Scripture First

On the heels of eating their fill of loaves and fishes, the crowd tracked Jesus down on the other side of the Sea of Galilee looking for more of their needs to be met. Jesus tells them not to work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life.  Sarah Stenson teaches Kiri and Mason why the crowd is confused about what they have to do to receive eternal life when Jesus t...

This week, we’re discussing the popular story of the Feeding of the 5,000. Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson teach Kiri and me the details that show what Jesus is doing in this story to produce faith in the people who ate the fish and loaves as well as in those who hear this story today.  In this week’s conversation, we ask Chris and Sarah: What’s the difference between miracles and parables? Do...

In this week’s lectionary text, Jesus and His apostles attempt to get away from the crowds by heading to a deserted place by boat. The only issue? The people are so desperate to hear a Word from Jesus, they beat them to the other side of the sea on foot!  Dr. Chris Croghan teaches Kiri, Max, and Mason what it means that, “God’s Word is for you.” What does God’s Word say and why is it good news for...

In a lectionary text that’s extremely difficult to understand (let alone preach), Lars Olson guides us through the historical nuances of the story of King Herod, John the Baptist, and Herodias, and the many, many ditches this text puts in front of the hearer.  You’ll even hear Kiri, Max, and Mason fall into one of those ditches in the middle of this conversation. Lars made the key note that you sh...

This week’s lectionary text centers on the people in Jesus’ hometown saying, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him?...Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary?’...And they took offense at him.” Sarah Stenson explains why these people were astounded at Jesus, and how people are offended by Jesus’ message today, too. Many, many people want God to be fair,...

In this week’s lectionary text, we hear two examples of truly desperate people: a leader of the synagogue with a dying daughter and a hemorrhaging woman. They’ve tried everything under their power. At their wits’ end, they reach out to Jesus.  Sarah Stenson and Lars Olson teach us that it’s not about reaching out to God earlier. It’s demonstrating that Jesus will always be your last resort, and He...

Caught in a windstorm with the waves from the Sea of Galilee swamping the boat, the disciples are terrified for their lives as Jesus sleeps soundly in the stern.  Dr. Chris Croghan teaches Kiri, Max, and Mason: How Jesus is so calm in a life threatening situation  Why the English translation of Jesus’ response to the sea doesn’t cut it And how preachers can deliver the gospel in a text that doesn’...

What comes to your mind when you think of the kingdom of God? A place? A thing? A membership?  In this episode of Scripture First, Sarah Stenson explains how the kingdom of God is faith in Christ. This is crucial to not only understanding the parable of the growing seed and mustard seed in this week’s text, but to understanding that all parables are about God electing you.  Faith comes through hea...

Jesus is healing people, casting out demons, and forgiving sins. The scribes respond by calling Him the chief of demons.  Lars Olson joins the Scripture First to explain how Jesus not only dismantles their logic, but flips it on them. A higher demon wouldn’t throw out a lower demon. They’d empower them! He came to bind the demons to take what they claimed to have possessed for Himself.  We also ta...

After performing the first miracles of His ministry and demonstrating authority at the temple, a Pharisee named Nicodemus seeks Jesus out at night to determine where He gets His power.  Dr. Chris Croghan teaches us context and meaning packed into this text starting with why Nicodemus came to Jesus at night.  We also discuss Jesus’ response to Nicodemus, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see...

After performing the first miracles of His ministry and demonstrating authority at the temple, a Pharisee named Nicodemus seeks Jesus out at night to determine where He gets His power.  Dr. Chris Croghan teaches us context and meaning packed into this text starting with why Nicodemus came to Jesus at night.  We also discuss Jesus’ response to Nicodemus, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see...

The day of Pentecost had come. A sound like the rush of a violent wind. Divided tongues of fire rested on each of them. Speaking in tongues.  Kiri, Cole, and Mason ask Sarah Stenson about the many misguided assumptions Christians have about this passage of Acts. Why do we assume speaking in tongues is some sort of gibberish that requires an interpreter?  There are a lot of misunderstandings about...

