Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary

Working Preacher from 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. 11/21/2025

    Narrative Lectionary 649 (NL417): Birth of Jesus/Shepherds Visit - December 24-25, 2025

    Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester as they explore the beloved Christmas story from Luke 2 in this special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day episode. While the Narrative Lectionary typically follows the Gospel of John this year, the hosts return to Luke's account because "you got to have the shepherds and the angels at Christmas." This conversation moves beyond sentimentality to reveal the cosmic significance of Christ's birth and its enduring power to speak to experiences of both homecoming and dislocation. TIMECODES: 00:00 Christmas Reflections: Homecoming and Tradition 02:52 The Significance of Dislocation and Divine Presence 06:08 Hospitality and the Cosmic Nature of Christmas 09:00 The Fulfillment of Promises and the Birth of a Savior 🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers. 🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/nHN3hVgxKL4.

    11 min

  2. 11/18/2025

    Narrative Lectionary 647 (NL415): Word Accomplishes God's Purpose - December 14, 2025

    Join Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester for the Third Sunday of Advent as they explore Isaiah 55:1-13, a climactic prophetic word from the end of Second Isaiah that offers hope at the close of exile. This episode examines the vivid marketplace imagery of God's free invitation—"Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price"—and unpacks how this passage bridges exile and restoration while pointing toward the incarnation in John's Gospel. Key Themes Explored: * The marketplace imagery of Isaiah 55 and its evocative call to spiritual nourishment * God's everlasting covenant with David and its messianic significance * The shift from literal food to spiritual sustenance and hope * How covenant relationship transforms celebration beyond surface-level feasting * The expansion of God's covenant to include all nations, not just Israel * Connections between Advent themes and Isaiah's vision of restoration TIMECODES: 00:00 Hope in Exile: The Message of Isaiah 55 03:01 The Invitation to Spiritual Nourishment 06:33 Feasting and Relationship: Beyond the Surface 08:48 Covenant and Inclusion: A Universal Message 🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers. 🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Follow along with the commentary on Isaiah 55:1-13 written by Michael J. Chan at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/word-accomplishes-gods-purpose/commentary-on-isaiah-551-13-3. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/oTLMX-i0L8E.

    11 min

  3. 11/24/2025

    Narrative Lectionary 650 (NL418): A Voice in the Wilderness - December 28, 2025

    Join hosts Rolf Jacobson and Kathryn Schifferdecker as they welcome Karoline Lewis, Luther Seminary's resident Gospel of John expert, for the first episode in John's gospel year. This timely discussion explores John 1:19-34, perfect for the first Sunday after Christmas and sermon preparation for the Narrative Lectionary. In this episode, the hosts unpack John the Baptist's crucial role as witness rather than baptizer in the Fourth Gospel. Unlike the synoptic gospels, John presents the Baptist not as Elijah or "the prophet," but as one who testifies to Jesus's identity. Caroline Lewis illuminates how John 1:29's declaration—"Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"—reveals a profound theological distinction: in John's gospel, "sin" isn't a moral category but describes separation from God. The conversation explores first-century Jewish apocalyptic expectations, drawing on scholarly work about messianic figures and prophetic forerunners. Discover why John's Gospel omits the heavenly voice at Jesus's baptism—because Jesus doesn't need confirmation of his identity. Instead, the baptism becomes John the Baptist's moment of witness, setting up the gospel's major theme: discipleship as testimony. Whether you're preparing Sunday's sermon, leading Bible study, or deepening your understanding of John's unique theological perspective, this episode offers rich insights into witness, identity, and relationship with God. Perfect for preachers, lay leaders, and anyone seeking to understand how John's Christmas season texts invite us to "behold" Emmanuel—God with us. Episode Highlights: * John the Baptist as witness rather than Elijah or "the prophet" * The meaning of "Lamb of God" in Johannine theology * Why Jesus's baptism in John serves a different purpose than in the synoptics * First-century Jewish messianic expectations and apocalyptic figures * "Sin" as separation from God versus moral failure * The "come and see" invitation throughout John's gospel TIMECODES: 00:00 Introduction to the Gospel of John 03:05 The Role of John the Baptist 05:50 Witnessing and Testifying to Jesus 09:12 Understanding Sin and Relationship with God 🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers. 🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Follow along with the commentary on John 1:19-34 written by Gennifer Benjamin Brooks at  https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/a-voice-in-the-wilderness-2/commentary-on-john-119-34-4.

