Working Preacher's Sermon Brainwave

Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for the Sermon Brainwave podcast as they explore the texts for the First Sunday of Advent, Year A. This episode kicks off the new church year with a deep dive into themes of watchfulness, waiting, and Christ's coming in history, mystery, and majesty. In this episode, the hosts discuss: * Isaiah 2:1-5 and the vision of peace among nations * Psalm 122 and Jerusalem as a means of grace * Romans 13:11-14 on waking from sleep and walking in the light * Matthew 24:36-44 and the mystery of Christ's coming The conversation addresses common misinterpretations of the "rapture" theology, examines what it means to be ready and watchful during Advent, and reflects on the contested reality of Jerusalem today in contrast to the biblical vision of peace. Plus, hear about Matt Skinner's new resources for Advent and the Year of Matthew! Resources mentioned in this episode: "Voices of Advent" by Matt Skinner - https://www.cokesbury.com/voices-of-advent" "Matthew: The Gospel of Promised Blessings" by Matt Skinner - https://www.abingdonpress.com/product/9781791030162/ "Paul Among the People" by Sarah Ruden - https://sarahruden.com/book/paul-among-the-people/ Commentaries for the First Sunday of Advent can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/first-sunday-of-advent/commentary-on-matthew-2436-44-7. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to Advent and New Beginnings 03:03 Understanding the Meaning of Advent 05:49 Theological Reflections on Readiness and Watchfulness 08:53 Exploring Isaiah's Vision of Peace 16:42 Psalm 122 18:04 The Role of Jerusalem in Advent 21:58 The Significance of Romans 13 in Advent -- Being Awake 25:50 Walking Decently and Sarah Rudin's "Paul Among the People" 26:45 Outro * * * 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/9f29qmFOdbA.

Join Rolf Jacobson, Caroline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for Sermon Brainwave as they explore the texts for Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sunday (November 23, 2025) - the final Sunday of the church year and Year C. In this episode, the hosts dive deep into what it means for Jesus to be called "king" and how we understand Christ's reign in a world unfamiliar with monarchies. They examine the Gospel reading from Luke 23:33-43, where Jesus is crucified alongside two criminals, asking: What kind of king is this? A crucified king who sees those we overlook and extends mercy to the marginalized. The conversation also explores Jeremiah 23:1-6 and its promise of a righteous shepherd-king who will execute justice, Luke 1:68-79 (Zechariah's Benedictus) and how it bookends the liturgical year, and Colossians 1:11-20's cosmic vision of Christ's reign. Key themes include: * Unpacking the language of "king," "lord," and "reign" for contemporary contexts * The contrast between earthly kingdoms and the kingdom of God * How Christ's reign is realized person by person through tender mercy * The significance of Jesus riding a donkey as a symbol of peace, not war * God's faithfulness in keeping promises to God's people This episode invites preachers and listeners to reimagine citizenship in Christ's kingdom and what it means to live under a reign marked by justice, righteousness, and mercy. Commentaries for the Christ the King Sunday can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/christ-the-king-3/commentary-on-luke-2333-43-6. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to Christ the King Sunday 03:01 Understanding Christ as King 05:54 The Significance of the Crucifixion 09:03 Theological Reflections on the Cross 12:02 Exploring the Nature of Jesus' Kingship 14:56 Jeremiah's Prophetic Vision of Kingship 18:04 The Role of Mercy in Christ's Reign 20:52 The Cosmic Christ in Colossians 24:08 Conclusion and Reflections on Preaching * * * 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/O9ff_wp4X0w.

Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Rolf Jacobson, and Matt Skinner for Sermon Brainwave as they explore the texts for the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost (November 16, 2025). This episode dives into Luke 21:5-19, focusing on Jesus's apocalyptic speech about the destruction of the temple and the call to bear witness through endurance. The hosts discuss what it means to testify in times of difficulty, how endurance is not just about getting through hard times but about embodying witness to God's provision. They explore connections between vulnerability and the desire for security, Luther's theology of vocation, and the ecological dimensions of Psalm 98. The conversation also tackles the challenging passage from 2 Thessalonians about work and busybodies, reframing Christian witness as living faithfully in everyday vocations. This episode offers practical preaching insights for the end of the liturgical year, emphasizing testimony, endurance, and faithful witness in a world of upheaval. Commentaries for the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-33-3/commentary-on-luke-215-19-6. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to the Texts for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost 02:52 Exploring the Apocalyptic Themes in Luke 21 06:00 Endurance and Witness in Times of Persecution 08:58 The Role of Hope and God's Provision 11:51 Connecting Malachi and Isaiah's Messages 14:57 The Joyful Anticipation of New Creation 18:08 Understanding 2 Thessalonians and Christian Living * * * 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/8JdZ_9BnpY0.

Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the lectionary texts for the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost (November 9, 2025). This episode dives deep into Luke 20:27-38, where the Sadducees challenge Jesus with a seemingly absurd question about resurrection and marriage. Is there such a thing as a stupid question? The hosts discuss what it means to live without fear of death, how to sit in the promise of resurrection rather than our own expectations, and why the urgency of worship matters. They also explore Job 19:23-27a (including the famous "I Know That My Redeemer Lives"), Haggai 1:15b-2:9 (about rebuilding the temple), and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 (the man of lawlessness and eschatology). Highlights include: * Why the Sadducees' question was a trap (and why it's actually a stupid question) * Understanding resurrection beyond our cultural expectations * The difference between "Redeemer" and "Vindicator" in Job * The urgency of sacred spaces for worship * What we're really hoping for in eschatology * Why we shouldn't confuse resurrection with our personal specifications This conversation offers preachers practical insights and fresh perspectives while keeping pastoral concerns at the forefront. Commentaries for the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-32-3/commentary-on-luke-2027-38-6. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost 01:08 Debating Resurrection: Jesus and the Sadducees 08:05 Understanding the Promise of Resurrection 11:51 Job's Hope and the Nature of God 17:07 The Urgency of Worship in Haggai 22:00 Eschatology and Resurrection in 2 Thessalonians * * * 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/3LLc5ez6DwY.

Join Karoline Lewis, Rolf Jacobson, and Matt Skinner for Sermon Brainwave as they explore the texts for All Saints Sunday (Year C). In this episode, the hosts dive deep into Luke 6:20-31 (the Beatitudes and Woes), Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Psalm 149, and Ephesians 1:11-23. The conversation examines Luke's unique "Sermon on the Plain" where Jesus comes down to be with the people, addressing them directly with "blessed are you" (all y'all) rather than Matthew's third-person "blessed are those." The hosts discuss the challenging juxtaposition of blessings and woes, exploring how these words hit differently depending on whether you're in a position of privilege or disadvantage. Key themes include: * Jesus' solidarity with those who grieve ("He came down with them and stood on a level place") * The interconnectedness of our liberation and wholeness * God's mercy as the foundation for Jesus' vision of the Kingdom * The role of saints as models of faith (not just a necrology) * Daniel's theological shift: persecution as a badge of faithfulness * Christ as "all in all" in Ephesians The hosts bring humor, scholarly insight, and practical preaching wisdom as they wrestle with these complex texts, offering preachers fresh perspectives for All Saints Sunday. Looking for the Sermon Brainwave podcast episode covering the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, go to https://youtu.be/Xe8Mp6VbyfI. NOTE: We acknowledge that the cameras were not in focus for this episode — apologies from the production team. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to All Saints Sunday Texts 01:30 Exploring Blessings and Woes in Luke 04:54 The Concept of Community and Responsibility 10:15 Understanding Saints in Protestantism 12:17 Theological Reflections on Vengeance 16:57 Ephesians and the Cosmic Scope of Christ * * * 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/P1Y2yXp5DRM.

