The Scott Sauls Podcast
Welcome to That’s a Great Question with Scott Sauls. In a noisy, complex world, we long for truth, goodness, and beauty that can renew our mints, steady our souls, and nourish our hope. Each episode asks one great question and pursues it through the wisdom of Scripture, history, and culture, showing how the Gospel speaks meaningfully into all of life. Episodes are approximately 10 minutes - perfect for commutes, workouts, family and small group discussion, and personal formation. New episodes every Monday and Thursday.
Episodes
Trusting God When You're Alone, Hurting, and Scared
In this episode, Scott Sauls reflects on John 11, the death of Lazarus, and Jesus’ stunning promise to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Drawing from Elie Wiesel’s Night, Tim Keller’s preaching after September 11, and C.S. Lewis’s The Great Divorce, this episode explores the difference between mere consolation and true Christian resurrection hope. When suffering, grief, unansw
When Your Worst Mistake Becomes Your Identity
In this episode, Scott Sauls explores the difference between guilt and shame through The Scarlet Letter, Genesis 3, Brené Brown, Brennan Manning, and the mercy of Jesus. Shame says, “I am something bad,” and it drives us to cover, hide, and fear being fully known. But from Eden to the cross, Scripture tells a better story: we cover ourselves badly, but God covers us truly. If you have carr
My Most Personal Book So Far
In this episode, Scott Sauls shares personally about struggles like perfectionism, drivenness, shame, and the exhausting attempt to find worth through achievement. He also shares the invitation Jesus gives to every overextended, over-functioning heart: to stop striving for an approval that has already been freely given.
Drawing from Psalm 23, Luke 15, and themes from his newest book, The Mercy Kin
Words I Wish I Hadn't Said
In this episode, Scott Sauls explores why gossip can feel satisfying in the moment while quietly damaging the soul. Drawing from Scripture and personal experience, he looks at the difference between healthy processing and sinful gossip. When does venting become gossip? Why do we use another person’s failures to manage our own hurt? And how can confession, repentance, and the grace of Jesus lead us
We All Want Justice (Until We Don't)
We all demand justice until it shows up at our own front door. In this episode, Scott Sauls works through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18, the bishop and the silver candlesticks in Les Misérables, and the cross itself, drawing on Fleming Rutledge, Isaiah 53, and Psalm 130. The real question underneath every cry for fairness: are you willing to receive what justice woul
The Sickness That Poses as a Virtue
Workaholism is the most socially acceptable addiction in our culture. Nobody stages an intervention for it. Nobody tells you to get help. Instead, we get rewarded with raises, promotions, and applause. In this episode, Scott Sauls draws from his forthcoming book The Mercy King (Zondervan, June 2026) and a clinical study from the University of Bergen to expose what compulsive working actually is: a
Easter Monday: What's Next After Easter?
Easter Monday brings us back to everyday life. The resurrection has happened, but the disciples still have to work, eat, and move forward. This is where most of us live. Not in dramatic moments, but in ordinary days.
This episode explores what it means to live in light of the resurrection in real life. Faith is not only about belief, but about how we work, love, and serve in daily rhythms. If Jesu
Easter Sunday: What Resurrection Means for Your Life
Easter Sunday is the turning point of the Christian story. The resurrection of Jesus is not only about what happens after we die, but about what is already happening now. It signals the beginning of a new kind of life and a restored world.
This episode explores the deeper meaning of resurrection and why it changes how we think about fear, suffering, purpose, and hope. If Jesus truly rose from the
Silent Saturday: God Goes Quiet - Then What?
Silent Saturday captures the space most of us know well. A space where prayers feel unanswered, clarity is absent, and God seems quiet. The disciples lived this reality without knowing what would come next.
This episode explores what it means to remain in that tension. Faith is not always confident or clear. Sometimes it is simply staying present in uncertainty without giving up.
If you have ever
Good Friday: Why Jesus Didn't Save Himself
Good Friday forces us to reconsider everything we believe about power, suffering, and love. As Jesus hangs on the cross, he refuses to save himself, even though he has the power to do so.
