Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher
Sermon Brainwave from Working Preacher is a weekly conversation on upcoming Revised Common Lectionary readings. The conversations feature Luther Seminary faculty and are fun, informative, and creative. They aim to spark your own sermon brainwave.
Episodes
Sermon Brainwave 1093: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost - July 19, 2026
Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders tackle Matthew's parable of the wheat and the weeds and its unsettling questions about judgment and impostors in the community of faith. They turn to Isaiah 44's witness against idols, Jacob's dream at Bethel and God's promise to migrants, Psalm 86's memorable use of the word "ruffians," and Paul's rare focus on creation's groaning for redemption in R
Sermon Brainwave 1094: Ninth Sunday after Pentecost - July 26, 2026
Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner unpack the lectionary texts for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost. They dig into the parables of the mustard seed, the yeast, the hidden treasure, the pearl, and the dragnet from Matthew 13. The hosts explore why Jesus chose strange, subversive images to describe the kingdom of heaven. They discuss the woman who hides yeast in an enormous amount of flo
Sermon Brainwave 1092: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost - July 12, 2026
Titles matter. So does the soil. On this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Matt Skinner, Caroline Lewis, and Cody Sanders dig into the texts for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (July 12, 2026).The team wrestles with Matthew's Parable of the Sower and asks what it really means to "bear fruit." Is it congregational growth? Spiritual maturity? Something else entirely? Cody points out the parable's stra
Sermon Brainwave 1091: Sixth Sunday after Pentecost - July 5, 2026
What does it mean to come to Jesus weary and burdened? In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Karoline Lewis, Cody Sanders, and Matt Skinner dig into a rich set of texts for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A. The conversation centers on Matthew 11:28–30 and the promise of rest — but not the kind that soothes middle-class stress. These are beatitude people, crushed under systemic w
Sermon Brainwave 1089: Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - June 21, 2026
What does it mean to take up the cross in a world that rewards safety and silence? Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders dig into the lectionary texts for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (June 22, 2026), exploring the missionary discourse in Matthew 10, the prophet Jeremiah's anguished vocation, the casting out of Hagar and Ishmael in Genesis 21, Psalm 69's theology of complaint, and th
Sermon Brainwave 1090: Fifth Sunday after Pentecost - June 28, 2026
What does it mean to truly welcome someone? In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders dig into a compact but dense set of texts for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (June 28). The gospel reading — just three verses from Matthew 10 — uses the word "welcome" six times and raises big questions about hospitality, belonging, and who the "little ones" really are
Sermon Brainwave 1088: Third Sunday after Pentecost - June 14, 2026
What does it mean to be sent? In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner dig into the lectionary texts for the Third Sunday after Pentecost: Matthew 9:35–10:8, Exodus 19:2–8a, Romans 5:1–8, and Psalm 100 (with the alternate first reading from Genesis 18:1–15 also in view).The conversation moves from Jesus's missionary discourse in Matthew and what it means
Sermon Brainwave 1087: Second Sunday after Pentecost - June 7, 2026
What does it mean to faith your way toward healing? On this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Karoline Lewis, Cody Sanders, and Matt Skinner dig into the lectionary texts for the Second Sunday after Pentecost (June 7, 2026): Matthew 9:9–13, 18–26; Hosea 5:15–6:6; Genesis 12:1–9; Psalm 50:7–15; and Romans 4:13–25.The conversation moves from the unlikely calling of Matthew the tax collector to the woman
Sermon Brainwave 1086: Holy Trinity - May 31, 2026
Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders dig into one of the most theologically demanding Sundays of the church year.The lectionary texts span Genesis 1:1–2:4a, Psalm 8, 2 Corinthians 13:11–13, and Matthew 28:16–20. The hosts explore what it means to preach a doctrine that Scripture imprints rather than spells out, and why the Trinitarian formula in the Great Commission sends disciples not a
