Pastors Unfiltered #99.5: Holy Week with Rabbi Matt

This week at Venture, we welcomed a very special voice and friend, Rabbi Matt, to dive deep into the roots of our faith. As a Messianic Jewish rabbi, Matt shared the powerful connections between Jesus, Passover, and the crucifixion, showing how the timing of Jesus’ death aligns exactly with the Passover lambs being sacrificed in the temple.

What does it mean that Jesus died during Passover? Why did He enter Jerusalem on Lamb Selection Day? What do Jewish traditions reveal about the depth of Easter? This conversation brings clarity, depth, and unity to the heart of the Gospel.

00:00 – Meet the Pastors + Baseball banter 

00:45 – Introducing Rabbi Matt 

02:00 – Matt’s powerful backstory: hippie parents, Jesus movement, Messianic roots 

07:00 – What is a Messianic Jew? Understanding the bridge between Judaism and Jesus 

14:00 – Jewish context in Scripture: The real meaning of “Rabbi,” oral law, and interpretation 

22:00 – Debunking Pharisee stereotypes + Jewish sects in Jesus’ day 

29:00 – Jesus and Passover: The timing of His death and resurrection 

35:00 – Why Jewish context matters in Bible teaching 

43:00 – The Transfiguration + Jesus’ “Exodus” 

50:00 – Abraham’s sons, land promises, and the role of Arabs and Jews 

56:00 – Brotherhood, proximity, and empathy through Jesus 

01:00:00 – Final thoughts: We’re all family in Christ