This episode explores the meaning behind that choice. The cross reveals not weakness, but the most deliberate and costly expression of love. A God who absorbs violence and responds with forgiveness instead of ret
Maundy Thursday: How Jesus Redefined Power
Maundy Thursday captures a moment that reshapes how we understand power, leadership, and love. On the night before his death, Jesus kneels and washes the feet of his disciples, fully aware that they will soon betray, deny, and abandon him.
This episode explores the deeper meaning behind that act. It is not performance or symbolism, but a revelation of what true love looks like in action. A love th
Spy Wednesday: Judas and Spiritual Drift Warning Signs
Spy Wednesday is a quiet day on the surface, but something decisive is unfolding in secret. Judas, one of Jesus’ closest followers, moves toward betrayal through a series of hidden choices and compromises.
This episode explores how spiritual drift happens slowly and often unnoticed. It is not driven by doubt or honest questions, but by unexamined motives and growing self deception.
If you want to
Holy Tuesday: How Jesus Handled Hostile Questions
Holy Tuesday reveals a side of Jesus we often overlook. Under constant pressure, criticism, and traps, he responds with clarity, composure, and truth without becoming defensive or harsh.
In a culture that rewards outrage and quick reactions, Jesus embodies a better way: engaging without attacking, standing firm without needing to dominate.
This episode explores what that looks like in real life, a
Holy Monday: Jesus Flips Tables in the Temple
Holy Monday is one of the most surprising moments of Holy Week. In the temple courts of Jerusalem, Jesus overturns the tables of the money changers and disrupts a religious system that had turned worship into a marketplace.
Why did Jesus react so strongly? And what does this moment reveal about his heart?
In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning behind the temple cleansing and why Jesus show
Palm Sunday: The Crowds Get Jesus Wrong
Palm Sunday begins Holy Week with celebration—but it also reveals a profound misunderstanding about the kind of king Jesus came to be. In this episode, Scott Sauls reflects on the moment when crowds welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem with palm branches and cries of “Hosanna,” believing he would overthrow their oppressors and restore their nation. Yet within days, those expectations collapsed when Jesus
Why Did Jesus Eat With Rejects?
Why did Jesus spend so much time eating with people respectable society rejected? In the Gospels, Jesus regularly shares meals with tax collectors, sinners, and outsiders—people the religious establishment avoided and often condemned. But in the ancient world, table fellowship carried deep meaning. To eat with someone was to extend dignity, belonging, and relationship. In this episode of T
What Happened in Jesus' Hidden Years?
Most people focus on the final week of Jesus’ life. But what about the thirty years before his public ministry began? In this episode, Scott Sauls explores the hidden years of Jesus leading up to Holy Week. From the temple encounter at age twelve to his baptism and wilderness testing, the Gospels reveal a deeper story of preparation and identity. Drawing from Scripture and theological insights, th
What Do You Do When Someone Ghosts You?
Being ghosted by someone can be confusing and deeply painful. In this episode, Scott Sauls explores why ghosting wounds us so profoundly and what a healthy response actually looks like. Drawing from psychological research on rejection, Brené Brown’s work on belonging, and the honesty of the Psalms, he offers practical guidance for navigating the silence without losing your dignity or self-worth. I
Why Do People You Love Most Trigger Your Deepest Fear?
Why do the people closest to us sometimes trigger our deepest fears? In this episode, Scott Sauls explores the strange vulnerability that comes with love. Drawing from Psalm 62 and the life of Henri Nouwen, he explains why we often place expectations on human relationships that only God can carry. The result can be anxiety, insecurity, and fear of loss. But Scripture points to a deeper foundation
Is Health Anxiety Trapping You in Worst-Case Thinking?
Knowing Scripture doesn’t always quiet health anxiety. Psalm 139 offers something deeper than information - it offers the steady presence of a God who fully knows us and does not turn away. Through the story of missionary David Brainerd, who suffered chronic illness and died at 29, this episode explores how peace can coexist with unresolved fear. Being fully known by God is not exposure - it is sh
Why "Do Not Be Anxious" Isn't What You Think
Many believers assume that if anxiety lingers, they must be failing spiritually. But in Matthew 6, Jesus’ words “Do not be anxious” are not a demand for emotional perfection. They are an invitation into the attentive care of a Father who already holds tomorrow. Drawing from the Sermon on the Mount and Søren Kierkegaard’s reflections on anxiety, this episode reframes worry - not as a test you must
How To Thrive Where You Don't Feel At Home
Many people who love their country feel like strangers in it right now. They vote and feel misrepresented. They engage and feel displaced. Scripture speaks meaningfully to this.
