Workingpreacher.org 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 ha

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 i

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 insi

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

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 despit

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

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 Lectionar

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.work

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 ins

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

In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, hosts Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the lectionary texts for the second Sunday after Pentecost, focusing on the Gospel of Luke, the Old Testament readings from Isaiah and First Kings, and the epistle from Galatians.  They explore themes of identity, transformation, and the implications of Jesus' ministry, particularly in relation to the demoniac and the prophetic voice of Elijah.  The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these texts in their historical and cultural contexts, as well as their relevance for contemporary preaching. Commentaries for the Second Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-12-3/commentary-on-luke-826-39-6. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to texts for Second Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 12C) 01:34 Exploring Luke 8 and the Demoniac 07:07 The Transformation of Identity and Community 13:22 The Old Tes

What if the Trinity isn’t about doctrine but about God’s desire to be known? Join Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson live from the Festival of Homiletics 2025 in Atlanta as they unpack the lectionary texts for Holy Trinity Sunday (June 15, 2025). From Proverbs to Psalm 8 to Romans and John, they explore how the Trinity makes God visible in wisdom, creation, and love—not as an explanation, but as an experience. Commentaries for the Holy Trinity Sunday can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/the-holy-trinity-3/commentary-on-john-1612-15-6. *  *  * 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://you

In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the readings for Pentecost, focusing on Acts 2, Genesis 11, and the implications of the Holy Spirit's presence. They explore themes of diversity, inclusion, and the transformative power of the Spirit in the early church, as well as the significance of the Paraclete in John 14 and the assurance found in Romans 8. The conversation emphasizes the ongoing relevance of Pentecost in the life of the church today. Commentaries for the Day of Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/day-of-pentecost-3/commentary-on-john-148-17-25-27-6. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to Day of Pentecost Readings 02:58 Exploring Acts 2 and the Holy Spirit 06:00 Diversity and Inclusion in the Pentecost Narrative 08:57 The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament 11:58 Understanding Genesis and Babel 15:01 The Promise of the Paraclete in

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Sermon Brainwave! This week, our hosts Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the texts for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, focusing on John 17's Priestly Prayer, the significance of glory in John's Gospel, and the challenges faced by Paul in Acts 16. They explore the story of the enslaved girl, the power of prayer and praise in adversity, and provide liturgical reflections on the Psalm and Revelation, emphasizing God's presence and promise amidst trials. ✨ Whether you’re preparing to preach or simply longing to deepen your spiritual insight, this episode will equip you with fresh angles, biblical depth, and a few laughs along the way. Commentaries for the Seventh Sunday of Easter can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/seventh-sunday-of-easter-3/commentary-on-john-1720-26-6. *  *  * Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected with more insightful lect

In this enlightening episode of Sermon Brainwave, hosts Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson delve into the theological significance of the Ascension of Our Lord, which falls on May 29, 2025. The conversation explores why this often-overlooked feast day is crucial for understanding Jesus' ongoing authority and presence in the world today. The hosts discuss how the Ascension serves as the pivotal bridge between Luke and Acts, connecting Jesus' earthly ministry to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and its importance for Trinitarian theology. Drawing from the lectionary texts (Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1:15-23, and Luke 24:44-53), the hosts unpack how the Ascension of Our Lord is not merely about Jesus' location but about his authority and power. They explore the connection between Christ's ascension and the church's mission, explaining that Jesus' enthronement isn't about distant rule but about his continued embodied presence and activity through the Spirit. This episode offers valua

In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter, focusing on the Farewell Discourse in John, the role of the Holy Spirit, the call to Macedonia in Acts, and the significance of Lydia as a key figure in the early church. They also explore the imagery in Revelation 21, emphasizing the communal aspect of eschatological existence and the promise of God's presence. Commentaries for the Sixth Sunday of Easter can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/sixth-sunday-of-easter-3/commentary-on-john-1423-29-6. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to the Sixth Sunday of Easter 01:58 Exploring the Farewell Discourse 05:54 The Role of the Holy Spirit 10:10 Acts 16: The Call to Macedonia 13:58 Lydia: A Key Figure in the Early Church 19:55 Revelation 21: The New Jerusalem 25:59 End *  *  * Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay connected

In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, focusing on love, community, and the significance of the Farewell Discourse in the Gospel of John.  They explore how Jesus' command to love one another is foundational for discipleship and how this love is to be embodied within the community. The discussion also touches on the cultural barriers faced by early Christians, particularly in the context of Peter's encounter with Cornelius, and concludes with reflections on the themes of praise in Psalm 148 and the promise of a new heaven and earth in Revelation. Commentaries for the Fifth Sunday of Easter can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/fifth-sunday-of-easter-3/commentary-on-john-1331-35-6. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 The texts for Fifth Sunday of Easter 01:52 The Theme of Love in the Farewell Discourse 07:04 Community and Mutual Lov

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Sermon Brainwave! This week, our hosts Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson dive deep into the lectionary texts for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (May 11, 2025)—including John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23, and Revelation 7:9-17—with a special focus on Good Shepherd Sunday. We’ve all heard the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, but what if your understanding of that metaphor is incomplete—or even "lame," as the hosts boldly say? What if the image of shepherd is not just pastoral comfort, but a royal claim, a radical act of intimacy, and a call to relationship?

In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson explore the themes of resurrection, discipleship, and transformation as illustrated in the readings from John 21, Acts 9, Psalm 30, and Revelation 5.  They discuss the significance of Jesus' resurrection appearances, the call to discipleship, the symbolism of feeding and shepherding, and the transformative experiences of Saul and Ananias.  The conversation also delves into the emotional journey from mourning to joy, as well as the counter-cultural message of Revelation regarding power and authority. Commentaries for the Third Sunday of Easter can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/third-sunday-of-easter-3/commentary-on-john-211-19-6. *  *  * 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 Lec

What happens when the risen Jesus walks through locked doors and says, “Peace be with you”? In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, join Matt Skinner, Rolf Jacobson, and Karoline Lewis as they dig into John 20:19–31, Acts 5:27–32, Revelation 1:4–8, and Psalm 150 to explore what Easter really means for our faith, our doubts, and our witness. ✨ Whether you're preaching, teaching, or just spiritually curious, this conversation offers rich insights into how the Easter message meets us personally—in our questions, fears, and hopes.