Sermon Brainwave 1085: Day of Pentecost - May 24, 2026
The Day of Pentecost offers preachers more than one path in. Matt, Karoline, and Cody explore all four lectionary texts for this week and find each one illuminating a different dimension of the Spirit's work.John 20 gets special attention: instead of the dramatic rush of wind and fire in Acts, the risen Jesus enters a room of grieving, frightened disciples and breathes the Spirit into them at clos
Sermon Brainwave 1084: Seventh Sunday of Easter - May 17, 2026
What does "eternal life" actually mean? In this episode, Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders dig into the texts for the Seventh Sunday of Easter (May 17, 2026): Acts 1:6–14, Psalm 68:1–10, 32–35, 1 Peter 4:12–14 and 5:6–11, and John 17:1–11.The conversation opens with a close look at the High Priestly Prayer in John 17 and a reframe of eternal life as a quality of relationship with God
Sermon Brainwave 1083: Sixth Sunday of Easter - May 10, 2026
What does it mean to abide in love when Jesus is leaving? On this Sixth Sunday of Easter, Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders explore the farewell discourse in John 14:15-21, where Jesus promises the Advocate — the Paraclete — and calls his disciples into an active, world-directed form of love. The hosts trace what "keeping the commandments" really means in John's Gospel, connect the Pa
Sermon Brainwave 1082: Fifth Sunday of Easter - May 3, 2026
What does Jesus actually mean when he says "I am the way, the truth, and the life"? And what about those troubling words: "no one comes to the Father except through me"?In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner explore the Fifth Sunday of Easter texts: John 14:1–14, Acts 7:55–60, Psalm 31, and 1 Peter 2:1–10. Together, they unpack the farewell discourse as
Sermon Brainwave 1081: Fourth Sunday of Easter - April 26, 2026
The Fourth Sunday of Easter is Good Shepherd Sunday, but in Year A, the primary image isn't the shepherd. It's the door. In John 10:1–10, Jesus describes himself as the gate that protects the vulnerable and invites the imperiled into safety. Hosts Karoline Lewis, Cody Sanders, and Matt Skinner explore what that image means for preaching today: Who are the thieves and bandits? What does it look lik
Sermon Brainwave 1080: Third Sunday of Easter - April 19, 2026
What does it mean to recognize the risen Christ? And why is resurrection faith never automatic? In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders dig into the Third Sunday of Easter texts: the Emmaus road story in Luke 24, Peter's Pentecost sermon in Acts 2, Psalm 116, and 1 Peter 1.The disciples on the road to Emmaus don't recognize Jesus, and the hos
Sermon Brainwave 1078: Resurrection of Our Lord - April 5, 2026
In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, hosts Karoline Lewis, Cody Sanders, and Matt Skinner dig into the lectionary texts for Easter Sunday and explore what it means to preach resurrection to a congregation carrying both fear and joy.
Sermon Brainwave 1077: Good Friday - April 3, 2026
Good Friday arrives with some of the heaviest texts of the liturgical year — and Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Cody Sanders are here to help you preach them well.This episode covers all four lectionary readings for Good Friday (April 2, 2026): Isaiah 52:13–53:12, Psalm 22, Hebrews 10:16–25, and John 18–19. The hosts explore where preachers might "drop into" the long Johannine passion narrative
Sermon Brainwave 1076: Maundy Thursday - April 2, 2026
Love, Feet, and the Table.What if Maundy Thursday isn't just somber — but also joyful? In this episode, Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner explore the rich intimacy of John 13 and its foot washing scene, unpacking why embodiment matters in preaching, how Judas's betrayal is really an act of walking away from intimacy, and why the farewell discourse (chapters 14–17) is essential context
Sermon Brainwave 1075: Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday) - March 29, 2026
"The Passion story is a story about us."This episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast explores the significance of Palm Sunday and Passion narratives, emphasizing the earth's role in biblical stories, the political and theological implications of Jesus' trial, and how these texts challenge our understanding of power, trust, and God's presence.
