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.

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.

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.

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.

Join the Sermon Brainwave hosts, Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson, as they dive into the themes of Lent, the significance of Jerusalem, and Jesus' journey toward the cross. This episode explores the role of prophets, the human condition, and God's covenant with Abram, while reflecting on the beauty of the Lord in Psalm 27. Discover deeper insights into Jesus' sacrifice and what it means to live in accordance with the cross of Christ.

Commentaries for the Second Sunday in Lent can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/second-sunday-in-lent-3/commentary-on-luke-1331-35-6.

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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!

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/67F5kiHh4I0.

Preaching this Lent? The wilderness journey of Jesus offers profound insights into identity, vocation, and the church’s mission today.In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Rolf Jacobson, and Matt Skinner dig into the testing of Jesus in the wilderness—what it reveals about identity, vocation, and trust in God.

Guided by the week's commentaries, they wrestle with key questions: 🔹 How do Jesus’ temptations connect to the church’s calling today? 🔹 What do Deuteronomy 26, Psalm 91, and Romans 10 teach us about gratitude, worship, and faithfulness in times of trial?

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/first-sunday-in-lent-3/commentary-on-luke-41-13-6.

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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: https://youtu.be/FeOLTsBdcTs.

How do you preach on one of the most mysterious and awe-inspiring moments in the Gospels? In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson explore the Transfiguration of Jesus, diving deep into its biblical foundations, theological weight, and emotional impact. From its connections to the Exodus narrative to its themes of divine glory, sovereignty, and liberation, this conversation unpacks the transformative power of the event—for the disciples then and for believers today.

Follow along with the commentaries for the Transfiguration of Our Lord on March 2, 2025: https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/transfiguration-of-our-lord-3/commentary-on-luke-928-36-37-43a.

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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/Ej8hD1CCOVo.

Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they discuss the readings for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphan. Together, they into the powerful texts for the seventh Sunday after Epiphany. From Luke’s Sermon on the Plain to the story of Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers, we explore the resounding call to community, transformation, and trust in God’s justice.

Join us as we reflect on what it means to delight in the Lord and embrace the hope of resurrection in the future and our daily lives.

Commentaries for the Seventh Sunday after Epiphany on February 23, 2025 can be found at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/seventh-sunday-after-epiphany-3/commentary-on-luke-627-38-3.

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/NukFsbnzwHg.