The Jeff Cavins Show (Your Catholic Bible Study Podcast) - Episodes Tagged with “Jesus”

Hospitality That Touches the Heart

Ascension — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0400

How can you be the hands and feet of Christ through your hospitality? Jeff shares an important example of hospitality, caring for one another and listening to the voice of God especially in the simple moments.

Snippet from the Show

“Jesus loves you. Jesus wants to be Lord of your life. Jesus has a plan.”

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A Special Christmas Gift from Fr. Mike Schmitz

Ascension — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Merry Christmas! Today, Jeff talks with Fr. Mike Schmitz about his new podcast, Bible in a Year, which launches on January 1st, 2021.

Snippet from the Show
“He put you here for a reason, what is that reason? Let’s move forward and listen to his word, so that he may reveal himself through it.”

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Feel Like You're In Prison? Listen to Paul

Ascension — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 22:15:00 -0500

Struggling with anxiety, frustration, and depression during these covid lockdowns? Maybe all we need to do is change our perspective. Today, Jeff pulls some inspiration from St. Paul’s letters to the Philippians, Ephesians, and Colossians, to help us center our hearts in the Lord during these confusing times.

Snippet from the Show
“It is God who works in you, both to will and to work, for his pleasure.”

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What’s On God’s Bucket list For You

Ascension — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0500

We all have bucket lists for our lives, but have we ever asked what's on God's bucket list for us? Today, Jeff shares with us God's desires and plans for our lives revealed in Scripture. If we pause to ask God what he has in store for us, we will be surprised by God's marvelous dreams for us.

Snippet from the Show

If we pause to ask God what he has in store for us, we will be surprised by how God's dreams for us.

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Saying Grace: Bless Us Oh Lord or Make It Up

Ascension — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 18:00:00 -0500

Saying grace before meals is a common tradition in the Catholic faith. Today, Jeff delves into the biblical history of praying before meals and offers us two main ways to pray before meals so that however we pray, it may be a meaningful tradition in our homes.

Snippet from the Show

When we bless God before meals, we acknowledge that he is the giver of all good gifts.

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Level Up With Jesus: Trading for Treasure

Ascension — Fri, 31 Jul 2020 15:00:00 -0400

What do you treasure most in your life? Today, Jeff challenges us to look within ourselves and examine whether our hearts are set on the Kingdom of God or some other worldly treasure. Each day of our lives, we have the opportunity to level up and make Jesus our most precious treasure.

Snippet from the Show

Did you know that you are a treasure to God? He gave up everything to obtain you. But will you do the same for him?

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Hope in 2020: A New Jesus Movement

Ascension — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 15:00:00 -0400

In times of trial, our faith is often challenged and purified. Today, Jeff looks back at the Jesus Movement of the early 1970s and encourages us to use our current time of social unrest and uncertainty as an opportunity to proclaim Christ and reinvigorate our faith.

Snippet from the Show

“Raise Jesus up and proclaim him with boldness.”

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Fourth of July Special: True Freedom

Ascension — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 15:30:00 -0400

As we celebrate July 4th this year in the midst of a pandemic and social unrest, let us remember that Jesus Christ has already paid the ransom for our freedom from sin. In this special episode, Jeff encourages us to live in the freedom and hope of Christ as we navigate these difficult times in our lives. If we cling to Christ and allow him to change us, we will experience true freedom and peace.

Snippet from the Show

“Faith is going to be part of the recipe for freedom in this country and for peace among us.”

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The Liturgical Calendar: Ordinary Time is Extraordinary Time

Ascension — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 17:30:00 -0400

Do you tend to cruise through Ordinary Time during the Church’s liturgical year? Jeff reminds us that Ordinary Time can truly be an extraordinary time in our lives if we fully embrace the liturgical calendar and its purpose. By understanding the deeper meaning behind the liturgical calendar, we come to understand that Ordinary Time can be incredibly fruitful in our discipleship with Christ if we use it well.

Snippet from the Show

“Ordinary Time is called ordinary not because it is not special or less significant"

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10 Bible Verses on Fear

Ascension — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -0400

Fear is all around us as we face this global pandemic, but the Lord does not want us to worry, he wants us to trust. Jeff looks up ten Bible verses on fear that can help us look to the Lord as our help, instead of relying solely on ourselves.

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The Fear behind Closed Doors

Ascension — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 12:00:00 -0400

After the Crucifixion, the disciples shut themselves up in the Upper Room, in fear of their lives. Jesus came among them and said, “Peace be with you.” As we experience fear and uncertainty these few weeks, we ultimately must realize that everything will be OK if we put ourselves in God’s hands. Email us at tjcs@ascensionpress.com to get the full shownotes or text “jeffcavins” to 33-777.