Sermon Brainwave 1074: Fifth Sunday in Lent - March 22, 2026
The Intersection of Grief and Faith.In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, hosts Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Cody Sanders discuss the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, focusing on the raising of Lazarus from the dead, the complexities of grief, and the interplay between the divine and human aspects of Jesus. They explore how these themes relate to the community's understanding of resurrec
Sermon Brainwave 1073: Fourth Sunday in Lent - March 15, 2026
In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Cody Sanders discuss the readings for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, focusing on the Gospel of John 9:1-41, Psalm 23, and Ephesians 5:8-14. They explore themes of healing, disability, community, and the role of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The conversation delves into the implications of the blind man's healing, the significance of
Sermon Brainwave 1072: Third Sunday in Lent - March 8, 2026
This conversation between hosts Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Cody Sanders for the Sermon Brainwave podcast delves into the readings for the third Sunday in Lent, focusing on John 4:1-42, Exodus 17, and Psalm 95. The discussion highlights the significance of the woman at the well as a model of evangelism, the role of the disciples, and the importance of the incarnation. It also connects the th
Sermon Brainwave 1071: Second Sunday in Lent - March 1, 2026
In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, hosts Cody Sanders, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner delve into the readings for the Second Sunday in Lent, focusing on the Gospel of John, particularly the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus. The conversation highlights the complexities of faith, the nature of understanding Jesus' teachings, and the significance of personal journeys in faith. Cody shares hi
Sermon Brainwave 1070: First Sunday in Lent - February 22, 2026
Sermon Brainwave dives into the First Sunday in Lent exploring Jesus' testing in the wilderness from Matthew 4:1-11. Hosts Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and new co-host Cody Sanders examine what this familiar text reveals about power, identity, and God's empire versus earthly empire. The conversation moves through wilderness, temple, and mountain—locations that speak to where we expect to find God
Sermon Brainwave 1069: Ash Wednesday - February 18, 2026
Sermon Brainwave Episode 1069: Ash Wednesday — Practicing Righteousness in Times of CrisisJoin hosts Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and new co-host Cody Sanders for this Ash Wednesday podcast as they explore the lectionary readings for February 18, 2026. This episode introduces Cody Sanders, Associate Professor of Congregational and Community Care Leadership at Luther Seminary, who brings a Baptist
Sermon Brainwave 1068: Transfiguration of Our Lord - February 15, 2026
In this Sermon Brainwave episode, hosts Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner explore the Transfiguration of Jesus from Matthew 17:1-9 for Transfiguration Sunday (February 15, 2026). The team examines how this pivotal moment bridges the season of Epiphany and the journey into Lent, highlighting God's voice declaring "This is my son, the beloved" and the crucial addition: "listen to him."
Sermon Brainwave 1067: Fifth Sunday after Epiphany - February 8, 2026
Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Matt Skinner, and Karoline Lewis as they explore the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany lectionary readings for February 8, 2026. This episode dives into Matthew 5:13-20, where Jesus declares "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world" - not as invitations, but as statements of fact about Christian identity.The hosts unpack what these metaphors meant in
Sermon Brainwave 1066: Fourth Sunday after Epiphany - February 1, 2026
Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for an exploration of the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany lectionary texts. This episode unpacks the Beatitudes as Jesus' mission statement and inaugural address, revealing where God's kingdom breaks into the world.The hosts discuss how Matthew's Beatitudes function as Jesus' announcement of the people he will be found with—those the world overlook
Sermon Brainwave 1065: Third Sunday after Epiphany - January 25, 2026
Join hosts Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for Sermon Brainwave as they explore the readings for the Third Sunday after Epiphany (January 25, 2026).
Sermon Brainwave 1064: Second Sunday after Epiphany - January 18, 2026
Join hosts Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for Sermon Brainwave as they explore the readings for the Second Sunday after Epiphany (January 18, 2026). This episode examines how John the Baptist serves as the primary witness to Jesus' identity in John's Gospel, highlighting the importance of testimony and discipleship.The hosts dive deep into John 1:29-42, examining how John the Bapt
Sermon Brainwave 1063: Baptism of Our Lord - January 11, 2026
Join Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the lectionary texts for the Baptism of Our Lord (January 11, 2026), diving deep into what makes this pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry more than just a baptismal event.The hosts examine why this Sunday marks the beginning of Epiphany rather than simply a theology of baptism. Jesus undergoes John's baptism of repentance—not Chris
Sermon Brainwave 1062: Epiphany of Our Lord - January 06, 2025
Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner as they explore the profound themes of divine guidance, resistance, and illumination in the story of the Magi for the Day of Epiphany, January 6th. This episode unpacks how the Magi's journey represents not just a physical pilgrimage but a theological model for following God's leading—even when it requires non-compliance with earthly power
Sermon Brainwave 1061: Second Sunday of Christmas - January 04, 2025
Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for the Second Sunday of Christmas on January 4, 2025⏰Timecodes⏰00:00 Introduction to the Second Sunday of Christmas01:30 Exploring the Texts: John 1 and Its Significance05:33 The Nature of God: Intimacy and Relationality in Jesus08:35 The Incarnation: Understanding Flesh and Humanity12:20 Cosmic Implications: Ephesians and the Scope of Ch
Sermon Brainwave 1060: First Sunday of Christmas - December 28, 2025
Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the lectionary readings for the First Sunday of Christmas on December 28, 2025.
Sermon Brainwave 1059: Christmas Day (III) - December 25, 2025
Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the lectionary readings for Christmas Day (Proper III), Year A.
