Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher

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 a...

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...

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 t...

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...

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...

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 con...

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 frui...

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 wh...

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 question...

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 li...

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...

In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, hosts Karoline Lewis, Rolf Jacobson, and Matt Skinner dive into Luke's Sermon on the Plain. This episode unpacks the meaning of the Beatitudes, Jesus' healing ministry, and the profound theological implications of blessings and woes. The conversation also highlights the resurrection's central role in Christian faith, urging preachers to call their congregations...

Join Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany (Year C) on February 9, 2025. Commentaries for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany are forthcoming. Check back at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/fifth-sunday-after-epiphany-3/commentary-on-luke-51-11-8 soon! Re...

In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, hosts Karoline Lewis, Rolf Jacobson, and Matt Skinner discuss the significance of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas, and explore the roles of Simeon and Anna in Luke's Gospel. They highlight the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding the narrative and shaping Christ's life, as well as the themes of anticipation and fulfillment in the lives...

Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the readings for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, focusing on Jesus' sermon in Luke 4 and its implications. They explore the roles of prophets, the inclusivity of Jesus' message, and the connection to Jeremiah's call. The conversation emphasizes the importance of love, faith, and hope in the context of prophetic ministry and the chall...

Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson explore the themes of Jesus' first public sermon in Luke, the implications of his message, and the participatory nature of scripture. They discuss the significance of the messianic claim, the poetic elements of Psalm 19, and the metaphor of the body of Christ in Corinthians, emphasizing the interconnectedness of believers and the importan...

Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for a discussion of the significance of the Wedding at Cana as a manifestation of Jesus' grace and abundance, connecting it to the themes of the Epiphany season. This week, tune in as our hosts explore the unexpected blessings that come from Jesus' actions, the role of his mother in initiating his ministry, and the implications of Isaiah...

Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the Baptism of Our Lord through the Gospel of Luke. Tune in as they delve into the Holy Spirit's role, connections to Isaiah 43, and the inclusion of Samaritans in Acts 8. This engaging discussion highlights baptism's transformative power, the significance of identity, and the enduring impact of God's voice. Resources Ment...

Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they discuss the readings for the second Sunday of Christmas, focusing on John 1, Ephesians 1, and Jeremiah 31. They explore incarnation, grace, truth, love, and life themes, emphasizing the cosmic significance of Jesus' birth and the implications for believers today. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of the readings a...

In this special 1000th episode of Sermon Brainwave, the hosts reflect on the significance of the childhood of Jesus, the roles of Mary and Joseph, and the connections between the Christmas story and the Old Testament. They discuss the importance of treasuring memories and teachings, the role of Psalms in the Christmas season, and how Christmas impacts Christian living. The episode concludes with a...

Join hosts Matt Skinner and Karoline Lewis for a special Christmas Day episode! Together, they dive into the profound themes of Luke 2 and Isaiah, reflecting on the shepherds' journey, Mary's pondering heart, and the transformative power of God's mercy. This conversation invites you to embrace the call to share the good news and be agents of mercy in the world. Tune in and let the Christmas messag...

Join hosts Karoline Lewis and Matt Skinner as they unpack the readings for December 24, 2024. Together, they dive into the Nativity story in Luke 2, the prophetic hope of Isaiah, and the grace-filled message of Titus. Discover fresh insights into the ordinariness of the Christmas story, the authority of Jesus, and the profound implications of Christmas for our lives today. Tune in and reflect on t...

Join Professors Karoline Lewis and Matt Skinner for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Year C) on December 22, 2024. Join us for an engaging exploration of these Advent readings as we reflect on God's faithfulness and the radical message of Mary's song. Highlights of the discussion include: * The prophetic power of Mary's Magnificat. * The intimate connection between Mary and Elizabeth. * How the themes...

Join Professors Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for the Third Sunday of Advent (Year C) on December 15, 2024. In this episode, we explore John the Baptist's powerful messages, the transformative call to repentance, and the invitation to bear the fruits of righteousness. 🔍 Themes Discussed: * The joy and rejoicing of Advent * Pointing to Jesus as the Messiah * The power of praise an...

Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Joy J. Moore, and Matt Skinner for a conversation on the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Second Sunday of Advent on December 8, 2024. Get inspired for the second Sunday of Advent with this episode of Sermon Brainwave! The hosts dive into the lectionary readings, unpacking the role of John the Baptist, the transformative power of repentance, and the prophetic voi...