The same night that Jesus is arrested, He gives a lengthy prayer. Kiri, Max, and Mason ask Lars Olson, why did Jesus say this prayer and what is the content of what He’s praying?  Jesus tells His disciples, and us, that He has given His word to everyone God has given to Him. That word delivers God’s very nature: mercy. Having received God’s mercy, you are now a new creation. You are comfortable be...

In a text that says, “abide in my love,” “if you keep my commandments,” and, “I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another,” you may think Jesus is giving you the instruction manual on how to live correctly.  But then He says, “You did not choose me but I chose you.”  Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan explains how the texts from recent weeks all point to this moment of electio...

This week’s text says that Jesus is the vine and God is the vinegrower. Everyone who produces fruit, God prunes to produce more fruit. Everyone who doesn't produce fruit, God lops off the vine to wither and burn.  And this is supposed to be reassurance? Dr. Chris Croghan explains how this is an election text. The fact you’re hearing this means you’re connected to the vine; you’re connected to...

Many of Jesus’ “I Am” statements lend themselves to comforting depictions for Christians. “I am the light of the world,” makes for a nice painting! But in today’s passage, Jesus is the gate.  Sarah Stenson teaches us how Jesus is being categorical in this text. There are two options: enter through the gate by hearing the shepherd’s voice or climbing in another way which makes you a thief and a ban...

The two men who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus are just starting to tell the disciples about what they’d experienced when Jesus appears before them again.  Lars Olson explains how the Gospel of Luke is using this literary structure to depict what happens when the resurrected Jesus shows up: fear, joy, and disbelief.  The resurrection is so unbelievable the disciples desperately try to rat...

The political power, religious authorities, and the general public all demanded Jesus’ death. The disciples were terrified they were next.  Suddenly, Jesus breaks the laws of nature and shows up in the locked room and starts a sermon: peace be with you. Here is the consequence of your sin.  Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson explain how Jesus shows them the marks on His hands and sides and clearl...

It’s Easter Sunday and three women head to Jesus’ tomb fully expecting to find the dead body of the man they betrayed.  Suddenly, an angel appears to deliver them the incredible news that is the basis of the Christian faith: “He has been raised; he is not here.”  Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan explains why the women expected to find death despite Jesus having told them He would be raised, the...

This episode is going to be a little different. No background music. No closing summary and calls to action. Why? Because we’re grappling with the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?” in this conversation.  Dr. Chris Croghan and Lars Olson do an incredible job calling out how everyone involved in Christ’s final moments sinned against Him. From the betrayal to the power dynamics to the self-prese...

In the first of two Holy Week bonus episodes, Lars Olson and Sarah Stenson break down what Jesus meant by giving us a new commandment to love one another in this Maundy Thursday text.  Jesus demonstrates true humility by washing His disciples’ feet. He also commands us to love one another. Many will read this as a command in the Law, as an expectation of what they’re supposed to do.  But what Jesu...

Palm Sunday. Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In many churches, we’ll wave our palm branches and shout, “Hosanna!”  In this week’s conversation, Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan explain how the crowds believed the Messiah was going to be a king whose power came through the Law. They thought the Messiah would defeat their enemies and make their lives materially better—much like how people...

Dr. Chris Croghan summarized this week’s text in two sentences, “God made a promise. God fulfilled that promise.”  After his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a few Greeks show up to the festival. What could be overlooked as a passing detail, Dr. Croghan explains how pivotal this detail is. God promised Abraham that the Messiah would come from his line for all nations.  With the Greeks showing up,...

Kiri and Mason welcome Lars Olson to the podcast to break down the verses surrounding one of the most well-known verses in the Bible: John 3:16.  This week’s lectionary text begins with, “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness…” Lars explains the story about God sending snakes to bite His people in Numbers and Moses lifting up a bronze snake.  Then we ask, “What does it mean tha...

A dramatic scene unfolds at the temple where Jesus is driving out livestock with a whip and flipping over the bankers’ tables, spilling money everywhere.  Kiri and Mason ask Sarah Stenson what’s happening here and why is Jesus reacting with such a physical disturbance? She explains the context of Passover: a festival where God commanded His people to offer a sacrifice, but—over time—the priests ta...