Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Karoline Lewis as they explore one of Scripture's most famous passages: Jesus' nighttime conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:1-21. This episode unpacks the Third Sunday after Epiphany text from the Narrative Lectionary, examining the encounter that contains perhaps the Bible's most well-known verse—John 3:16.

The hosts dive deep into what it truly means to be "born from above" (anothen in Greek), clarifying common misconceptions about this phrase often translated as "born again." Karoline Lewis, a Johannine scholar, explains how belief (pisteuō) in John's Gospel functions not as cognitive assent but as an active relationship with Jesus—always a verb, never just a noun. The conversation explores how eternal life in John isn't merely about the afterlife but describes the abundant life possible now through relationship with God and Jesus (John 17:3).

Discover why Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews, comes to Jesus under cover of darkness—a detail that contrasts sharply with the woman at the well who meets Jesus in broad daylight. The hosts examine the narrative function of misunderstanding in John's Gospel, showing how Nicodemus's confusion (and similar misunderstandings by the Samaritan woman, the man born blind, and even Thomas) serves as an invitation into deeper theological revelation.

This episode addresses critical preaching challenges: How do we interpret John 3:16 beyond football game signs? What does it mean for traditions that practice infant baptism to engage with "born from above" language? The hosts trace Nicodemus's character arc throughout John's Gospel, from his nighttime visit in chapter 3, to his defense of Jesus in chapter 7, to his anointing of Jesus' body in chapter 19.

Special attention is given to verse 19's crucial claim: God sent Jesus not to condemn the world but to save it, yet judgment comes through humanity's choice of darkness over light. This framing helps preachers connect ancient text with contemporary ministry, addressing how sin functions as a condition of separation from God rather than merely individual moral failings.

Drawing on Craig Koester's forthcoming commentary on John and scholarly research on the Greek term anothen, this episode equips pastors and ministry leaders with tools for sermon preparation that balance academic rigor with accessibility for congregational settings.

TIMECODES:

00:00 Introduction to Nicodemus and John 3:16

03:05 Understanding Belief and Eternal Life in John

05:52 The Encounter Between Jesus and Nicodemus

09:07 Misunderstandings and Revelations in the Gospel

12:08 The Journey of Nicodemus

13:29 Conclusion and Reflections on the Narrative Lectionary

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

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Karoline Lewis as they explore one of the most pivotal yet frequently misunderstood passages in John's Gospel—the cleansing of the temple. Why does John place this dramatic event at the beginning of Jesus' ministry instead of during Holy Week like the synoptic gospels? The answer reveals something profound about where God's presence truly dwells.

In this episode of "I Love to Tell the Story," the hosts unpack John 2:13-25, examining how this passage differs significantly from its synoptic counterparts. Rather than simply critiquing temple corruption, John uses this incident to make a theological statement about Jesus himself as the new location of God's presence. When Jesus declares, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up," he's pointing toward his resurrection and redefining where humanity encounters the divine.

The conversation addresses critical pastoral concerns, including how to preach John's Gospel responsibly given its history of misuse to justify anti-Semitism. The hosts emphasize Jesus' identity as a faithful Jewish male who observed Passover and the pilgrimage festivals, helping preachers counter supersessionist interpretations while honoring the text's theological claims.

Key insights include the significance of John's three Passover references (establishing Jesus' three-year ministry), the pattern of misunderstanding that characterizes responses to Jesus throughout the gospel, and the meaning of Greek terms like "pisteuō" (believe/entrust) in verse 24. The hosts also tackle contemporary applications, warning against the commodification of religion—from first-century money changers to modern prosperity gospel preachers who treat God's grace as something that can be bought and sold.

Whether you're preparing Sunday's sermon, leading Bible study, or deepening your own understanding of John's unique theological perspective, this episode offers scholarly insight made accessible for ministry contexts. Discover how John 2:13-25 proclaims good news: God's presence is not confined to religious institutions or controlled by religious authorities, but is freely available to everyone in Jesus Christ.

TIMECODES:

00:00 Introduction to the Temple Cleansing

03:13 Understanding Jesus' Actions in the Temple

05:59 The Significance of Jesus' Presence in Jerusalem

09:11 The Good News Beyond the Temple

10:26 Law and Gospel in the Context of the Temple

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

Join Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Karoline Lewis as they explore Jesus' first miracle in the Gospel of John—the wedding at Cana. This episode unpacks the theological significance of John's "Book of Signs" and what it means that Jesus inaugurates his public ministry not with fasting or wilderness temptation, but with overflowing wine at a celebration.

