Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher

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: - Discover why John 10:22-30 isn't just a sweet sheep story but a bold revelation of Jesus' divine identity. - Learn how Psalm 23 is about more than comfort—it's about pursuit, provision, and power. - Explore the deeply human and touching story of Tabitha/Dorcas in Acts 9, a leader, disciple, and clothing maker whose resurrection reveals the personal and communal dimensions of new life. - Unpack the apocalyptic hope of Revelation 7, where the Shepherd becomes the Lamb, and where tears are wiped away for good.

✨ 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 Fourth Sunday of Easter can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/fourth-sunday-of-easter-3/commentary-on-john-1022-30-6.

⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to texts for the Fourth Sunday of Easter 01:20 Exploring the Good Shepherd Theme 08:40 The Significance of the Temple and Jesus' Identity 13:34 The Role of Tabitha in Acts 9 20:29 Revelation 7: The Great Multitude and Martyrdom 23:02 Outro

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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/ZogsBSOeVno.

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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.

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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/XTD6KJCFGBs.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Working Preacher this month!

During Working Preacher's fall fundraising campaign, we're celebrating our website's upcoming 19th birthday! Thank you for your generous support of Working Preacher.

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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.

🕊️ Spoiler: Resurrection isn't just about an empty tomb. It's about relationship, restoration, and witness.

Commentaries for the Second Sunday of Easter can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/second-sunday-of-easter-3/commentary-on-john-2019-31-21.

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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/XvI-hG8F3TU.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Working Preacher this month!

During Working Preacher's fall fundraising campaign, we're celebrating our website's upcoming 19th birthday! Thank you for your generous support of Working Preacher.

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In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the significance of various Easter texts.

They focus on the resurrection narratives in Luke and John, the role of women in these stories, and the implications of Easter for understanding God's intentions and the future of believers. They emphasize the importance of memory in faith, the active relationship believers have with Jesus, and the transformative power of the resurrection.

Commentaries for Resurrection of Our Lord can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/resurrection-of-our-lord-3/commentary-on-luke-241-12-10.

⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Easter Texts and Their Significance 11:16 The Role of Women in the Resurrection Narrative 21:22 Understanding God's Intentions Through Easter 22:10 The Future Beyond Resurrection

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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/Q_64jG14sEQ.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Working Preacher this month!

During Working Preacher's fall fundraising campaign, we're celebrating our website's upcoming 19th birthday! Thank you for your generous support of Working Preacher.

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In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson reflect on the profound significance of Good Friday, diving into the assigned texts from Isaiah 52–53, Psalm 22, and the Passion narrative in John.

Together, they unpack the emotional weight of the day and the challenge of preaching on such a solemn occasion. From Jesus' final words to the deep context behind these powerful scriptures, this conversation invites preachers—and all listeners—to engage with the themes of suffering, love, and the human experience.

📖 Whether you're preparing a sermon or seeking spiritual insight, this episode offers meaningful reflections on the depth of Good Friday.

Commentaries for Good Friday can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/good-friday/commentary-on-john-181-1942-17.

⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Welcome to Holy Week 2025 01:20 Exploring Good Friday Texts 03:19 The Significance of Jesus' Last Words 07:20 The Challenge of Good Friday Preaching 09:14 Understanding Psalm 22 in Context 11:23 Insights from Isaiah 52-53 14:08 Discipleship and Denial at the Cross 15:32 Outro

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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/ba-hBYLZmc0.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Working Preacher this month!

During Working Preacher's fall fundraising campaign, we're celebrating our website's upcoming 19th birthday! Thank you for your generous support of Working Preacher.

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Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the significance of Maundy Thursday in Holy Week 2025. Our hosts dive into the rich themes of foot washing, love, betrayal, and the Lord's Supper, drawing from the texts of Exodus, Psalms, Corinthians, and John.

Together, they reflect on the importance of community, the profound implications of Jesus' death, and the call to serve one another in love.

Commentaries for the Maundy Thursday can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/maundy-thursday/commentary-on-john-131-17-31b-35-16.

⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Welcome to Holy Week 2025 00:59 Exploring the Texts for Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025 02:46 The Significance of Foot Washing and Love 05:59 Understanding Betrayal and Cleanliness 12:51 Connecting Passover and the Passion 15:04 The Lord's Supper and Community Dynamics 22:04 Proclaiming the Death of Jesus 24:43 Outro

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Learn more by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/Go3DprZmMKM.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Working Preacher this month!

