Narrative Lectionary from Working Preacher

Luther Seminary
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Working Preacher hosts "I Love to Tell the Story," an engaging conversation on upcoming Narrative Lectionary readings. Each episode is fun, informative, and creative—and will help you and your congregation become fluent in the first language of faith.

  1. 5D AGO

    Narrative Lectionary 664 (NL433): The Crucified Messiah - March 29, 2026

    In this episode of 'I Love to Tell the Story', hosts Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Kathryn Schifferdecker discuss the readings for Palm Sunday, focusing on the symbolism of the triumphal entry in John 12 and the crucifixion narrative in John 19. They explore themes of honor and shame in the Roman context, Jesus' identity as King, and the significance of his final words. The conversation emphasizes the importance of listening to Jesus' voice and recognizing his kingship, even in the face of suffering and death. Mentioned in this episode: Support Working Preacher: Final Push of the Campaign

    10 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Narrative Lectionary 663 (NL432): Jesus Condemned - March 22, 2026

    In this episode of the 'I Love to Tell the Story' podcast, hosts Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Kathryn Schifferdecker delve into the narrative of John 19, focusing on the trial of Jesus before Pilate. They explore the complexities of Pilate's character, the political dynamics at play, and the profound choices presented to both the characters in the story and the listeners. The discussion highlights themes of power, judgment, and the choice between light and darkness, ultimately reflecting on the nature of kingship and the human condition. Mentioned in this episode: Support Working Preacher: Final Push of the Campaign

    12 min

  3. FEB 18

    Narrative Lectionary 662 (NL431): Jesus and Pilate - March 15, 2026

    What is Truth? In this episode of the 'I Love to Tell the Story' podcast, hosts Karoline Lewis, Rolf Jacobson, and Kathryn Schifferdecker explore the themes of kingship, power, and truth as presented in the Gospel of John, particularly focusing on Jesus' trial before Pilate. They discuss the contrast between worldly power and the kingdom of Jesus, the nature of truth, and the choices presented to the people during this pivotal moment in the narrative. Mentioned in this episode: Support Working Preacher: Final Push of the Campaign

    11 min

  4. FEB 11

    Narrative Lectionary 661 (NL430): Peter's Denial - March 8, 2026

    "I Am Not": Peter's Denial and the Crisis of Discipleship | John 18:12-27 In this Third Sunday of Lent episode, Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Karoline Lewis explore Peter's denial in John's Gospel—a moment that reveals something deeper than we often recognize. Unlike the synoptic gospels where Peter denies knowing Jesus, John's account presents a more profound crisis: Peter denies his own identity as a disciple. The hosts unpack how John's unique telling positions Peter's three denials ("I am not") against Jesus' bold declarations of identity ("I am") happening simultaneously inside Annas's courtyard. While Jesus speaks openly before authorities, Peter—interrogated by a servant woman at the gate—cannot claim who he truly is. The garden reference, unique to John's Gospel, connects this moment back to the place of intimacy and friendship where Jesus often met with his disciples, making Peter's denial even more poignant. Karoline Lewis highlights crucial details that preachers might miss: the gatekeeper who questions Peter is the feminine version of the gatekeeper in John 10 who recognizes the good shepherd, yet here Peter is not known. The charcoal fire warming Peter appears again in John 21 when the resurrected Jesus prepares breakfast and restores Peter through the threefold "do you love me?" question—offering redemption rather than shame. Rolf shares a powerful sermon illustration from Will Willimon about hearing "the c**k crow" after witnessing racism and failing to act, connecting Peter's denial to our own moments when we fail to follow Jesus in the face of injustice. The episode challenges listeners to consider: When do we deny our own discipleship? When do we fail to be who Jesus has called us to be? This episode is essential listening for pastors preparing Lenten sermons, Bible study leaders, seminary students, and anyone seeking to understand the distinctive features of John's passion narrative as we enter the heart of the Lenten season. Mentioned in this episode: Support Working Preacher: Final Push of the Campaign

