Welcome to "I Love to Tell the Story," the podcast exploring the Narrative Lectionary! In this episode for September 14th, 2025, Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Karoline Lewis tackle one of the most challenging and theologically rich stories in the Bible: The Binding of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-14).

Join us as we dive deep into this difficult passage, exploring: * Why Jews call it the "binding of Isaac" while Christians call it the "sacrifice of Isaac" * The theological significance of God's promises to Abraham * How different religious traditions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) interpret this story * The rich Hebrew literary techniques that make this narrative so powerful * Connections to the Gospel of John and Good Friday traditions * Practical approaches for preaching this challenging text

Our hosts provide historical context, discuss rabbinic interpretations, and offer insights into how this ancient story speaks to questions of faith, trust, and relationship with God. Whether you're a preacher preparing for Sunday or simply interested in biblical interpretation, this episode offers valuable perspectives on one of Scripture's most profound narratives.

🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Here is Kathryn's commentary from 2014: https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-13/commentary-on-genesis-221-14-5.

Follow along with the commentary on Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14 written by Justin Michael Reed at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/binding-of-isaac-2/commentary-on-genesis-211-3-221-14-4.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/buA2BQ26Cb8.