During Working Preacher's fall fundraising campaign, we're celebrating our website's upcoming 19th birthday! Thank you for your generous support of Working Preacher.

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Join Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson as they delve into the revised common lectionary texts for Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday. This episode for April 13, 2025 offers insightful commentary on Luke's narratives of both Jesus's entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-40) and the Passion (Luke 22:14-23:56), exploring the unique way Luke portrays Jesus's journey to Jerusalem and his faithfulness to the Kingdom even amidst persecution.

The hosts discuss how the supplementary texts—Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16, and Philippians 2:5-11—illuminate themes of faithfulness, suffering, and divine presence. They provide homiletical considerations for preachers navigating this complex Sunday, including:

- The significance of Jesus "setting his face like flint" toward Jerusalem - Luke's distinct portrayal of justice denied rather than justice perverted - Translation nuances in the Philippians Christ hymn and their theological implications

Whether you're pondering which texts to emphasize or seeking fresh insights for your Holy Week proclamation, this episode offers theological depth and practical wisdom.

Commentaries for the Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday) can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/sunday-of-the-passion-palm-sunday-3/commentary-on-luke-2214-2356-6.

* * *

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!

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/_4HchsBXc9s.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Working Preacher this month!

During Working Preacher's fall fundraising campaign, we're celebrating our website's upcoming 19th birthday! Thank you for your generous support of Working Preacher.

Support Working Preacher

As we approach the fifth Sunday in Lent, this episode of Sermon Brainwave dives deep into love, betrayal, and the weight of Jesus' final days. Join Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner as they explore the tension between Mary's extravagant love and Judas' tragic betrayal, reflecting on what these contrasting responses reveal about discipleship, grace, and faith.

Commentaries for the Fifth Sunday in Lent (Year C) can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/fifth-sunday-in-lent-3/commentary-on-john-121-8-6.

Interested in joining Sermon Brainwave hosts Matt, Karoline, and alum Joy J. Moore at Ghost Ranch August 11-15, 2025. Learn more at: https://www.ghostranch.org/program/g25080201/.

Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers!

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/fs0QD95jB6c.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Working Preacher this month!

During Working Preacher's fall fundraising campaign, we're celebrating our website's upcoming 19th birthday! Thank you for your generous support of Working Preacher.

Support Working Preacher

What if the Prodigal Son isn't the only one who's lost?

In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Rolf Jacobson, and Matt Skinner explore the parable of the Prodigal Son, examining its themes of grace, family dynamics, and reconciliation — all with fresh insights for 2025. They discuss how the parable's title shapes interpretation, unpack artistic depictions of the story, and connect its themes to the broader biblical context, including Joshua, Psalm 32, and 2 Corinthians.

Join us as we explore these Lenten themes and offer insights to inspire your preaching this season.

Commentaries for the Fourth Sunday in Lent can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/fourth-sunday-in-lent-3/commentary-on-luke-151-3-11b-32-6.

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Interested in joining Sermon Brainwave hosts Matt, Karoline, and alum Joy at Ghost Ranch August 11-15, 2025. Learn more at: https://www.ghostranch.org/program/g25080201/.

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/SSdfZQ0XJ4Y.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Working Preacher this month!

During Working Preacher's fall fundraising campaign, we're celebrating our website's upcoming 19th birthday! Thank you for your generous support of Working Preacher.

Support Working Preacher

What does it mean to bear fruit in a season of waiting?

In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Rolf Jacobson, and Matt Skinner explore the lectionary texts for the third Sunday in Lent, diving into themes of repentance, spiritual growth, and God's abundant grace. They unpack the parable of the fig tree, reflecting on the tension between God's patience and the call to bear fruit. The conversation also addresses the complexities of suffering and how 1 Corinthians 10 warns against idolatry, inviting listeners to reflect on their relationship with God.

Join us as we explore these Lenten themes and offer insights to inspire your preaching this season.

Commentaries for the First Sunday in Lent can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/third-sunday-in-lent-3/commentary-on-luke-131-9-6.

⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Exploring the Texts for Lent 09:17 Understanding Suffering and Repentance 20:13 Navigating 1 Corinthians 10: Temptation and Idolatry

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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/7cTKDiQ9DAc.

Mentioned in this episode:

Support Working Preacher this month!

During Working Preacher's fall fundraising campaign, we're celebrating our website's upcoming 19th birthday! Thank you for your generous support of Working Preacher.

Support Working Preacher