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 valuable insights for preachers and teachers seeking to communicate the relevance and importance of the Ascension in contemporary Christian faith.

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

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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/7jCeGf9WB_s.

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 Love 09:31 Peter's Vision and the Inclusion of Gentiles 15:09 God's Radical Shift in Fellowship 16:11 Praise and Creation in Psalm 148 18:14 Revelation: New Heaven and New Earth 20:20  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/c7dt4Y8Lv5o.

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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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/ZogsBSOeVno.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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!

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