Key Themes Explored:

* The Book of Signs: Understanding John's unique structure (chapters 1-12) and how the seven signs point to Jesus' identity and the grace he offers

* Grace Upon Grace: How the abundance at Cana—six stone jars holding 20-30 gallons each, filled to the brim with the best wine—embodies John 1:16's promise of grace upon grace

* Honor and Shame: The cultural context of first-century Palestinian weddings and how Jesus' intervention saves a family from public disgrace

* The Role of Jesus' Mother: Mary's unique presence in John's Gospel, appearing only at the beginning and end of Jesus' public ministry, and her profound recognition of who Jesus is

* Signs vs. Miracles: Why John calls these events "signs" (σημεῖα) rather than miracles—they point beyond the act itself to reveal God's presence and power

Why This Matters for Preaching:

The hosts discuss how this narrative offers multiple homiletical directions: the experience of abundance in our lives, the removal of shame through Christ's compassion, and the call to "do whatever he tells you"—a pattern that continues throughout John's Gospel where obedience to Jesus leads to transformation and abundance.

Karoline Lewis brings her expertise in Johannine literature to illuminate how this first sign sets the pattern for Jesus' entire ministry in John and how it differs significantly from the synoptic gospels' approach to Jesus' early ministry.

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Karoline Lewis as they explore the calling of Jesus' first disciples in John 1:35-51 for the Second Sunday of Christmas and the beginning of Epiphany. This episode delves into the powerful questions that frame discipleship in John's Gospel: "What are you looking for?" and "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"

Discover how the verb "finding" shapes this narrative—Andrew finding Simon Peter, Philip finding Nathanael—and what it means that we are both found by Christ and called to invite others to "come and see." The hosts explore John's favorite concept of "abiding" (menō in Greek), tracing how Jesus' invitation to "come and see where I am staying" echoes throughout the Gospel, from the woman at the well to the resurrection appearances.

Karoline Lewis illuminates how John uniquely holds together Jesus' full divinity and full humanity—the Word made flesh who comes from both God and Nazareth. Rolf Jacobson offers a fascinating deep dive into Messianic exegesis, connecting Nathanael's fig tree encounter to Zechariah's prophecy about the "branch" and revealing the Hebrew wordplay behind "Nazareth" (netzer). Kathryn Schifferdecker traces the Jacob's ladder imagery from Genesis 28 to Jesus' promise that disciples will see "angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."

Whether you're preparing a sermon for Christmas or Epiphany, leading Bible study, or seeking deeper understanding of John's Gospel, this episode offers rich theological insights and practical applications for contemporary Christian life and ministry.

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson and Kathryn Schifferdecker as they welcome Karoline Lewis, Luther Seminary's resident Gospel of John expert, for the first episode in John's gospel year. This timely discussion explores John 1:19-34, perfect for the first Sunday after Christmas and sermon preparation for the Narrative Lectionary.

In this episode, the hosts unpack John the Baptist's crucial role as witness rather than baptizer in the Fourth Gospel. Unlike the synoptic gospels, John presents the Baptist not as Elijah or "the prophet," but as one who testifies to Jesus's identity. Caroline Lewis illuminates how John 1:29's declaration—"Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"—reveals a profound theological distinction: in John's gospel, "sin" isn't a moral category but describes separation from God.

The conversation explores first-century Jewish apocalyptic expectations, drawing on scholarly work about messianic figures and prophetic forerunners. Discover why John's Gospel omits the heavenly voice at Jesus's baptism—because Jesus doesn't need confirmation of his identity. Instead, the baptism becomes John the Baptist's moment of witness, setting up the gospel's major theme: discipleship as testimony.

Whether you're preparing Sunday's sermon, leading Bible study, or deepening your understanding of John's unique theological perspective, this episode offers rich insights into witness, identity, and relationship with God. Perfect for preachers, lay leaders, and anyone seeking to understand how John's Christmas season texts invite us to "behold" Emmanuel—God with us.

Episode Highlights: * John the Baptist as witness rather than Elijah or "the prophet" * The meaning of "Lamb of God" in Johannine theology * Why Jesus's baptism in John serves a different purpose than in the synoptics * First-century Jewish messianic expectations and apocalyptic figures * "Sin" as separation from God versus moral failure * The "come and see" invitation throughout John's gospel

TIMECODES: 00:00 Introduction to the Gospel of John 03:05 The Role of John the Baptist 05:50 Witnessing and Testifying to Jesus 09:12 Understanding Sin and Relationship with God

🎧 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/.

Follow along with the commentary on John 1:19-34 written by Gennifer Benjamin Brooks at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/a-voice-in-the-wilderness-2/commentary-on-john-119-34-4.

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester as they explore the beloved Christmas story from Luke 2 in this special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day episode. While the Narrative Lectionary typically follows the Gospel of John this year, the hosts return to Luke's account because "you got to have the shepherds and the angels at Christmas." This conversation moves beyond sentimentality to reveal the cosmic significance of Christ's birth and its enduring power to speak to experiences of both homecoming and dislocation.