    11 min

  4. 11/20/2025

    Narrative Lectionary 648 (NL416): Word Made Flesh - December 21, 2025

    Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester as they explore John's magnificent prologue for the Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 21st). This episode examines one of Scripture's most eloquent passages - the opening 18 verses of John's Gospel that present a cosmic perspective on the incarnation. The hosts dive deep into the poetic and hymnic qualities of John's prologue, contrasting its cosmic, awe-inspiring message with the traditional nativity narratives. Rather than focusing on shepherds and mangers, this passage presents the Word becoming flesh in ethereal, almost haunting language that integrates both mind and heart. This episode unpacks the multi-dimensional concept of "zoe" (life) in Greek, which encompasses physical existence, relational connection with God, communal belonging, and resurrection promise. The hosts trace how this theme of life runs throughout John's entire Gospel - from "God so loved the world" in John 3:16 to Jesus declaring "I am the way, the truth, and the life." The discussion explores the profound imagery of light and darkness, emphasizing how people are naturally drawn to the light of Christmas Eve candles as an embodiment of humanity's deep longing for relationship with God. As Augustine wrote, "You have created us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." TIMECODES: 00:00 Introduction to the Prologue of John's Gospel 02:52 The Cosmic Perspective of Jesus' Significance 06:06 Exploring the Theme of Life in John's Gospel 08:50 The Multidimensional Nature of Life 12:07 The Relationship Between Humanity and the Divine 🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers. 🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Follow along with the commentary on John 1:1-18 written by Sarah Henrich at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/word-made-flesh-2/commentary-on-john-11-18-4. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/TX44imQ8T8s.

    13 min

  5. 11/17/2025

    Narrative Lectionary 646 (NL414): Ezekiel: The Valley of Dry Bones - December 07, 2025

    When everything feels dead and hope seems lost, can dry bones live again?  In this powerful episode for the Second Sunday of Advent, hosts Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester explore Ezekiel's stunning vision of the valley of dry bones—a message of hope for exiles who believed they were completely cut off from God. The conversation unpacks the rich Hebrew word "ruach" (spirit/breath/wind) that runs throughout Ezekiel 37, revealing how God promises to breathe new life into seemingly hopeless situations. Unlike Jeremiah who wrote from Jerusalem to the exiles, Ezekiel himself was living in exile, speaking directly into the despair of a displaced people whose city had been destroyed and who felt abandoned by God. This isn't just ancient history. Whether you're an individual feeling spiritually dried up, or part of a congregation that seems to have lost its vitality, this text speaks directly to that despair. As the hosts emphasize, the Israelites' lament—"our bones are dried up, our hope is lost, we are cut off completely"—represents the deepest kind of spiritual crisis. Yet God's response through Ezekiel is a vivid, visual promise: I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live. The discussion highlights how Advent functions as a season of holy waiting and exile, longing for home. Kathryn notes Michael Chan's powerful observation that "Ezekiel's audience lives life with an open wound," and that the journey to genuine hope begins with "a hard stare into the eyes of truth."  This isn't false optimism—it's hope grounded in the God of life who has the power to bring resurrection even from death-dealing situations. Whether you're preparing a sermon, teaching a Bible study, or seeking personal encouragement, this episode offers both scholarly insight and pastoral wisdom for one of Scripture's most memorable visions of hope. TIMECODES: 00:00 Advent Life and Exile 02:54 Ezekiel's Vision of Hope 05:52 The Power of God in Despair 09:00 Understanding Yahweh's Promise 11:07 Hope Amidst Exile 🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers. 🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Follow along with the commentary on Ezekiel 37:1-14 written by Michael J. Chan at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/ezekiel-valley-of-dry-bones/commentary-on-ezekiel-371-14-12. 📢 Follow us for updates: https://www.facebook.com/workingpreacher https://www.instagram.com/workingpreacher/ Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/1fjYO_GrPX8.