    12 min

  5. FEB 4

    Narrative Lectionary 660 (NL429): Jesus Washes Feet - March 1, 2026

    Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Kathryn Schifferdecker for an intimate exploration of John 13:1-17, where Jesus washes his disciples' feet on the final night before his crucifixion. This episode unpacks one of the Gospel of John's most profound acts of love—a moment that transforms our understanding of servanthood, sacrifice, and what it means to love "to the end." Discover why the foot washing appears after dinner rather than at arrival, what connects this scene to Mary's anointing of Jesus in John 12, and why this act of love is directed toward both faithful disciples and those who will betray and deny him. Karoline Lewis explains the unique chronology of John's Gospel, where chapters 13-17 cover a single night—the same narrative space that chapters 1-12 use for three years of ministry. In This Episode: * The cultural context of foot washing and why Jesus performs this act after the meal * How Mary's anointing of Jesus in John 12 foreshadows and connects to the foot washing * Why there's no Lord's Supper in John's Gospel and what replaces it * The theological significance of "loved them to the end" (εἰς τέλος - eis telos) * Why Jesus washes the feet of Judas (his betrayer) and Peter (his denier) * The relationship between the foot washing and the love commandment * Personal stories of servanthood that embody Jesus' example * Whether foot washing should be considered a sacrament Mentioned in this episode: Support Working Preacher: Final Push of the Campaign

    11 min

  6. JAN 23

    Narrative Lectionary 659 (NL428): Jesus Raises Lazarus - February 22, 2026

    Such love is not about sentiment but about action for the beloved. Join Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Karoline Lewis as they explore one of the most profound narratives in John's Gospel: the raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44). This episode examines the seventh and final sign in John's Gospel—a passage that reveals not only Jesus's power over death but also his deep solidarity with human grief and loss. The hosts unpack why this 44-verse narrative dedicates so much space to grief and death itself, rather than rushing to the miraculous sign. Caroline Lewis highlights a crucial theological insight: Jesus declares "I am the resurrection and the life"—two distinct promises, not one. Resurrection points to our future hope, while "the life" speaks to abundant life available in relationship with Jesus here and now. The episode explores the poignant words spoken by both Martha and Mary: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." This lament echoes through our own experiences of loss and absence. The hosts discuss the significance of Jesus weeping—not just shedding a tear, but sobbing, crying an "ugly cry" over death's reality. The hosts offer concrete suggestions for proclamation, including the use of reader's theater scripts to bring the multiple voices to life, considering breaking up the reading with brief preaching segments, and remembering not to ask congregants to stand for the entire lengthy gospel reading. They discuss how this passage serves powerfully at funerals, offering the promise that the Good Shepherd will call our names even when we are "deader than dead." This episode is essential listening for pastors preparing Lent 1 sermons (February 22, 2026), ministry leaders facilitating Bible studies on John's Gospel, and anyone seeking deeper understanding of how Jesus meets us in our grief and loss. Mentioned in this episode: Support Working Preacher: Final Push of the Campaign

    11 min

  7. JAN 23

    Narrative Lectionary 658 (NL427): The Good Shepherd - February 18, 2026

    It is through Jesus that one becomes identified as insider or outsider. Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker with Johannine scholar, Karoline Lewis for an unexpected take on Ash Wednesday through John 10:1-21, the Good Shepherd discourse. Karoline reveals a crucial connection: Jesus' Good Shepherd discourse is his own interpretation of the healing of the man born blind in John 9. The man has already lived out this imagery—following Jesus' voice despite opposition and finding abundant life. This isn't abstract theology; it's enacted truth the listeners just witnessed. Why This Text for Ash Wednesday? While typically an Easter season passage, John 10 speaks powerfully to Lenten themes. Jesus' statement "I lay down my life in order to take it up again" (v. 17) previews the passion we're journeying toward. Ash Wednesday confronts us with mortality, yet this text paradoxically points beyond death to resurrection and abundant life. The shepherd metaphor carries messianic weight—"shepherd" was royal language in the ancient Near East. When Jesus declares "I am the good shepherd," he's making claims about divine kingship his audience would immediately recognize. This text overflows with themes: abundant life, sacrificial love, discipleship, dual shepherd/gate imagery. The hosts discuss focusing strategies for a single sermon, addressing the pastoral challenge of the hired hand reference, and connecting Jesus' garden arrest to this discourse—where he both protects his disciples and surrenders himself, acting as both gate and shepherd. Perfect for pastors, ministry leaders, seminary students, and anyone following the Narrative Lectionary. 🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers. Mentioned in this episode: Support Working Preacher: Final Push of the Campaign

    12 min

  8. JAN 23

    Narrative Lectionary 657 (NL426): The Man Born Blind - February 15, 2026

    Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Karoline Lewis as they explore The Man Born Blind (John 9:1-41). Mentioned in this episode: Support Working Preacher: Final Push of the Campaign

    15 min
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About

Working Preacher hosts "I Love to Tell the Story," an engaging conversation on upcoming Narrative Lectionary readings. Each episode is fun, informative, and creative—and will help you and your congregation become fluent in the first language of faith.

Information

  • Creator
    Luther Seminary
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    666
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Working Preacher podcast episodes are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License.
  • Show Website
    Narrative Lectionary from Working Preacher

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