world. Episode OutlineOpening thought / setupMatthew is not just giving us random stories about Jesus or stacking miracles on top of one another. Matthew is showing us who Jesus is, what His kingdom is like, and what it means to follow Him. The big idea of Matthew 9 is simple: Jesus does not just fix problems. He restores people. Jesus restores the whole personMatthew 9 begins with a paralyzed man being brought to Jesus. Everyone can see the obvious problem: the man cannot walk. But Jesus begins deeper by saying, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” Jesus is not ignoring the man’s body. He does heal him physically. But He also sees the wound underneath the wound. Jesus restores the whole person, not just the visible issue. Jesus restores the outsiderJesus then calls Matthew from the tax booth. Matthew was not the obvious candidate for discipleship. As a tax collector, he would have been viewed as compromised, dishonest, unclean, and traitorous by many around him. But Jesus calls him right where he is. Then Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners, showing that He does not avoid broken people. He moves toward them as the true physician. The Pharisees see contamination. Jesus sees patients. Jesus restores the brokenMatthew then gives several stories back-to-back: a ruler’s daughter has died, a woman has been bleeding for twelve years, two blind men cry out for mercy, and a mute man oppressed by a demon is brought to Jesus. This section shows every kind of brokenness: death, disease, isolation, uncleanness, blindness, silence, and oppression. And Jesus moves toward all of it. Everywhere Jesus goes, broken creation starts to look like new creation. Jesus restores the shepherdlessThe chapter ends with Jesus looking at the crowds and having compassion because they are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. This is where the chapter shifts. Restoration is not only something we receive from Jesus. Restoration becomes something we are invited to join with Jesus. Jesus tells His disciples to pray for laborers, and Matthew 10 will show those same disciples becoming part of the answer to that prayer. Application / so what?Matthew 9 cannot just be a chapter we admire. It has to become a pattern we learn. A few questions to carry with you: Where do I need Jesus to restore the whole person, not just the visible symptom?Who have I treated like an outsider?What brokenness do I avoid because I do not know what to do with it?Do I see crowds the way Jesus sees them? Sometimes getting dusty means being present where restoration is needed. We are not the Savior, the healer, the physician, or the true shepherd. But we are disciples, and disciples learn to walk with people as they go to Jesus. Scripture ReferencesHosea 6:6 — “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” 1 Peter 2:9 — God’s people as a royal priesthood Exodus and Leviticus — referenced through the imagery of priests entering into the mess of sacrifice and restoration Closing TaglineJesus does not just fix problems. Jesus restores people. And if we are going to get dusty, we cannot just admire His restoration; we are called to join Him in His restoring work.

    31 min

  4. Jun 5

    Episode 8 - Admiration and Authority (Matthew 8)

