Narrative Lectionary 602 (NL315): Spirit of the Lord upon Me - December 15, 2024
Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary
Release Date: 12/03/2024
#626 (NL340): Stephen's Witness - May 4, 2025
Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary
Welcome to I Love to Tell the Story, a podcast on the Narrative Lectionary from Luther Seminary’s Working Preacher. In this episode, Professors Rolf Jacobson, Jennifer Pietz, and Lois Malcolm explore the powerful and provocative story of Stephen from Acts 6 and 7. 🎧 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: Follow along with the commentary on Luke 24:1-12 written by Katherine A. Shaner at . Watch this episode on YouTube at .
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#625 (NL339): Emmaus Road - April 27, 2025
Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary
What happens when the risen Jesus walks with you, but you don’t recognize him? And how does scripture set our hearts on fire even before we break the bread? In this episode of I Love to Tell a Story, Rolf Jacobson, Lois Malcolm, and Jennifer Pietz unpack the rich theological and pastoral layers of the Emmaus Road story. As the disciples journey away from Jerusalem in disillusionment, they encounter a stranger who reveals scripture in a new light—rekindling faith, reframing expectations, and reigniting hope. The conversation touches on how disappointment and grief shape our faith journeys,...
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Narrative Lectionary 624 (NL338): Resurrection - April 20, 2025
Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary
In this episode, Professors Rolf Jacobson, Jennifer Pietz, and Lois Malcolm explore the powerful resurrection narrative in Luke 24, focusing on the role of women as the first witnesses to the empty tomb. 💬 What does it mean to "remember" Jesus' words? 🕊️ How does the Holy Spirit empower believers in the wake of the resurrection? 🌿 What does it look like to live as people of new life and forgiveness? The conversation unpacks the angelic question, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”, and its deep theological implications. The hosts reflect on how the remembrance of...
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#623 (NL337): Crucifixion - April 18, 2025
Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary
In this episode, Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Jennifer Pietz, and Lois Malcolm deeply dive into Luke 23:32-47, exploring the powerful and poignant account of Jesus' crucifixion. They discuss the trial, execution, and profound imagery of Jesus’ suffering, emphasizing his innocence and the significance of his final words in Luke compared to other gospels. ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 The Context of Jesus's Crucifixion 02:26 The Innocent Sufferer: A Deep Dive into Luke's Narrative 05:02 Contrasting Last Words: Trust vs. Abandonment 07:26 Forgiveness and Understanding in Suffering 07:36 Outro 🎧 Listen now...
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#622 (NL336): Last Supper - April 17, 2025
Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary
What really happened at the Last Supper? In this episode, Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Jennifer Pietz, and Lois Malcolm unpack Luke’s account of this pivotal moment, exploring: - The role of Satan in influencing Judas’ betrayal - Jesus’ radical servant leadership and its challenge to worldly power - The human weakness and ambition at play among the disciples - The establishment of the new covenant through Christ’s sacrifice Follow along with the commentary on Luke 22:1-27 by contributing author Karl Kuhn, found at . ⏰Timecodes⏰ 00:00 Introduction to the Narrative Lectionary Podcast 00:52...
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Narrative Lectionary 621 (NL335): Triumphal Entry - April 13, 2025
Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary
Join Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Jennifer Pietz, and Alan Padgett as they discuss Luke 19:29-44 for April 13, 2025. In this episode, our theological experts explore Jesus' arrival at Jerusalem—his "triumphal entry" riding on a donkey—and his heartfelt lament over the city. The conversation highlights how Luke's narrative fulfills the Messianic promises from earlier in the gospel, with Jesus explicitly declared as "king" through the adaptation of Psalm 118:26. The hosts reflect on what kind of king Jesus reveals himself to be—not one who seeks political or military power, but one who weeps over...
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Narrative Lectionary 620 (NL334): Zacchaeus - April 6, 2025
Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary
Who truly sees Jesus? In this episode of the Narrative Lectionary Podcast from Working Preacher, Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Alan Padgett, and Jennifer Pietz unpack Luke 18:31–19:10, exploring the powerful stories of Zacchaeus and the blind man. As Jesus journeys toward Jerusalem, he encounters a blind man seeking sight and a tax collector seeking transformation. These encounters reveal a radical message of salvation, repentance, and inclusion, reminding us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Commentary on Luke 18:31-19:10 is forthcoming. Check back at . 🔗 Find more episodes and...
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Narrative Lectionary 619 (NL333): Rich Man and Lazarus - March 30, 2025
Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary
Is your wealth a blessing or a barrier? In this episode, Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Alan Padgett, and Jennifer Pietz dive deep into Luke 16:19-31—the rich man and Lazarus parable. What does Jesus' story reveal about judgment, compassion, and discipleship? Are we using our resources to help others, or have we allowed wealth to become an idol? Join us as we unpack Christian communities' responsibility to care for the marginalized and work together to address poverty. This parable is more than just a warning—it’s a call to action for all of us. 🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your...
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Narrative Lectionary 618 (NL332): Lost Sheep, Coin, Son - March 23, 2025
Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary
In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Alan Padgett, and Jennifer Pietz dive into the powerful parables of Luke 15, exploring the Prodigal Son and the profound themes of divine love, grace, and community. Why does Jesus tell these stories together? What do they reveal about repentance, inclusion, and the heart of God? Join us as we unpack the tensions between sinners and Pharisees, the joy of redemption, and the often-overlooked perspective of the older brother. Follow along with the commentary on Luke 15:1-32 by contributing author Angela Dienhart Hancock, found at...
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Narrative Lectionary 617 (NL331): Lament over Jerusalem - March 16, 2025
Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary
In this episode of I Love to Tell the Story, Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Alan Padgett, and Jennifer Pietz dive into Jesus’ teachings on suffering, repentance, and the powerful symbolism of the barren fig tree. As Jesus journeys to Jerusalem, he calls his followers to respond to God’s grace with urgency. What does this mean for us today? How do we make sense of tragic events, and what does true repentance look like in our lives and ministries? Join us as we explore the deeper meaning of this passage and its impact on preaching and discipleship. Follow along with the commentary on Luke 13:1-9,...
info_outlineDiscover the Promise of Advent: Isaiah 61 and the Spirit of Hope
In episode 602 of I Love to Tell the Story: A Podcast on the Narrative Lectionary, hosts Joy J. Moore, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Rolf Jacobson dive into the readings for the third Sunday of Advent. Together, they unpack the rich themes in Isaiah 61, exploring its powerful message of healing, restoration, and the transformative promise of the Messiah.
Listen as the hosts illuminate the historical and spiritual context of this passage, revealing how it proclaims good news to the oppressed and joy to the weary. With its focus on the Spirit of the Lord and the enduring hope of Advent, this conversation invites listeners to embrace the season's promise of renewal and God's faithfulness.
Tune in, be inspired, and subscribe for weekly insights into the Bible’s story of redemption and grace.
Commentary on Isaiah 61:1-11 by Christopher B. Hays: https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/spirit-of-the-lord-upon-me-2/commentary-on-isaiah-611-11-5.
Overview to Year 3 of the Narrative Lectionary: https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/introduction-to-year-3-2/47470.
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Watch the Full Episode on https://youtu.be/Fcb7kTHdOX0.