Join Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner as they explore the powerful story of Zacchaeus and discuss the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost. In this episode, the hosts dive deep into Luke 19:1-10, wrestling with a critical translation question in verse 8: Is Zacchaeus announcing a conversion, or revealing his existing practices? This interpretive choice completely changes how we understand the story. They explore themes of salvation, seeking the lost, and Jesus's consistent ministry of seeing those others overlook. The conversation also covers: * Isaiah 1:10-18 and prophetic sarcasm about religious hypocrisy * Habakkuk's lament about justice and faithful waiting * Psalm 32 as a penitential prayer often overlooked * 2 Thessalonians and prayers in times of affliction The hosts challenge assumptions about wealth, righteousness, and who belongs in God's kingdom, offering fresh perspectives for preachers preparing for this crucial moment in Luke's gospel as Jesus approaches Jerusalem. * * * 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/Xe8Mp6VbyfI.

Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for another insightful episode of Sermon Brainwave as they explore the texts for Reformation Sunday (October 26, 2025). This episode dives deep into the themes of freedom, truth, and God's covenant faithfulness through the lens of Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 46, Romans 3:19-28, and John 8:31-36. The hosts discuss the complex theological debates in John 8, often avoided in the lectionary, and explore what it truly means to be set free by Christ. They examine the difference between freedom FROM versus freedom FOR, drawing insights from Luther's "Freedom of a Christian." Karoline offers valuable commentary on the meaning of "abiding" in John's Gospel, while Rolf connects the promise of God's presence in Psalm 46 to overcoming both natural and moral evil. This episode provides practical preaching insights for Reformation Sunday, including how to approach the new covenant in Jeremiah, the significance of justification by grace in Romans, and the importance of understanding spiritual freedom without mischaracterizing Judaism. Whether you're preparing a sermon or simply interested in biblical interpretation, this conversation offers rich theological reflection perfect for Reformation season. Commentaries for Reformation Sunday can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/reformation-day/commentary-on-john-831-36-19. * * * 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/RUi5PmcXJaU.

Join Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for another engaging episode of Sermon Brainwave as they dive deep into the lectionary texts for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost (October 26, 2025). In this thought-provoking discussion, the hosts wrestle with Luke's parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, exploring the complexities that make this story both challenging and rewarding for preachers. Karoline shares insights from Amy-Jill Levine's interpretation, suggesting both characters might be caricatures - and potentially both justified. The conversation reveals how this parable resists easy categorization and challenges our assumptions about righteousness and mercy. The team also explores the connections between the other lectionary readings, including Jeremiah's communal lament, Psalm 84's beautiful imagery of God's dwelling place, Joel's prophetic vision of the Spirit being poured out on all flesh, and Paul's testament in 2 Timothy about fighting the good fight and finishing the race. Key themes discussed: * Prayer as revelation of our relationship with God * The danger of creating winners and losers in parables * God's mercy that frustrates our human conditions * The democratization of prophecy in Joel * Living faithfully in challenging times Commentaries for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-30-3/commentary-on-luke-189-14-6. * * * 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/7xL1AFORe0A.

Dive into a rich conversation on the power of persistent prayer, wrestling with faith, and the challenges of discipleship as depicted in Luke's gospel. The hosts explore alternate interpretations of the widow's parable and how struggle is an integral part of discipleship. They also connect prayer to tenacious faith through Jacob's wrestling story, emphasizing the depth of spiritual encounters. Additionally, the discussion includes Jeremiah's vision of renewal and insights into the importance of scripture for teaching and growth.

Welcome to Sermon Brainwave! Join hosts Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they dive deep into the lectionary readings for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (October 12th, 2025). In this episode, we explore the powerful theme of unexpected faith through the story of Jesus healing ten men with a skin disease in Luke 17:11-19, where a Samaritan becomes the unlikely exemplar of gratitude and praise. The hosts connect this Gospel reading with the fascinating Old Testament story of Naaman the Syrian from 2 Kings 5, examining how healing and salvation come through unexpected people and surprising means. We also discuss Jeremiah's revolutionary letter to the Babylonian exiles, where the prophet gives the shocking advice to "seek the shalom of the city" - even Babylon - and the endurance theology found in 2 Timothy 2:8-15. Commentaries for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-28-3/commentary-on-luke-1711-19-6. * * * 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/KXrBLi3nnxo.