    Episode SummaryJesus has finished teaching on the mountain. Now Matthew shows us what happens when His authority steps into everyday life. In Matthew 8, Jesus encounters sickness, suffering, uncertainty, and spiritual darkness—and in every situation He reveals His authority. The question is no longer whether Jesus has authority, but how people will respond to it. In this episode, we explore four areas where Jesus demonstrates His authority and discover why faith is more than believing Jesus exists. Faith is recognizing His authority and trusting Him enough to build your life around it. Episode OutlineOpening Thought / SetupThe Sermon on the Mount ends with a surprising observation: Jesus teaches with authority.Matthew 8 immediately asks what happens when that authority enters real life.Faith is not simply believing Jesus exists; it is trusting His authority.Authority Over Human Brokenness (Matthew 8:1–17)The leper's question: "If you are willing..."The centurion's remarkable understanding of authority.Peter's mother-in-law and restoration for service.Jesus moves toward what is broken rather than away from it.Authority Over Our Allegiance (Matthew 8:18–22)Two potential followers.The cost of following Jesus.Why Jesus' authority challenges our priorities.Following Jesus is not one commitment among many—it is the commitment that orders all the others.Authority Over Our Circumstances (Matthew 8:23–27)The disciples obey Jesus and find themselves in a storm.Jesus addresses their fear before He calms the sea.Connecting the storm to the wise and foolish builders from Matthew 7.Learning to trust Jesus when outcomes are beyond our control.Authority Over Spiritual Darkness (Matthew 8:28–34)The demons recognize Jesus immediately.The townspeople ask Him to leave.The disruptive nature of Jesus' authority.Why authority and acceptance are not the same thing.Application: Faith Under AuthorityThe leper trusted.The centurion trusted.The disciples learned to trust.The townspeople resisted.Every encounter with Jesus' authority requires a response.Referenceshttps://www.bemadiscipleship.com/84Key TakeawaysJesus has authority over what is broken.Jesus has authority over the direction of our lives.Jesus has authority over circumstances we cannot control.Jesus has authority over spiritual darkness.Faith is recognizing His authority and responding with trust.Closing ReflectionWhere is it hardest for you to trust the authority of Jesus right now?Is it something broken in your life?A decision you're facing?A circumstance you can't control?A fear you've been carrying?Matthew 8 invites us not merely to admire Jesus, but to trust Him.Closing TaglineMatthew 8 reminds us that faith is not admiring the authority of Jesus from a distance—it is trusting His authority enough to build your life around it.

    29 min

  5. May 29

    Episode 7 - Two Builders, Two Houses, One Storm (Matthew 7)

    Episode SummaryMatthew 7 can feel like a collection of disconnected teachings—don't judge, ask and seek, the narrow gate, false prophets, and the wise and foolish builders. But what if all of those teachings are connected? In this episode, we explore how Jesus repeatedly places two paths before His listeners: two ways of seeing, two roads, two trees, two claims, and ultimately two foundations. Together, these contrasts reveal the central question of the SOTM: What are you building your life on? If you've ever wrestled with spiritual growth, discipleship, trusting God, or what it means to truly follow Jesus, this conversation will help you see Matthew 7 as the culmination of Jesus' teaching on Kingdom living. Episode OutlineOpening Thought / SetupRecapping the journey through Matthew 5–7Why Matthew 7 feels disconnected when read quicklyThe repeated pattern of 2's throughout the chapterEvery contrast points toward one final image: two houses in a stormContext & BackgroundThe SOTM as a unified teaching rather than disconnected sayingsJesus repeatedly presents 2 options before His audienceThe wise and foolish builders as the climax of the sermonFormation over information: hearing Jesus versus building on His wordsMain Teaching MovementsTwo Ways of SeeingThe log and the speckDiscernment versus condemnationHow pride distorts our visionWhy humility is essential for spiritual growthTwo Kinds of DependenceAsk, seek, and knockTrusting the Father rather than relying on self-sufficiencyThe connection between dependence and the Golden RuleHow trust reshapes the way we treat othersTwo RoadsThe broad road and the narrow roadDirection eventually becomes destinationThe road you walk shapes the person you becomeTwo TreesFalse prophets and true fruitWhy fruit reveals what has been forming usRoots, habits, and spiritual formationTwo Claims"Lord, Lord"Admiring Jesus versus aligning your life with HimReligious activity versus genuine discipleshipThe danger of hearing Jesus without building on His teachingsTwo FoundationsThe wise and foolish buildersTwo houses, one stormStorms reveal foundationsApplication / So What?The Sermon on the Mount isn't merely asking us to agree with Jesus—it is inviting us to build our lives on His way. Building on the rock happens through ordinary daily decisions: Choosing forgiveness over retaliationPracticing hidden faithfulnessReturning to prayerSeeking first God's KingdomWalking the narrow road one step at a timeEvery road leads somewhere. Every root produces fruit. Every hidden trust becomes a foundation. The question Jesus leaves us with is simple: What are you building your life on? Scripture ReferencesMatthew 7:1–29 — Two ways, two roads, two trees, two foundationsMatthew 5:1–48 — Kingdom character and transformationMatthew 6:1–34 — Hidden motives, desires, and fearsPsalm 1:1–3 — The imagery of fruitful treesProverbs 4:18–19 — Two paths and two ways of lifeClosing TaglineStay on the narrow road, bear good fruit, and keep building on the rock. And as always, I hope you find yourself just a little bit dustier.