In 597 BC, God sent a letter to exiles in Babylon and told them to build, plant, and pray for a city that was difficult for them and that they never chose to be part of. This episode explores what faithful displacement loo
When Government Demands Your Worship
Most of us want to be good citizens. We also sense that the political moment keeps asking for something more than our participation—something closer to devotion, or even our worship. That tension has a name, and Scripture speaks directly into it.
This episode looks at Daniel and Dietrich Bonhoeffer as two men who served their governments faithfully and refused to surrender what only God deserves.
How to Overcome Fear of Death
Our bodies are breaking down and our mortality rate is one person per every one person. But the gospel reframes death as a doorway that transforms how we live now.
Tim Keller, facing cancer, said: "I've spent my whole life telling people death is not the end for Christians, and now I get to prove I actually believe it."
Scripture promises our perishable bodies will be raised imperishable—sown in w
What Is the Cost of Overprotecting Your Kids?
Helicopter parenting feels like love, but what if it's creating the fragility we're trying to prevent?
Children today spend half as much time playing outside while anxiety skyrockets. Political commentator Van Jones once said to a room of college students: "I don't want you to be safe ideologically. I want you to be strong."
Romans 5 teaches that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance build
We're Safer Than Ever — Why Are We So Fearful?
Ancient Sparta prepared their youth for hardship. Modern culture protects our youth from it. We've created the most anxious generation in history by prioritizing safety over strength. But a Spartan mother's words—"With it, or on it"—point to what we've lost: courage to face danger.
Safety has its place, to be sure. But Scripture offers something even better than safety: a God who walks through fir
Is Your Phone Hijacking Your Attention?
We pick up our phones 2,617 times per day, scrolling for five hours, searching for comfort but finding anxiety instead. Our devices promise connection but deliver comparison, distraction, and restlessness. Why can't we break free? In this episode, Scott shares three biblical truths that address the root of digital anxiety: your worth isn't measured in likes, rest is a spiritual discipline, and Chr
Why Does Loneliness Hurt So Much?
That sinking feeling when friends are together and you weren't invited. The loneliness when calls and texts go unanswered. It all contributes to the feeling of loneliness. According to the US Surgeon General, loneliness carries health risks equal to smoking 15 cigarettes daily. Social media amplifies the pain—we scroll through highlight reels, convinced everyone belongs except us.
But the gospel o
Has Work Become Your Identity?
What happens when your job becomes your identity? Many of us tie our worth to our work, living with fear that if our career falls apart, we'll fall apart with it. But the gospel offers a different foundation.
Your life is hidden with Christ in God—anchored not in what you do but in Whose you are. You're created for good work, but not saved by it. Discover how to untangle your identity from your
Why Can't Money Buy Me Peace?
Why does financial security never seem to quiet our fears about money? In this episode of That’s a Great Question, we examine why money can promise peace but never deliver it. Through Jesus’ words in Matthew 6, insights from The Great Gatsby, and the hope of the gospel, we explore how financial anxiety reveals what we’re really trusting—and how Christ offers a deeper, lasting security. If you feel
Why Can't I Stop Worrying About Tomorrow?
Why do we keep worrying about tomorrow even when today is manageable? In this episode of That’s a Great Question, we explore how our desire for certainty fuels anxiety—and how Jesus offers a better way. Drawing from Matthew 6, C.S. Lewis, and the gospel itself, this conversation looks at why worry robs today of its strength and how trust in God restores peace.
If you feel stuck in "future-tripping
What Do I Do When Change Feels Impossible?
Every new year awakens hope for change, yet many of us feel defeated when old patterns return. In this episode, Scott Sauls explores the deeper longing beneath our resolutions: whether real, lasting change is actually possible. Drawing from Scripture, the struggles of Samuel Johnson, the failure and restoration of Peter, and the steady hope embodied by Florence Nightingale, Scott shows how Christi
Why Is It So Important To Believe In Santa Claus?