    12 min

  6. 10/27/2025

    Narrative Lectionary 645 (NL413): Daniel - The Fiery Furnace - November 30, 2025

    Join Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester as they explore Daniel 3:1 [2-7] 8-30 for the First Sunday of Advent (November 30, 2025). This episode kicks off the Advent season, a season of hope and reflection. It offers lessons from the Book of Daniel on exile, hope, martyrdom, and humor/satire as one way to exercise faithfulness in the face of authority.   TIMECODES: 00:00 Advent: A Season of Hope and Reflection 02:03 Living in Exile: Lessons from Daniel 06:03 Humor and Satire in Biblical Narratives 10:01 Faithfulness in the Face of Authority 13:01 Advent as a Call to Self-Reflection 14:12 Outro 🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers. 🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Follow along with the commentary on Daniel 3 written by Mark Hamilton at  https://workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/daniel-the-fiery-furnace/commentary-on-daniel-31-2-7-8-30-2.

    15 min

  7. 10/24/2025

    Narrative Lectionary 644 (NL412): Jeremiah's Letter to Exiles - November 23, 2025

    Join Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester as they explore Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14 for Christ the King Sunday (November 23, 2025). This powerful episode examines Jeremiah's shocking letter to the Babylonian exiles, where God calls His people not to resist, but to settle down, build homes, and seek the welfare of the very city that conquered them. The hosts unpack the jarring nature of Jeremiah's message—marry, have children, pray for Babylon—in contrast to the rage expressed in Psalm 137. They explore how this ancient text speaks to anyone finding themselves in an unexpected place or life circumstance, offering hope through one of Scripture's most famous promises: "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). This episode offers fresh perspective on exile, hope, and what it means to live faithfully in a mixed society while maintaining covenant relationship with God. Perfect preparation for Advent's themes of hope and waiting. TIMECODES: 00:00 Introduction to Exile and Hope 03:00 Jeremiah's Message to the Exiles 06:01 Reorientation in Exile 08:59 Hope and Future in Exile 🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers. 🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Follow along with the commentary on Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14 written by Michael J. Chan at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/jeremiahs-letter-to-exiles/commentary-on-jeremiah-291-4-14-6. 📢 Follow us for updates: https://www.facebook.com/workingpreacher https://www.instagram.com/workingpreacher/ Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/8OC47zmtgCQ. #narrativelectionary  #biblecommentary  #workingpreacher

    10 min

  8. 10/24/2025

    Narrative Lectionary 643 (NL411): Isaiah: A Child is Born - November 16, 2025

    Join Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester as they explore Isaiah 9 in this week's Narrative Lectionary podcast. Moving from the northern prophets to the southern kingdom, the hosts examine Isaiah's vision of hope and justice centered in Jerusalem. This familiar passage—"For unto us a child is born"—is often associated with Advent and Handel's Messiah, but what did it mean in its original context? The conversation unpacks Isaiah's prophecy during a time of Assyrian invasion, the connection to King Hezekiah's reign, and the enduring themes of justice (mishpat) and righteousness (tzedekah) that echo through the prophetic tradition. The hosts wrestle with the tension between Isaiah's vision of endless peace and our present reality of ongoing conflict. How do we hold both the promise of Christ's birth and the "not yet" fulfillment of complete peace? Discover how prophetic hope functions not as self-generated optimism, but as a shaft of light piercing the darkness—God's future breaking into our present and pulling us forward. This episode offers fresh perspective on a well-known text, connecting it to David's covenant, the broader prophetic witness, and the already-but-not-yet reality of God's kingdom. TIMECODES: 00:00 Introduction to Isaiah and Prophetic Themes 03:05 The Context of Isaiah's Message 05:58 The Dissonance of Promise and Reality 09:01 Hope Amidst Darkness 🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers. 🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/. Follow along with the commentary on Isaiah 9:1-7 written by Mark Hamilton at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/isaiah-a-child-is-born/commentary-on-isaiah-91-7-5. Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/NtEa6nfk0gE. #narrativelectionary  #biblecommentary  #workingpreacher

    11 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
    Working Preacher from Luther Seminary
  • Years Active
    2011 - 2025
  • Episodes
    675
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Working Preacher podcast episodes are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License.
  • Show Website
    Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary

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