    31 min

  6. May 22

    Episode 6 - Seeking First the Kingdom (Matthew 6)

    Episode 6 | Seeking First the KingdomHidden Motives, Desires & Fears in Matthew 6Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Dusty Discipleship Podcast, we continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount by exploring Matthew chapter 6 and Jesus’ teaching on the hidden life beneath outward behavior. Jesus exposes the invisible forces shaping visible lives — hidden motives, hidden desires, and hidden fears — and shows how rival kingdoms of approval, control, security, and anxiety quietly compete for our trust. Together we explore giving, prayer, fasting, treasure, the “healthy eye,” mammon, anxiety, and the invitation to “seek first the Kingdom of God.” If you’ve ever struggled with image management, fear, striving, control, or trying to follow Jesus authentically in a performative world, this episode is for you.  Episode OutlineThe Sermon on the Mount shifts beneath outward behavior and exposes the hidden life underneathJesus confronts hidden motives, hidden desires, and hidden fears“The hidden life eventually reveals what kingdom we trust most”Context & BackgroundJewish prayer rhythms in the time of JesusMorning and evening prayersThe Amidah / standing prayer traditionThe Lord’s Prayer as Kingdom trust rather than mere religious repetitionHypocrites as actors wearing masksMain Teaching MovementsHidden Motives — Matthew 6:1–18Giving, prayer, and fasting“To be seen by others” vs “Your Father who sees in secret”Spirituality becoming performancePrayer revealing who we are actually living forDaily bread, dependence, forgiveness, and trusting the FatherHidden Desires — Matthew 6:19–24Treasure, the eye, and mammonWhat quietly captures your heartThe “healthy eye” vs the “evil eye”False security and rival kingdoms“Your life slowly bends toward what you value most”Hidden Fears — Matthew 6:25–34Anxiety, striving, scarcity, and controlJesus and mental health / fearful strivingBirds and lilies as reminders of trustCreation as evidence that the Father has not abandoned the world“Seek first the Kingdom of God”Application:What hidden motives are shaping your life?What hidden desires quietly capture your heart?What hidden fears are driving your striving?How can you seek first the Kingdom of God this week?Discipleship is not merely information — it is formationScripture ReferencesMatthew 6:1–34 — Hidden motives, desires, fears, and seeking first the KingdomMatthew 5:1–48 — The good life in the Kingdom of GodPsalm 23 — The shepherd leading one pasture at a timeExodus 16 — Manna and daily dependence in the wilderness1 Corinthians 10:31 — “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”Resources & LinksInfluences & Resources MentionedRay Vander Laan — “Dusty disciple” imagery and Gospel immersion teachingBibleProject — Sermon on the Mount themes and Kingdom frameworkBEMA Podcast / Marty Solomon — Jewish context and prayer tradition insightsFollowing Jesus is not merely about information. It’s about formation. We are learning to follow Jesus closely enough that His life begins shaping ours.

    31 min

  7. May 15

    Episode 5 - Salt, Light, and the Good Life (Matthew 5)