Christmas often brings more pressure than peace. Beneath the lights and traditions, many people feel anxious, guarded, and stretched thin. In this Christmas Day episode, Scott Sauls explores the spiritual significance of Santa Claus by telling the true story of Saint Nicholas of Myra. Drawing from Scripture and the gospel, this episode shows how generosity and courage flow from knowing we are alre
What Does God’s Love Mean When You Feel Unworthy Of It?
Many of us know John 3:16 by heart yet quietly assume we are the exception. In this Advent episode, Scott Sauls speaks to the hidden ache of feeling unworthy of love and buried in regret and shame. Walking through John 3:16–18 and the story of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, he shows how God’s love comes toward people who feel disqualified, not away from them. Discover how the incarnation a
How Can I Find Rest When Life Never Slows Down?
Life doesn’t slow down just because we’re exhausted. Many people live tired, telling themselves rest will come later, but it never does. In this episode, Scott Sauls reflects on Mark 6, where Jesus invites His weary disciples to come away and rest, even as real demands remain. Drawing from Eugene Peterson and Marva Dawn, Scott explores how Christian rest is not laziness or escape, but an act of tr
How Can I Experience Joy When I Don’t Feel Joyful?
Joy is one of the most familiar words of the Christmas season, yet many of us enter Advent feeling anything but joyful. In this episode, Scott Sauls explores why joy can seem out of reach and how the Bible offers a deeper, Christ centered joy that can live alongside grief, anxiety, and disappointment. Drawing from Luke 2, John 15, Habakkuk, and the story of blind hymn writer Fanny Crosby, we consi
How Do I Stop Imagining the Worst About the Future?
Many of us live with a constant habit of imagining the worst about the future. We rehearse disasters that may never happen and exhaust ourselves with “what if” anxiety.
In this episode, Scott Sauls looks at how Scripture and the gospel speak to our fear of the unknown. Instead of leaving your future to random chance, God anchors it in the crucified and risen Christ who already reigns over tomorrow
How Can I Find Peace When My Life Feels Chaotic?
Peace is one of the most printed words at Christmas, yet for many of us it feels like the one thing we do not actually have. In this Advent episode, Scott Sauls opens John 14 and Philippians 4 to show how Scripture speaks of shalom as more than a mood - it is the steady, guarding peace of Christ in the middle of real chaos. Drawing on voices like Elie Wiesel and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Scott explores
How Can I Let Go of Last Year’s Failures and “Should-Haves”?
Regret has a way of settling into the soul, sometimes quietly and sometimes with relentless intensity. As a new year begins, many people feel the weight of unfinished goals, relational wounds, and the long list of “should-haves.” Instead of energy and hope, the season can begin with heaviness.
In this RESET episode, Scott Sauls reflects on Romans 7 and 8, showing how the apostle Paul names human i
How Do I Overcome Spiritual Apathy Going Into the Next Year?
Spiritual apathy rarely arrives all at once. It drifts in quietly until prayer feels routine, Scripture grows sporadic, and worship becomes familiar instead of nourishing. As a new year approaches, many Christians find themselves wondering whether their desire for God can return in a meaningful way.
In this RESET episode, Scott Sauls looks at Revelation 2:1-7 and explores why outward faithfulness
How Do I Hold on to Hope When Life Feels Uncertain?
When life feels unstable, hope can feel out of reach. In this Advent episode, Scott Sauls explores what Christian hope really is and why Scripture insists it grows strongest in seasons of uncertainty. Drawing from Isaiah 40, Romans 8, Vaclav Havel, and Fleming Rutledge, Scott shows how hope takes root not in optimism or outcomes, but in the character and presence of God.
This episode helps you nam
Is Gratitude Possible in Every Circumstance?
Is gratitude really that life-changing—or just a nice idea for Thanksgiving Day? In this episode of That’s a Great Question, we explore how a consistent posture of giving thanks—especially when life is hard—can reorient our perspective, renew our relationships, and deepen our joy. Drawing from Scripture and real-life insight, we uncover why gratitude is one of God’s most transformative gifts.