Sermon Brainwave 1058: Christmas Eve: Nativity of Our Lord - December 24, 2025
Join Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for Christmas Eve: Nativity of Our Lord on December 24, 2025.
Sermon Brainwave 1057: Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 21, 2025
Join Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for the Fourth Sunday of Advent on December 21, 2025.
Sermon Brainwave 1056: Third Sunday of Advent - December 14, 2025
Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for this Third Sunday of Advent episode as they explore John the Baptist's profound question from prison: "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" (Matthew 11:2-11)The hosts examine John's struggle with doubt and disappointment while imprisoned by Herod Antipas, offering a deeply human perspective on faith when real
Sermon Brainwave 1055: Second Sunday of Advent (Year A) - December 07, 2025
Join Profs. Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the lectionary readings for the Second Sunday of Advent, Year A, featuring John the Baptist's prophetic ministry and Isaiah's vision of the peaceable kingdom.In this episode, the hosts examine John the Baptist's dramatic appearance in Matthew's gospel, styled after Elijah as the forerunner to the Messiah. They discuss why
Sermon Brainwave 1054: First Sunday of Advent (Year A) - November 30, 2025
Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for the Sermon Brainwave podcast as they explore the texts for the First Sunday of Advent, Year A. This episode kicks off the new church year with a deep dive into themes of watchfulness, waiting, and Christ's coming in history, mystery, and majesty. In this episode, the hosts discuss: * Isaiah 2:1-5 and the vision of peace among nations * Psalm
Sermon Brainwave 1053: Christ the King - November 23, 2025
Join Rolf Jacobson, Caroline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for Sermon Brainwave as they explore the texts for Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sunday (November 23, 2025) - the final Sunday of the church year and Year C. In this episode, the hosts dive deep into what it means for Jesus to be called "king" and how we understand Christ's reign in a world unfamiliar with monarchies. They examine the Gospel r
Sermon Brainwave 1052: Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost - November 16, 2025
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,
Sermon Brainwave 1051: Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost - November 9, 2025
Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they explore the lectionary texts for the Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost (November 9, 2025). This episode dives deep into Luke 20:27-38, where the Sadducees challenge Jesus with a seemingly absurd question about resurrection and marriage. Is there such a thing as a stupid question? The hosts discuss what it means to live without fear of
Sermon Brainwave 1050: All Saints Sunday (Year C) - November 2, 2025
Join Karoline Lewis, Rolf Jacobson, and Matt Skinner for Sermon Brainwave as they explore the texts for All Saints Sunday (Year C). In this episode, the hosts dive deep into Luke 6:20-31 (the Beatitudes and Woes), Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Psalm 149, and Ephesians 1:11-23. The conversation examines Luke's unique "Sermon on the Plain" where Jesus comes down to be with the people, addressing them directl
Sermon Brainwave 1049: Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost - November 2, 2025
Join Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner as they explore the powerful story of Zacchaeus and discuss the Revised Common Lectionary texts for the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost. In this episode, the hosts dive deep into Luke 19:1-10, wrestling with a critical translation question in verse 8: Is Zacchaeus announcing a conversion, or revealing his existing practices? This inte
Sermon Brainwave 1048: Reformation Sunday - October 26, 2025
Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson for another insightful episode of Sermon Brainwave as they explore the texts for Reformation Sunday (October 26, 2025). This episode dives deep into the themes of freedom, truth, and God's covenant faithfulness through the lens of Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 46, Romans 3:19-28, and John 8:31-36. The hosts discuss the complex theological debates in
Sermon Brainwave 1047: Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost - October 26, 2025
Join Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for another engaging episode of Sermon Brainwave as they dive deep into the lectionary texts for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost (October 26, 2025). In this thought-provoking discussion, the hosts wrestle with Luke's parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, exploring the complexities that make this story both challenging and rewarding for
Sermon Brainwave 1046: Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost - October 19, 2025
Join Karoline Lewis, Rolf Jacobson, and Matt Skinner for this episode of Sermon Brainwave as they explore the lectionary readings for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost (October 19, 2025). The conversation gets particularly rich around themes of persistence in prayer, wrestling with God and Scripture, and what discipleship really looks like in Luke's gospel. The hosts offer practical homiletical dire
Sermon Brainwave 1045: Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost - October 12, 2025
Welcome to Sermon Brainwave! Join hosts Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they dive deep into the lectionary readings for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (October 12th, 2025). In this episode, we explore the powerful theme of unexpected faith through the story of Jesus healing ten men with a skin disease in Luke 17:11-19, where a Samaritan becomes the unlikely exemplar of gr