    In this episode of the Dusty Discipleship Podcast, we begin walking through the Sermon on the Mount together starting in Matthew 5. Jesus opens one of His most famous teachings with the Beatitudes, but instead of giving us a list of religious rules, He begins describing the kind of people who flourish in the Kingdom of God. The poor in spirit. The merciful. The peacemakers. The pure in heart. As we walk through the chapter together, we talk about what Jesus means when He calls His followers the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill. We also wrestle with the deeper heart issues underneath anger, lust, bitterness, and enemy-love, and why Jesus seems far more concerned with transformation than mere outward behavior. In this episode we explore: The Beatitudes and the “good life” according to JesusDependence, right relationships, and peacemakingWhat it means to become saltier, brighter, and saferThe imagery behind a “city on a hill”Jesus’ teaching on anger, lust, enemies, and the transformed heartWhy discipleship is about formation, not just informationThis episode is really an invitation to slow down and let Matthew 5 examine us a little bit.What kind of person am I becoming?How dependent am I on God?Am I becoming brighter, safer, merciful, and more reflective of Jesus? Throughout Matthew 5, Jesus paints a picture of a completely different kind of life and a completely different kind of Kingdom. A Kingdom built on dependence instead of self-sufficiency, mercy instead of outrage, peacemaking instead of hostility, and transformed hearts instead of outward appearances. The question underneath the entire chapter is simple but deeply challenging: What kind of person is Jesus forming us into? Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 5Exodus 19–20 (Moses and Sinai)John 1 (Light and Darkness)Genesis 18 (Sarah's Laughter)Ruth 4 (Redemption of Ruth and Naomi) https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/series/sermon-on-the-mount/

    30 min

  8. May 8

    Episode 4 - The Wilderness: Testing, Trust, and True Humanity (Matthew 4)

    Episode Description: In this episode of the Dusty Discipleship Podcast, Mitch walks through Matthew 4 and explores the meaning of the wilderness in the Bible. What is the wilderness, and why does it show up throughout Scripture? From Creation to Israel, David, and the prophets, the wilderness is a recurring pattern where God shapes His people and reveals what is truly in their hearts. As Jesus faces temptation, we see a different outcome. Where humanity has failed, Jesus remains faithful. He resists the misuse of Scripture, refuses shortcuts, and fully trusts the Father. This episode unpacks: The biblical pattern of the wildernessWhat the wilderness reveals about our heartsHow Satan misuses Scripture and distorts trustWhat Jesus shows us about true humanityHow to follow Jesus in seasons of testing and uncertainty Key Themes and Topics: Jesus in the wildernessTemptation of JesusBiblical meaning of the wildernessTrusting God in difficult seasonsSpiritual testing in the BibleIdentity and discipleshipMisuse of ScriptureFollowing Jesus in hardshipSpiritual formation and growth Episode Outline: Introduction: From Baptism to WildernessWhat Is the Wilderness?A place of scarcity, danger, and lackThe opposite of the gardenA place of dependence and fragilityNot a destination, but a place of preparationThe Pattern of Wilderness in ScriptureAdam and Eve exiled from the gardenCain driven further into wildernessHagar meets God in the wildernessMoses formed in the wildernessIsrael tested for 40 yearsDavid shaped while fleeing SaulProphets speak from wilderness experiencesWhat the Wilderness RevealsReveals what we trust and depend onExposes fear, control, and distrustStrips away comfort and self-relianceJesus in the Wilderness (Matthew 4)Led by the Spirit, not by accident40 days mirrors Israel’s 40 yearsJesus steps into the same story but responds differentlyThe Three Temptations of JesusBread — Trust God or provide for yourselfTemple — Trust God or demand proofKingdoms — Trust God’s way or take controlSatan and the Misuse of ScriptureSatan quotes Scripture but twists itJesus responds with trust and obedienceKey idea: Knowing Scripture is not enough—true disciples trust and live it.Jesus as the Model of True HumanityDependent on GodTrusting without demanding proofFaithful without taking shortcutsRooted in God’s wordKey idea: Jesus shows what humanity was always meant to be.What Wilderness Seasons Reveal in UsControl vs trustFear vs faithSelf vs surrender Closing Challenge The wilderness is not something to avoid, but something to walk through with JesusThe question is not how to escape, but who you are becomingWhat happens in the wilderness shapes what comes next Scripture Referenced Matthew 3–4 Psalm 23 Genesis 1–3 Exodus (Israel in the wilderness)

    27 min

  9. May 1

    Episode 3 - Step Into the Water (Matthew 3)

