Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Rolf Jacobson, and Matt Skinner for Sermon Brainwave as they explore the texts for the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost (November 16, 2025). This episode dives into Luke 21:5-19, focusing on Jesus's apocalyptic speech about the destruction of the temple and the call to bear witness through endurance.
The hosts discuss what it means to testify in times of difficulty, how endurance is not just about getting through hard times but about embodying witness to God's provision. They explore connections between vulnerability and the desire for security, Luther's theology of vocation, and the ecological dimensions of Psalm 98. The conversation also tackles the challenging passage from 2 Thessalonians about work and busybodies, reframing Christian witness as living faithfully in everyday vocations.
This episode offers practical preaching insights for the end of the liturgical year, emphasizing testimony, endurance, and faithful witness in a world of upheaval.
Commentaries for the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost can be found on the Working Preacher website at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-33-3/commentary-on-luke-215-19-6.
⏰Timecodes⏰
00:00 Introduction to the Texts for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
02:52 Exploring the Apocalyptic Themes in Luke 21
06:00 Endurance and Witness in Times of Persecution
08:58 The Role of Hope and God's Provision
11:51 Connecting Malachi and Isaiah's Messages
14:57 The Joyful Anticipation of New Creation
18:08 Understanding 2 Thessalonians and Christian Living
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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.
Find more episodes and resources by visiting https://www.workingpreacher.org/.
Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/8JdZ_9BnpY0.
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