Sermon Brainwave 1044: Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost - October 5, 2025
Join hosts Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for another engaging episode of Sermon Brainwave as they tackle the challenging texts for October 5th, 2025. In this episode, the hosts dive deep into Luke 17:5-10, exploring the disciples' request to "increase our faith" and Jesus' puzzling response about mustard seeds and mulberry trees. They grapple with the difficult connection between
Sermon Brainwave 1043: Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 28, 2025
Join Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson for Sermon Brainwave as they dive deep into the lectionary readings for the 16th Sunday After Pentecost (September 28, 2025). In this thought-provoking episode, the hosts explore the parable of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16:19-31, examining themes of wealth, justice, and what it truly takes for someone to repent. They discuss how this ch
Sermon Brainwave 1042: Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 21, 2025
Join Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for another insightful episode of Sermon Brainwave as they dive deep into the challenging lectionary readings for September 21st, 2025. This week's discussion tackles some of the most complex biblical texts around wealth, justice, and faithful living. Our hosts offer practical preaching insights while acknowledging the complexity of these texts,
Sermon Brainwave 1041: Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 14, 2025
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
Sermon Brainwave 1040: Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost - September 07, 2025
Join Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson as they dive deep into the challenging texts for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost (September 7, 2025). This Rally Sunday episode tackles some of the most difficult discipleship passages in Scripture, including Jesus' radical call to "hate" family in Luke 14:25-33 and the powerful "choose life" message from Deuteronomy 30. The hosts explore what i
Sermon Brainwave 1039: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost - August 31, 2025
In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the readings for August 31st, 2025. They focus on themes of inclusivity in church communities, the social dynamics of Jesus' teachings, and the implications of Jeremiah's messages. They explore how meals serve as a metaphor for community, the importance of hospitality, and the theological insights from Psa
Sermon Brainwave 1038: Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost - August 24, 2025
Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson on Sermon Brainwave as they explore the readings for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost (August 24, 2025). This episode dives deep into Luke 13:10-17, the powerful story of Jesus healing a woman with a crooked back on the Sabbath - a healing that's really about liberation and freedom. The hosts unpack the unique aspects of this healing story, inclu
Sermon Brainwave 1037: Tenth Sunday after Pentecost - August 17, 2025
Join Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson as they dive deep into the lectionary readings for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost (August 17, 2025). In this episode, they explore the challenging theme of division that Jesus brings, not as his goal, but as an inevitable result of following his way. Our hosts unpack Luke 12:49-56, where Jesus speaks of bringing fire rather than peace, and disc
Sermon Brainwave 1036: Ninth Sunday after Pentecost - August 10, 2025
Join Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner for another episode of Sermon to Brainwave as they dive deep into the lectionary texts for August 10th, 2025. In this episode, our hosts explore the rich connections between Genesis 15:1-6 (Abraham's covenant and the promise to count the stars), Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 (God's call for justice over empty worship), Psalm 33:12-22, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 (
Sermon Brainwave 1035: Eighth Sunday after Pentecost - August 3, 2025
The Rich Fool, Ecclesiastes, and Finding True Wealth. Join Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson as they dive deep into the challenging texts for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (August 3rd, 2025). This episode explores Luke's parable of the rich fool, examining what this wealthy man actually did wrong and why Jesus calls him "fool" rather than "sinner." The hosts tackle tough question
#1034: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost - July 27, 2025
Join Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson as they delve into the multifaceted nature of prayer, exploring its significance, the role of trust, and the importance of teaching prayer within the Christian faith. Together, they discuss various biblical texts, their interpretations, and how they relate to contemporary spirituality and church practices. They emphasize the need for a de
Sermon Brainwave 1033: Sixth Sunday after Pentecost - July 20, 2025
In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the readings for July 20th, 2025, focusing on the themes of discipleship, hospitality, humor, judgment, and the sufficiency of Christ. They explore the story of Martha and Mary, the significance of hospitality in ancient culture, the humor in Genesis 18, the prophetic messages in Amos, a
#1032: Fifth Sunday after Pentecost - July 13, 2025
In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the biblical texts for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, focusing on the Good Samaritan parable, the themes of neighbor love, compassion, and the connections to Deuteronomy and Amos. They explore the implications of these texts for understanding discipleship and the nature of God's comma
Sermon Brainwave 1031: Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - July 06, 2025