    Episode 3:Step Into the Water | Matthew 3, Baptism, and Living Righteously Episode Description:In this episode of the Dusty Discipleship Podcast, we explore Matthew 3 and the meaning of baptism in the time of Jesus. What did baptism mean in the first century? How did Jewish purification rituals like the mikveh shape John the Baptist’s message? And why did Jesus choose to be baptized if He didn’t need repentance? We walk through the biblical story of water—from creation to the flood to the Exodus—and see how baptism is more than a ritual. It’s a step into God’s story. We also unpack what Jesus meant when He said He came “to fulfill all righteousness,” and how righteousness is about living in right relationship with God, others, and the world. This episode challenges you to move from observing Jesus to actually following Him—by stepping into what is right. Key Topics CoveredMatthew 3 explained simplyWhat baptism meant in Jesus’ worldJewish mikveh and purification practicesJohn the Baptist and repentanceQumran and wilderness communitiesWhy Jesus was baptized“Fulfilling all righteousness” explainedBiblical meaning of righteousnessBaptism as stepping into God’s storyPractical application for following JesusKey TakeawaysBaptism is not just about cleansing—it’s about starting something newJohn’s baptism was a call to turn around and prepare for God’s workJesus was baptized to step into what is right, not to fix anything in HimselfRighteousness means living in right relationship with God, others, and creationFollowing Jesus requires stepping in—not standing on the edgeBible PassageMatthew 3Referenced Biblical ThemesCreation (Genesis 1) – Life emerging from waterNoah and the Flood (Genesis 6–9) – New life through waterExodus (Exodus 14) – Israel passing through the Red SeaCrossing the Jordan (Joshua 3–4) – Entering the promised landNaaman’s cleansing (2 Kings 5)DefinitionsBaptism (Biblical Context): A physical act of stepping into water that symbolizes cleansing, preparation, and entering a new way of life with God. Mikveh (Jewish Tradition): A ritual immersion in water used for purification and preparation before sacred moments. Righteousness (Biblical Meaning): Living in right relationship with God, others, and the world—doing what is right, just, and faithful in everyday life.  Reflection QuestionWhere is God inviting you to step into what is right instead of standing on the edge? ApplicationFor some, this may mean taking the step of baptismFor others, it may mean repentance—turning back to GodIt may mean making something right in a relationshipOr stepping into obedience where you’ve been hesitantYou don’t have to have everything figured out. You just have to step in. Resources & Links:BibleProject – Righteousness & Justice teachinghttps://bibleproject.com/articles/baptism-in-the-bible/

    27 min

  10. Apr 24

    Episode 2 - Two Kingdoms. Four Responses. (Matthew 2)

    Episode SummaryIn this episode, Mitch walks through Matthew 2 and explores the clash between two kingdoms: empire and the kingdom of God (shalom). Through the story of Herod, the religious leaders, Jerusalem, and the Magi, we see four distinct responses to Jesus—and a powerful invitation to examine our own. Key Themes1. Two KingdomsEmpire → control, fear, self-preservationShalom → peace, restoration, trust in God Herod represents the kingdom of empire, while Jesus embodies a completely different way of life. 2. A Pattern Throughout ScriptureThis tension isn’t new—it runs through the entire Bible: Pharaoh in EgyptIsrael in the wildernessKings like Saul and SolomonThe Persian Empire in Esther Empire isn’t just a place—it’s a pattern. 3. Four Responses to JesusMatthew 2 shows four ways people respond when the true King arrives: Herod → Resistance (threatened, clings to power)Religious Leaders → Apathy (know the truth, don’t act)Jerusalem → Disturbance (troubled, unsettled)Magi → Worship (seek, sacrifice, surrender) Same King. Same moment. Different responses. 4. Jesus’ Response to EmpireJesus doesn’t build like empire: He doesn’t grasp powerHe doesn’t control or dominateHe moves toward the vulnerableHe welcomes outsidersHe trusts the Father He lives differently within empire, showing what the kingdom of God looks like. Reflection QuestionWhere do you see empire in your life… and how are you responding to Jesus? Are you resisting?Apathetic?Disturbed?Or worshipful like the Magi?Next EpisodeMatthew 3 — Exploring John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus, and how Jesus begins to step fully into His role.

