Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for another insightful episode of Sermon Brainwave as they dive deep into the lectionary texts for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost (September 14, 2025).
In this episode, the hosts explore the powerful contrast between grumbling and joy found in Luke 15:1-10, where Jesus tells the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin. They discuss how these stories reveal God's character as one who celebrates finding the lost, and examine why the Pharisees and scribes struggled with Jesus's radical inclusivity at the table.
The conversation also covers Exodus 32:7-14, exploring the golden calf incident as a paradigmatic story of idolatry and God's faithfulness to the covenant despite human unfaithfulness. They touch on the challenging passage from Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, examining themes of judgment and restoration.
The hosts provide practical preaching insights on Psalm 51:1-10 as a confession text and discuss 1 Timothy 1:12-17, highlighting how Paul's story serves as a tableau of God's mercy and transformation.
Commentaries for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-24-3/commentary-on-luke-151-10-6.
⏰Timecodes⏰
00:00 Introduction to the 14th Sunday after Pentecost
00:58 Grumbling vs. Joy: A Theological Contrast
03:19 The Parables of the Lost: Context and Meaning
09:35 Idolatry and Divine Fidelity in Exodus
12:49 Jeremiah: The Weeping Prophet and National Consequences
17:19 Psalm 51: A Call to Repentance
20:15 Paul's Legacy: Mercy and Transformation
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Reminder: We have commentaries for the Revised Common Lectionary, the Narrative Lectionary, and Evangelio (Spanish-language Gospel). We're here for you, working preachers!
ABOUT SERMON BRAINWAVE:
Sermon Brainwave is a production of Luther Seminary's Working Preacher, which has been providing trusted biblical interpretation and preaching inspiration since 2007. Subscribe for weekly episodes and visit workingpreacher.org for additional preaching resources.
Find more episodes and resources by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/.
Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/EH9NlVl2CvY.
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