How Can I Trust God When People Do Evil and Hurtful Things?
Can you really thank God for the worst parts of your story? In this episode of That’s a Great Question, we reflect on the harrowing yet hope-filled experience of Corrie and Betsie Ten Boom in a concentration camp—and what it teaches us about gratitude, suffering, and the deep, often hidden work of God. If you've ever asked why God allows certain pains to remain and even to escalate, this conversat
Is Gentleness Still Relevant in a World of Outrage?
Does gentleness even work anymore? In a culture driven by noise, division, and outrage, we’re told to shout louder to be heard. But in this episode of That’s a Great Question, we reflect on why gentleness might be the most underestimated force for change in the world today. Drawing from Scripture, the life of Jesus, and powerful modern examples, we unpack why strength under control speaks louder t
Amazing Grace or Disturbing Grace?
Grace sounds beautiful until it lands where we don’t expect it—on someone we think doesn’t deserve it. In this episode of That’s a Great Question, we explore the real nature of grace: how it offends our sense of fairness, embraces the "wrong" people, and transforms even the most broken among us. Through Scripture, stories, and honest reflection, we uncover why grace is not just amazing—it’s astoni
What Can Tim Keller & Joni Eareckson Tada Teach Us About Greatness?
Whether you’re a longtime admirer of Keller or Joni, or you’re simply exploring what authentic Christian greatness looks like, this conversation is for anyone seeking a faith that’s thoughtful, steady, and shaped by the long obedience of following Jesus.
In this episode, we explore:
• What Tim Keller modeled about humility, wisdom, and gospel-centered leadership
• How Joni Eareckson Tada’s sufferi
Can Losing Faith Become the First Step Toward Finding It?
When the faith you once trusted begins to unravel, does that mean you're losing your way—or finding it? In this episode of “That’s a Great Question,” we explore how deconstruction, when guided by the Spirit, can lead to a deeper, more honest, and reconstructed Jesus-centered faith. If your belief system feels like it's collapsing, this conversation will show you that what feels like the end may ac
Why Will “Spiritual But Not Religious” Eventually Fail You?
Is Jesus enough without the church? In this episode of “That’s a Great Question,” we explore one of the most common spiritual inquiries of our time: can I follow Jesus without being part of a church? Through stories, scripture, and honest reflection, you'll hear why community is not optional in the life of faith—even when it’s hard. If you’ve been burned by religion or tempted to walk with Christ
Is the Church Helping or Hurting the World?
Is the church a life-giving family or a flawed institution? In this episode of “That’s a Great Question,” pastor and author Scott Sauls explores why Jesus didn't abandon what some call "organized religion," but instead built the church - His church - as a vessel for grace, healing, and mission. You'll discover why boundaries can bless, how faith flourishes in form, and why the church, for all its
Are You Sure You Want To Walk Away from God?
If you’ve ever felt like walking away from faith, this episode is for you. In That’s a Great Question, pastor and author Scott Sauls unpacks how the love of God and the pain of life meet at the cross. Drawing from the stories of Joseph, Job, and Jesus, he shows how Christianity uniquely reveals a God who is not distant, but who suffers with and for us.
When life hurts and faith feels fragile, this
Why is doubt the best kept secret for knowing God?
Is doubt a sign that your faith is failing—or that it’s growing stronger? In this episode of That’s a Great Question, pastor and author Scott Sauls explores how Scripture reveals God’s surprising tenderness toward those who wrestle with uncertainty. Drawing from the stories of Thomas, John the Baptist, Elijah, and others, Scott shows why honest doubt can become the very path to deeper trust.
If yo
What C.S. Lewis, Mother Teresa, and Job Teach Us About God's Hiddenness
Many wrestle with God's seeming silence - especially in seasons of crisis. In this episode, pastor and author Scott Sauls explores the biblical reasons why God often seems hidden and how His "absence" can become an invitation into deeper, not lesser, faith. We’ll consider the story of Job, the words of Jesus, and the lived experiences of believers like C.S. Lewis and Mother Teresa who have, parado
Do You Believe God Actually Likes You?