    28 min

  11. Apr 17

    Episode 1 - Finding Your Place in His Story (Matthew 1)

    Main IdeaGod has been intentionally writing His story from the beginning, and He is inviting you to find your place in it. Key ThemesWe All Live Inside a StoryOur lives are shaped by family, past experiences, and expectationsWe don’t just make decisions—we live out narrativesThe Genealogy Is an InvitationMatthew 1 answers:Who are you?Where do you come from?Where do you fit?Jesus is rooted in:Abraham (promise)David (king)This is not just where Jesus came from—it is where the story has been going. God Uses Messy, Unexpected PeopleTamar, Rahab, Ruth, BathshebaBroken leaders and outsiders are includedGod is not endorsing every action—He is redeeming broken stories. The Pattern of the StoryRise: Abraham to DavidFall: David to ExileWaiting: Exile to JesusThe repetition of "14" points to David and emphasizes the coming King. Even with kings, the story breaks. Jesus Enters the StoryJesus means “The Lord saves”Immanuel means “God with us”God does not remain distant—He steps into the brokenness, the waiting, and the uncertainty. You Are Invited Into the StoryWe all experience:brokennesswaitinguncertaintyMatthew 1 shows: God works through imperfect storiesGod works in long seasonsGod is still writingKey Quotes“We don’t just make decisions—we live out narratives.” “This isn’t just a list of names—it’s an invitation to belong.” “God doesn’t abandon the story—He enters it.” “You don’t have to fix your story first—you just have to find your place in His.” Reflection QuestionWhere is God inviting you to stop controlling your story and start trusting His?

    28 min
  12. Episode 0 - What is Dusty Discipleship

    Apr 10

    Episode 0 - What is Dusty Discipleship

    In this opening episode of Dusty Discipleship, Mitch shares the heart behind the podcast, the story that shaped him, and the vision for where this journey is headed. From growing up in an IFB world, to walking through church hurt, sin, healing, and reconstruction, this episode lays the foundation for a different way of reading Scripture and following Jesus. This podcast is not just about learning more information—it is about becoming more like Jesus. Together, we will walk through the Gospels, trace the story of Scripture, and ask what it looks like to follow King Jesus closely enough that the dust of His feet begins to shape our lives. What We Talk About What “Dusty Discipleship” meansWhy discipleship is about transformation, not just informationMitch’s background and early church experienceGrowing up in an IFB contextChurch hurt, leadership failure, and its lasting impactA season of deconstruction and rebuilding in JesusA turning point in how the Bible was read and understoodDiscovering the Bible as a unified, layered storyInfluences that shaped this journeyWhat biblical theology is (in simple terms)Core ideas that will shape this podcast going forwardWhy we’re starting in the GospelsWhat listeners can expect each weekDiscipleship is about walking closely with Jesus, not observing from a distanceThe Bible is one unified story, not a collection of disconnected partsJesus is King and calls for allegiance, not just agreementGod is bringing heaven and earth together—and invites us into that workGod does not want to use people; He wants to partner with themYou don’t need perfect theology to begin—just a willingness to take the next stepMarty Solomon & The BEMA PodcastRay Vander LaanMichael HeiserBibleProject (Tim Mackie & Jon Collins)N.T. WrightDavid Fohrman — The Beast That Crouches at the DoorGenesis 1Genesis 4:7John 1The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)1 Peter Next episode, we begin in Matthew 1, walking through the genealogy of Jesus and exploring why it matters more than we might think.

    42 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Dusty Discipleship is a discipleship journey through Scripture, helping listeners follow Jesus more closely by seeing the Bible as one unified story. Each episode reads the text, traces the story, and asks what it means to live as a disciple of King Jesus today.

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