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Be My Guest: Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio

Ascension — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -0400

Jeff interviews Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio (a.k.a Dr. Italy), co-author of the new study Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life. They talk about how Jesus comes alive for us today, how we can grow closer to him, and how to share him with others.

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Snippet from the Show
“When we share the Gospel, we’re not threatening, we’re inviting.”

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Would It Have Been Fun to Be Jesus?

Ascension — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Jesus could heal people, walk on water, control the weather, multiply food, make wine, walk through walls, and wake the dead. Having such incredible abilities sounds amazing, but would it have been fun to be Jesus?

Though there were moments of happiness and fun, the purpose of Jesus’ ministry was to tell people to repent and return to the Father, and many, including his own disciples, rejected and denied him. He knew that this would happen, but did not use his power to stop it.

The things most worth pursuing in life (marriage, raising kids, having a deep spiritual life, etc.) are never going to be fun all the time, because love isn’t just fun and warm fuzzy feelings.

The goal of life isn’t to have as much fun as possible before we die, it’s to live a life like Jesus, one that is centered on the love of God.

Snippet from the Show
“Our goal in relationships is not fun. It’s love.”

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Investing in Your Spiritual Life: Stories from the Holy Land

Ascension — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Jeff is on his fifty-seventh trip to the Holy Land, and is talking to fellow pilgrims, Toni Griffith from Clearwater, Florida, Keith Senn from Louisville, Kentucky, and Michael Norman from Denver, Colorado about their experiences in the Holy Land.

They discuss the surreal experience of seeing the places where Jesus walked and how it changes your spiritual life.

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Recharging Your Batteries in the Holy Land

Ascension — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 15:00:00 -0500

Jeff is in the Holy Land! He shares his experience of seeing the Gospels come alive through this pilgrimage. From the Sea of Galilee to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jeff describes what it’s like to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

Snippet from the Show
Jesus said, “As the father has sent, even so I send you.” [John 20:21] God sent his son with the power of baptism and the Holy Spirit, and that is the way we are sent as well.

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Slow Faith

Ascension — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 15:00:00 -0400

Growing in faith is difficult in our fast-paced, distraction-heavy lives. Jeff Cavins slows things down to help us focus on prayer and Jesus.

Snippet from the Show
“The pace of a disciple is not hurried. As we look at the saints, we see people who spent a lot of time with Jesus.”

Ways We Can Slow Down Our Lives

Prayer
Read the Bible and learn about the Story of Salvation
Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Take some time to relax and sit in the presence of the Lord

Resources

Jeff’s Email: thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com
The Great Adventure Bible Timeline study

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Breakfast at "Trinity's" and Scriptures on Restoration

Ascension — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 15:00:00 -0400

Jeff Cavins digs into scriptures on restoration in the Gospel of John and compares Peter’s journey to Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. At some point, both run away from their responsibilities, but eventually turn around and embrace transformative relationships.

Do you have comments or questions for Jeff? Email Jeff at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. You may hear your question or comment in an upcoming podcast episode!

Snippet from the Show
“Whatever you’ve done, the Lord is able to restore you, and it doesn’t take a fanfare, it oftentimes is a very simple thing.”

SHOWNOTES

John 18:15-18, Peter Denies Jesus - “Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. As this disciple was known to the high priest, he entered the court of the high priest along with Jesus, while Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the maid who kept the door, and brought Peter in. The maid who kept the door said to Peter, “Are not you also one of this man’s disciples?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves; Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

John 18:19-24, The High Priest Questions Jesus - The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together; I have said nothing secretly. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me, what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said this, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” Annas then sent him bound to Ca′iaphas the high priest.

John 18:25-27, Peter Denies Jesus Again - Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said to him, “Are not you also one of his disciples?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the servants of the high priest, a kinsman of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” Peter again denied it; and at once the cock crowed.”

John 21:1-14, Jesus Appears to Disciples by the Sea of Tiberias - “After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tibe′ri-as; and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathan′a-el of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zeb′edee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat; but that night they caught nothing.

Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, for the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his clothes, for he was stripped for work, and sprang into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.”

John 21:15-19, Peter Is Given a Command - “When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.”

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What To Do About Bedwetting (and Other Personal Embarrassments)

Ascension — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 15:00:00 -0400

Jeff shares the feelings of shame and isolation he faced as a kid struggling with bedwetting. Even if you never wet the bed, experiencing embarrassment and even self-loathing because of a perceived flaw is something we can all relate to.

Jeff shares tips on how to react to someone experiencing these feelings, and points out that we’re not defined by those imperfections. We’re defined by our relationship with Jesus, and he will always look on us with love.

Snippet from the Show
“What we perceive as some kind of stigma or impediment does not define us. We’re defined by the blood of the lamb and the relationship we have with Jesus.”

