Workingpreacher.org Sermon Brainwave

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 them