Working Preacher's Sermon Brainwave

In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the readings for August 31st, 2025. They focus on themes of inclusivity in church communities, the social dynamics of Jesus' teachings, and the implications of Jeremiah's messages. They explore how meals serve as a metaphor for community, the importance of hospitality, and the theological insights from Psalms and Hebrews. Commentaries for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-22-3/commentary-on-luke-141-7-14-6. *  *  * Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! ABOUT SERMON BRAINWAVE: Sermon Brainwave is a production of Luther Seminary's Working Preacher, which has been providing trusted biblical interpretation and preaching inspiration since 2007. Find more episodes and resources by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/QOcSY9hYRX4.

Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson on Sermon Brainwave as they explore the readings for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost (August 24, 2025). This episode dives deep into Luke 13:10-17, the powerful story of Jesus healing a woman with a crooked back on the Sabbath - a healing that's really about liberation and freedom. The hosts unpack the unique aspects of this healing story, including why the woman is called a "daughter of Abraham" (the only time this phrase appears in Luke), what it means that she's "set free" rather than simply "healed," and how this story challenges our assumptions about bodies, health, and spiritual freedom. They also explore the Sabbath debate and how Jesus operates firmly within Jewish tradition while expanding our understanding of what the Sabbath is truly for. Additional readings discussed include Isaiah 58:9b-14 (or Jeremiah 1:4-10 for semi-continuous readings), Psalm 103:1-8, and Hebrews 12:18-29. The conversation touches on themes of liberation theology, biblical interpretation, prophetic calling, and the pastoral care embedded in challenging theological concepts. Commentaries for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-21-3/commentary-on-luke-1310-17-6. *  *  * Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! ABOUT SERMON BRAINWAVE: Sermon Brainwave is a production of Luther Seminary's Working Preacher, which has been providing trusted biblical interpretation and preaching inspiration since 2007. Find more episodes and resources by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ZIfjXXNjzGI.

Join Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson as they dive deep into the lectionary readings for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost (August 17, 2025). In this episode, they explore the challenging theme of division that Jesus brings, not as his goal, but as an inevitable result of following his way. Our hosts unpack Luke 12:49-56, where Jesus speaks of bringing fire rather than peace, and discuss how this passage connects to the realities of following Christ today. Whether you're a preacher preparing for Sunday or someone seeking a deeper understanding of these challenging texts, this conversation offers thoughtful biblical interpretation and practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of faith in community. Commentaries for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-20-3/commentary-on-luke-1249-56-6. *  *  * Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! Learn more by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/P4na2z2CK_c. Sermon Brainwave is a production of Luther Seminary's Working Preacher, your trusted source for preaching resources since 2007.

Join Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for another episode of Sermon to Brainwave as they dive deep into the lectionary texts for August 10th, 2025. In this episode, our hosts explore the rich connections between Genesis 15:1-6 (Abraham's covenant and the promise to count the stars), Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 (God's call for justice over empty worship), Psalm 33:12-22, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 (faith as a journey without a round trip), and Luke 12:32-40 (the little flock, treasure, and watchful servants). Whether preparing a sermon or simply wanting to go deeper into Scripture, this episode offers fresh insights and practical applications. Commentaries for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-19-3/commentary-on-luke-1232-40-6. *  *  * Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! Learn more by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/t1Ds7ijdNb0.

The Rich Fool, Ecclesiastes, and Finding True Wealth. Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they dive deep into the challenging texts for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (August 3rd, 2025). This episode explores Luke's parable of the rich fool, examining what this wealthy man actually did wrong and why Jesus calls him "fool" rather than "sinner." The hosts tackle tough questions about wealth, possessions, and what it means to be "rich toward God." They discuss how the parable connects to our modern struggles with storage units, financial security, and the subtle ways greed can creep into our lives - even when we're just trying to be responsible. The conversation also explores the challenging pairing of this text with Ecclesiastes, examining the wisdom literature's perspective on vanity (Hebrew: hevel - like smoke or vapor) and the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. Plus, they delve into the beautiful poetry of Hosea 11, where God's parental love and tender compassion shine through despite Israel's unfaithfulness. Commentaries for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-18-3/commentary-on-luke-1213-21-6. *  *  * Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! Learn more by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/OUArBuV3u2g.

Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson as they delve into the multifaceted nature of prayer, exploring its significance, the role of trust, and the importance of teaching prayer within the Christian faith. Together, they discuss various biblical texts, their interpretations, and how they relate to contemporary spirituality and church practices. They emphasize the need for a deeper understanding of prayer as a response to God's will and the centrality of Christ in shaping belief and practice. Commentaries for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-17-3/commentary-on-luke-111-13-6. *  *  * Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! Learn more by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/6k0YXYOqSnE.

In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the readings for July 20th, 2025, focusing on the themes of discipleship, hospitality, humor, judgment, and the sufficiency of Christ. They explore the story of Martha and Mary, the significance of hospitality in ancient culture, the humor in Genesis 18, the prophetic messages in Amos, and the theological implications of Colossians. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these texts in their broader contexts and the relevance they hold for contemporary faith practices. Commentaries for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-16-3/commentary-on-luke-1038-42-6. *  *  * Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! Learn more by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/WWrj8PWpAL8.

In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the biblical texts for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, focusing on the Good Samaritan parable, the themes of neighbor love, compassion, and the connections to Deuteronomy and Amos. They explore the implications of these texts for understanding discipleship and the nature of God's commandments, emphasizing the importance of seeing and responding to the needs of others. Commentaries for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-15-3/commentary-on-luke-1025-37-6. *  *  * Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! Learn more by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/CKRxFOuz3E0.

Join Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson as they dive deep into the lectionary texts for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (July 6, 2025). This episode explores the fascinating dynamics of Jesus sending out the seventy disciples in Luke 10, where traditional concepts of hospitality get flipped upside down. The hosts bring their trademark blend of scholarly insight, practical preaching wisdom, and occasional humor as they wrestle with these ancient texts and their relevance for today's church. Whether you're a preacher preparing for Sunday or someone interested in deeper biblical engagement, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on mission, community, and the upside-down nature of God's kingdom. Commentaries for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-14-3/commentary-on-luke-101-11-16-20-6. *  *  * Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! ABOUT SERMON BRAINWAVE: Sermon Brainwave is a production of Luther Seminary's Working Preacher, which has been providing trusted biblical interpretation and preaching inspiration since 2007. Find more episodes and resources by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/g4h9ZLyfUlQ.

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Sermon Brainwave! This week, our hosts Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the readings for the third Sunday after Pentecost, focusing on the Gospel of Luke and its themes of discipleship, urgency, and the cost of following Jesus.  They explore the significance of Elisha's inheritance and leadership, the prayerful reflections in Psalm 16, and the implications of freedom in Galatians. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and urgency of Jesus' message, as well as the communal aspects of living by the Spirit. Commentaries for the Third Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-13-3/commentary-on-luke-951-62-10. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to Sermon Brainwave 01:15 Exploring the Gospel of Luke 03:02 The Cost of Discipleship 07:09 The Urgency of Following Jesus 12:14 Elisha's Inheritance and Leadership 19:10 Psalm 16: A Prayer for Crossing 20:51 Understanding Galatians: Freedom and Community *  *  * Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lectionary discussions! Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers! Learn more by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/8cOI3GUb1LM.