Join Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson as they dive deep into the lectionary texts for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (July 6, 2025). This episode explores the fascinating dynamics of Jesus sending out the seventy disciples in Luke 10, where traditional concepts of hospitality get flipped upside down. The hosts bring their trademark blend of scholarly insight, practical preaching
#1030: Third Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 13C) - June 29, 2025
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Sermon Brainwave! This week, our hosts Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the readings for the third Sunday after Pentecost, focusing on the Gospel of Luke and its themes of discipleship, urgency, and the cost of following Jesus. They explore the significance of Elisha's inheritance and leadership, the prayerful reflections in P
#1029: Second Sunday after Pentecost (Ord. 12C) - June 22, 2025
In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, hosts Matt Skinner, Karoline Lewis, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the lectionary texts for the second Sunday after Pentecost, focusing on the Gospel of Luke, the Old Testament readings from Isaiah and First Kings, and the epistle from Galatians. They explore themes of identity, transformation, and the implications of Jesus' ministry, particularly in relation to th
#1028: Holy Trinity - June 15, 2025
What if the Trinity isn't about doctrine but about God's desire to be known? Join Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson live from the Festival of Homiletics 2025 in Atlanta as they unpack the lectionary texts for Holy Trinity Sunday (June 15, 2025). From Proverbs to Psalm 8 to Romans and John, they explore how the Trinity makes God visible in wisdom, creation, and love—not as an explanat
#1027: Day of Pentecost - June 08, 2025
In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the readings for Pentecost, focusing on Acts 2, Genesis 11, and the implications of the Holy Spirit's presence. They explore themes of diversity, inclusion, and the transformative power of the Spirit in the early church, as well as the significance of the Paraclete in John 14 and the ass
#1026: Seventh Sunday of Easter - June 01, 2025
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Sermon Brainwave! This week, our hosts Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the texts for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, focusing on John 17's Priestly Prayer, the significance of glory in John's Gospel, and the challenges faced by Paul in Acts 16. They explore the story of the enslaved girl, the power of prayer and praise in advers
Sermon Brainwave 1025: Ascension of Our Lord - May 29, 2025
In this enlightening episode of Sermon Brainwave, hosts Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson delve into the theological significance of the Ascension of Our Lord, which falls on May 29, 2025. The conversation explores why this often-overlooked feast day is crucial for understanding Jesus' ongoing authority and presence in the world today. The hosts discuss how the Ascension serves as th
#1024: Sixth Sunday of Easter - May 25, 2025
In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter, focusing on the Farewell Discourse in John, the role of the Holy Spirit, the call to Macedonia in Acts, and the significance of Lydia as a key figure in the early church. They also explore the imagery in Revelation 21, emphasizing the communal
#1023: Fifth Sunday of Easter - May 18, 2025
In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson discuss the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, focusing on love, community, and the significance of the Farewell Discourse in the Gospel of John. They explore how Jesus' command to love one another is foundational for discipleship and how this love is to be embodied within the community.
Sermon Brainwave 1022: Fourth Sunday of Easter - May 11, 2025
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Sermon Brainwave! This week, our hosts Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson dive deep into the lectionary texts for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (May 11, 2025)—including John 10:22-30, Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23, and Revelation 7:9-17—with a special focus on Good Shepherd Sunday. We've all heard the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, but what
Sermon Brainwave 1021: Third Sunday of Easter - May 4, 2025
In this episode of the Sermon Brainwave podcast, Profs. Karoline Lewis, Matt Skinner, and Rolf Jacobson explore the themes of resurrection, discipleship, and transformation as illustrated in the readings from John 21, Acts 9, Psalm 30, and Revelation 5. They discuss the significance of Jesus' resurrection appearances, the call to discipleship, the symbolism of feeding and shepherding, and the tra
#1020: Second Sunday of Easter - April 27, 2025
What happens when the risen Jesus walks through locked doors and says, "Peace be with you"? In this episode of Sermon Brainwave, join Matt Skinner, Rolf Jacobson, and Karoline Lewis as they dig into John 20:19–31, Acts 5:27–32, Revelation 1:4–8, and Psalm 150 to explore what Easter really means for our faith, our doubts, and our witness. ✨ Whether you're preaching, teaching, or just spiritually cu
Sermon Brainwave 1019: Resurrection of Our Lord - April 20, 2025
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
#1018: Good Friday - April 18, 2025
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
#1017: Maundy Thursday - April 17, 2025
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
#1016: Sunday of the Passion (Palm Sunday) - April 13, 2025
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
#1015: Fifth Sunday in Lent (Year C) - April 6, 2025
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
#1014: Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year C) - March 30, 2025
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