SHOWNOTES
Tips for dealing with bedwetting:

Be Patient - This is not something you can’t cope with.
Realize that they may think their self-identity is in the balance, and that struggle is more important than your convenience.
Love and affirm them as sons and daughters of God.
Make sure they know they are not defined by this.
Offer up your inconvenience to the Lord.

1 Peter 4:8 - Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.

John 9:1 - As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Silo′am” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.

Colossians 1:24 - “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.”

Resources in this Episode

Sign up to be alerted when the new Bible study on Romans is available!
The Great Adventure Bible - the #1 Bible on Amazon!
Jeff Cavins Pilgrimages

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How To Talk on Water

Ascension — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 15:00:00 -0400

Have you ever tried walking on water? It is definitely not something we can do on our own. But this scripture passage is an invitation for each of us to get out of our comfort zones and come to him. One of the ways we can do this is by sharing the good news of the Gospel with people he puts in our paths.

Jeff talks about what to say to others about God as well as tips for approaching people. When we share the message of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit confirms that message in those hearts. One person plants the seed, another waters it, and God allows the growth.

How do you share your faith with other people?

Snippet from the Show
Sharing Christ with others begins with a personal relationship with the Lord. As St. Peter said, “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you.”

SHOWNOTES
1 Peter 3:15 - Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you.

CCC Paragraph 1 - God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Savior. In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life.

CCC Paragraphs 1430-1431 - Jesus' call to conversion and penance, like that of the prophets before him, does not aim first at outward works, "sackcloth and ashes," fasting and mortification, but at the conversion of the heart, interior conversion. Without this, such penances remain sterile and false; however, interior conversion urges expression in visible signs, gestures and works of penance.

Interior repentance is a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart, an end of sin, a turning away from evil, with repugnance toward the evil actions we have committed. At the same time it entails the desire and resolution to change one's life, with hope in God's mercy and trust in the help of his grace. This conversion of heart is accompanied by a salutary pain and sadness which the Fathers called animi cruciatus (affliction of spirit) and compunctio cordis (repentance of heart).

7 Steps of the Kerygma

God loves YOU and has a plan for your life
Sin will destroy you and ruin God’s plan for your life
Jesus Christ died to save you
Repent and believe the Gospel, the “good news”
Be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit
Abide in Christ and His body the Church
Go and make disciples yourself

Jeff’s 5 Tips

Get to know the 7 points of the kerygma.
Find your way of conveying this kerygma.
Practice situational awareness.
Ask questions.
Suggest a next step or next get-together.

Resources from this episode can be found at ascensionpress.com

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A Strategy for Lent

Ascension — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 15:00:00 -0500

Stick to the three pillars of Lent for the full forty days with this strategy from Jeff Cavins.

We hear about fasting, almsgiving, and prayer so often during Lent that the words can become bland and lose meaning.

But these practices are not arbitrary measures designed to make us miserable for forty days. They are spiritual disciplines specifically aimed at three areas of weakness in our souls. They help us overcome sin and become more like Jesus.

Jeff compares biblical figures from Genesis and 1 John to Jesus’ example in the Gospel of Matthew. He also provides some alternate ways of thinking about fasting, almsgiving, and prayer to help rejuvenate our commitment this Lent.

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Why the Word Doesn't Work in Your Life

Ascension — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 15:00:00 -0500

Just because God says something in his Word, doesn’t mean it is going to manifest itself in your life. The soil of our own hearts has a lot to do with whether the Word of God will take hold. During this Advent season, Jeff takes you through the parable of the sower to help prepare your heart for the coming of the Lord, who is the Word made flesh.

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Becoming Dust Jackets for Truth: The Art of Storytelling!

Ascension — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 15:00:00 -0400

Mastering the art of storytelling is an extremely effective way to spread truth.

Spoiler alert! Jeff talks about the popular dystopian book, Fahrenheit 451. In it, scholars who memorize books in the hopes that they will be written down again call themselves “dust jackets for books”.

We too, are “dust jackets for books”, especially when it comes to the Bible. We are responsible for remembering important parts of the Bible so that we can share them with others, especially our kids and grandkids.

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If We Took Christianity Seriously! Prayer

Ascension — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 15:00:00 -0400

What if we really took Christianity seriously and truly lived out the teachings of Christ? When it comes to prayer Jesus said, “When two or three gather in my name I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20). If we really believed this, how would we pray? How would we live our lives, knowing that God was with us in prayer? Jeff zeros in on what we can learn from the Our Father in today’s episode.

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"As children of God, prayer takes on two fundamental dispositions: First, the desire to become like God, and second, a humble and trusting heart that enables us to turn and become like children."

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