What if the real reason we hide, pretend, and perform is that we’re not yet convinced God actually likes us and is quite fond of us? In this episode, pastor and author Scott Sauls helps us explore how the cross of Jesus speaks not only to our guilt, but also to our shame. With insights from the likes of Tim Keller, Steve Brown, and Jack Miller, you’ll hear how lingering at the cross can transform
Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
In today’s episode, we’re asking: What should Christians do about Halloween? Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all answer, pastor and author Scott Sauls helps us explore how believers can approach this day with discernment and love.
From its ancient roots to present-day tensions, we’ll look at Halloween through a gospel lens - one that neither retreats in fear nor joins in uncritically. You’ll a
How Do You Move Forward When You Can't Fix the Past?
How do you move forward when you can’t change the past? In this final episode of the current series called Life’s Too Short to Miss the Point, Scott Sauls reflects on grace, healing, and the redemptive power of God in the face of our regrets. Drawing from Scripture and stories like Peter, Augustine, and Zacchaeus, this conversation invites you to stop pretending, start confessing, and move forward
What Actually Matters in the Second Half of Life?
What really matters in the second half of life? In this episode, Scott Sauls reflects on the priorities that endure beyond career and achievement - our relationships with God, family, and friends, and a purpose that leaves a lasting legacy. Drawing on Scripture, the insights of those near life’s end, and lessons from leaders in faith and business, Scott invites listeners to reset their focus on wh
Why Doesn't Winning Always Satisfy?
Why does "winning" sometimes leave us feeling empty? In this episode of That’s a Great Question, Scott Sauls helps us explore the tension between success and satisfaction. With insights from Scripture and real-life examples like Tom Brady and King Solomon, this episode invites you to rethink what truly satisfies - and how to move from chasing things like money, power, and applause to building a li
Living With The End In Mind
When your time on earth ends, what will you wish you had done differently? In this episode of “That’s a Great Question” Scott Sauls explores how to live now with the end in mind. With insight from Scripture and real-life examples, we’ll uncover the difference between a life filled with regret and one rooted in grace, purpose, and love. Your future self is waiting - what will he or she thank you fo
What Legacy Will You Leave Behind?
What remains of you when the emails stop and your name is no longer on the door? In this episode of “That’s a Great Question,” we explore the deeper meaning of legacy through the lens of Psalm 90:12. From the lives of social reformer William Wilberforce and Latin Teacher Ben Ellis to the life and teachings of Jesus, we’re invited into a life that values character over achievement, people over perf
How Can You Balance Career, Family, and Faith?
In this episode of "That's a Great Question," we explore how to pursue career success without sacrificing the things - and people - that matter most. If you’re feeling stretched thin or worried you're giving your best to your job and not to your faith or family, this is especially for you. With personal honesty and practical wisdom, Scott Sauls offers a vision for flourishing in work, home, and sp
Do You Seek Great Things for Yourself?
What if true greatness isn't about standing out - but about stepping downward? In this episode, Scott Sauls helps us explore what it really means to be "great" in God’s kingdom. Through Scripture, leadership insights, and examples from Jesus and others, we discover how humility - not hustle - is the actual path to lasting influence and joy. If you’ve ever wondered whether self-promotion is the onl
Have I Been Climbing the Wrong Ladder?
In this episode, Scott Sauls helps us look at what happens when success leaves us unfulfilled - and why that might be a sign we're chasing the wrong things. Through the story of Howard Schultz and timeless biblical wisdom, we consider what it means to realign our lives around what ultimately matters. If you've ever reached a goal only to feel empty, this one is for you.
The Value of a Great Question
In this opening episode, our host Scott Sauls explores why asking questions is essential to a life of faith and wisdom. From the wisdom of Socrates to the words of Jesus, from the Psalms to the teachings of G.K. Chesterton, discover why the best questions often lead to the most meaningful discoveries of what is true, good, and beautiful. For thoughtful Christians, spiritual seekers, and anyone who
Introducing That's a Great Question with Scott Sauls
Introducing That’s a Great Question with Scott Sauls - a podcast for curious Christians, seekers, and skeptics. Each episode explores truth, goodness, and beauty in a complex world by engaging Scripture, history, culture, and real-life experience through the vehicle of "great questions" that shape a meaningful, Christ-centered life.
