What does it truly mean to love your neighbor? In this episode of the Narrative Lectionary Podcast, Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Alan Padgett, and Jennifer Pietz explore one of Jesus' most well-known and challenging parables—the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The hosts unpack the story’s radical message of compassion, cultural boundaries, and the call to action that still resonates today.

Join us as we dive into the historical and theological context of this parable, reflecting on what it means to embody mercy in a world that often draws dividing lines. How might Jesus’ words challenge us to rethink who our neighbors really are?

🎧 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 Luke 10:25-42 written by Robert P. Hoch-Yidokodiltona at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/good-samaritan-2/commentary-on-luke-1025-42-4.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/yjPoalKlL3U.

What does Jerusalem represent in the Gospel of Luke? How does the journey to the cross shape our understanding of discipleship? In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, we explore the significance of Jerusalem as a central character in Luke’s narrative, the cost of discipleship, and the challenges of rejection and conflict that followers of Jesus face.

As we approach Ash Wednesday, this conversation invites preachers and ministry leaders to reflect on the perseverance required in faith and the realities of following Jesus.

Follow along with the commentary on Luke 9:51-62 by author Robert P. Hoch-Yidokodiltona at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/jesus-turns-to-jerusalem/commentary-on-luke-951-62-9. 

Want to delve deeper into this text? Head over to Enter the Bible with Katie Langston and Kathryn Schifferdecker, where they answer listener-submitted questions. In episode 112, they discuss Elijah and other prophets from the north. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckQZ5FpjI6c.

🎧 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/-_7zZZpxCiU.

In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, Profs. Craig Koester, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the significance of Moses and Elijah, the contrast between glory and suffering, and the powerful healing moments in Jesus’ ministry. With thoughtful commentary, they reflect on how glimpses of the future kingdom shape faith in the present, offering insight and encouragement for preaching and teaching.

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

Follow along with the commentary on Luke 9:28-45 by contributing author Robert P. Hoch-Yidokodiltona, found at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/transfiguration-3/commentary-on-luke-928-45-4.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/oy94SFLcOnA.

What does it mean to be truly forgiven? 

In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story: A Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary, Craig Koester, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Rolf Jacobson dive into the moving story of the sinful woman who weeps at Jesus' feet. Join us as we explore the cultural context, her devotion's depth, and grace's transformative power.

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

Follow along with the commentary on Luke 7:36-50 by contributing author Gerald C. Liu, found at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/forgiven-at-jesus-feet/commentary-on-luke-736-50-2.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/4eE8IwMcPTY.

In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, hosts Rolf Jacobson, Craig Koester, and Kathryn Schifferdecker dive deep into Luke 7, where John the Baptist asks a crucial question: Is Jesus really the one? Together, they explore the tension between expectation and reality, the culture of offense, and how Christ’s legacy is revealed through acts of compassion.

But what does true wisdom look like? And how do actions speak louder than words when it comes to faith? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges us to see Jesus in a new light.

The commentary on Luke 7:18-35 will be published shortly. We appreciate your patience! 

💌 Go further in your study with Working Preacher:  https://www.workingpreacher.org/

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

In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, Profs. Craig Koester, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Rolf Jacobson dive into Luke 7, particularly focusing on the stories of the centurion and the widow. The hosts explore themes of authority, worthiness, and the nature of faith in relation to Jesus' actions. 

Tune in as our hosts discuss how Jesus interacts with individuals of varying social statuses and the significance of compassion over faith as a prerequisite for receiving mercy, also touching on the challenges of pastoral care in times of grief and the universal experience of death as an equalizer.

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

Follow along with the commentary on Luke 7:1-17 by contributing author Gerald C. Liu, found at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/raising-the-widows-son/commentary-on-luke-71-17-4.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/QhSmM9vZze0.

Are rules made for people, or are people made for rules?

 In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, Profs. Craig Koester, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Rolf Jacobson dive deep into Luke 6, unpacking the Sabbath controversies and what they reveal about Jesus’ radical message of grace. They reflect on how Jesus redefines the meaning of the Sabbath, focusing on human well-being rather than rigid rule-keeping. Plus, they discuss the significance of Jesus selecting the twelve disciples and what it means to be a true follower in light of his teachings.

If you’re curious about how Jesus' actions challenge conventional religious thinking and what that means for us today, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

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

Follow along with the commentary on Luke 6:1-16 by contributing author Gerald C. Liu, found at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/healing-on-the-sabbath/commentary-on-luke-61-16-4.

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Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/m0c-ezuNpY4.

In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, Profs. Kathryn Schifferdecker, Joy J. Moore, and Rolf Jacobson explore Luke 5 and the miraculous catch of fish, unpacking the deeper meaning behind the disciples' calling. They discuss sin, forgiveness, and God's mission, emphasizing how His call invites us to a greater purpose. Reflecting on Old Testament figures and the Holy Spirit's transformative power, they highlight how God equips flawed individuals for extraordinary work.

Follow along with the commentary on Luke 5:1-11 by contributing author Leah D. Schade, which can be found at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/sermon-at-nazareth-2/commentary-on-luke-414-30-4.

Go further in your preaching with Working Preacher:  https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

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

In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, the Narrative Lectionary Podcast from Working Preacher, Profs. Kathryn Schifferdecker, Joy J. Moore, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the significance of Jesus' sermon at Nazareth, emphasizing the call to action for followers of Christ to serve the marginalized and oppressed. They explore the messianic identity of Jesus and the cultural implications of his message, particularly in the context of contemporary society. The conversation highlights the importance of being guided by the Holy Spirit in preaching and living out the faith.

Commentary on Luke 4:14-30 is forthcoming.

💌 Go further in your study with Working Preacher:  https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/2fohKC1E70Q.

In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, the Narrative Lectionary Podcast from Working Preacher, Profs. Kathryn Schifferdecker, Joy J. Moore, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the significance of the baptism of Jesus and the role of John the Baptist as a prophet. They explore the prophetic tradition, the call to repentance, and the symbolism of fire in relation to the Holy Spirit. The conversation emphasizes the distinction between John's baptism and the baptism that Jesus offers, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

Follow along with the commentary on Luke 3:1-22 by Gilberto A. Ruiz at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/jesus-baptism/commentary-on-luke-31-22-4.

💌 Go further in your study with Working Preacher:  https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/7S2c1sguVa0.