TIMECODES:

00:00 Christmas Reflections: Homecoming and Tradition

02:52 The Significance of Dislocation and Divine Presence

06:08 Hospitality and the Cosmic Nature of Christmas

09:00 The Fulfillment of Promises and the Birth of a Savior

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

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester as they explore the beloved Christmas story from Luke 2 in this special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day episode. While the Narrative Lectionary typically follows the Gospel of John this year, the hosts return to Luke's account because "you got to have the shepherds and the angels at Christmas." This conversation moves beyond sentimentality to reveal the cosmic significance of Christ's birth and its enduring power to speak to experiences of both homecoming and dislocation.

TIMECODES: 00:00 Christmas Reflections: Homecoming and Tradition 02:52 The Significance of Dislocation and Divine Presence 06:08 Hospitality and the Cosmic Nature of Christmas 09:00 The Fulfillment of Promises and the Birth of a Savior

🎧 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/.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/nHN3hVgxKL4.

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester as they explore John's magnificent prologue for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 21st). This episode examines one of Scripture's most eloquent passages - the opening 18 verses of John's Gospel that present a cosmic perspective on the incarnation.

The hosts dive deep into the poetic and hymnic qualities of John's prologue, contrasting its cosmic, awe-inspiring message with the traditional nativity narratives. Rather than focusing on shepherds and mangers, this passage presents the Word becoming flesh in ethereal, almost haunting language that integrates both mind and heart.

This episode unpacks the multi-dimensional concept of "zoe" (life) in Greek, which encompasses physical existence, relational connection with God, communal belonging, and resurrection promise. The hosts trace how this theme of life runs throughout John's entire Gospel - from "God so loved the world" in John 3:16 to Jesus declaring "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

The discussion explores the profound imagery of light and darkness, emphasizing how people are naturally drawn to the light of Christmas Eve candles as an embodiment of humanity's deep longing for relationship with God. As Augustine wrote, "You have created us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you."

TIMECODES:

00:00 Introduction to the Prologue of John's Gospel

02:52 The Cosmic Perspective of Jesus' Significance

06:06 Exploring the Theme of Life in John's Gospel

08:50 The Multidimensional Nature of Life

12:07 The Relationship Between Humanity and the Divine

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

Join Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester for the Third Sunday of Advent as they explore Isaiah 55:1-13, a climactic prophetic word from the end of Second Isaiah that offers hope at the close of exile.

This episode examines the vivid marketplace imagery of God's free invitation—"Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price"—and unpacks how this passage bridges exile and restoration while pointing toward the incarnation in John's Gospel.

Key Themes Explored:

* The marketplace imagery of Isaiah 55 and its evocative call to spiritual nourishment

* God's everlasting covenant with David and its messianic significance

* The shift from literal food to spiritual sustenance and hope

* How covenant relationship transforms celebration beyond surface-level feasting

* The expansion of God's covenant to include all nations, not just Israel

* Connections between Advent themes and Isaiah's vision of restoration

TIMECODES:

00:00 Hope in Exile: The Message of Isaiah 55

03:01 The Invitation to Spiritual Nourishment

06:33 Feasting and Relationship: Beyond the Surface

08:48 Covenant and Inclusion: A Universal Message

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

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester as they explore John's magnificent prologue for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 21st). This episode examines one of Scripture's most eloquent passages - the opening 18 verses of John's Gospel that present a cosmic perspective on the incarnation.

The hosts dive deep into the poetic and hymnic qualities of John's prologue, contrasting its cosmic, awe-inspiring message with the traditional nativity narratives. Rather than focusing on shepherds and mangers, this passage presents the Word becoming flesh in ethereal, almost haunting language that integrates both mind and heart.

This episode unpacks the multi-dimensional concept of "zoe" (life) in Greek, which encompasses physical existence, relational connection with God, communal belonging, and resurrection promise. The hosts trace how this theme of life runs throughout John's entire Gospel - from "God so loved the world" in John 3:16 to Jesus declaring "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

The discussion explores the profound imagery of light and darkness, emphasizing how people are naturally drawn to the light of Christmas Eve candles as an embodiment of humanity's deep longing for relationship with God. As Augustine wrote, "You have created us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you."

TIMECODES: 00:00 Introduction to the Prologue of John's Gospel 02:52 The Cosmic Perspective of Jesus' Significance 06:06 Exploring the Theme of Life in John's Gospel 08:50 The Multidimensional Nature of Life 12:07 The Relationship Between Humanity and the Divine

🎧 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/.

Follow along with the commentary on John 1:1-18 written by Sarah Henrich at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/word-made-flesh-2/commentary-on-john-11-18-4.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/TX44imQ8T8s.