By the Well: Recent Episodes
Fran Barber & Robyn Whitaker
A weekly podcast where a Biblical scholar and a Minister explore one of the lectionary texts to equip preachers to proclaim the Word.
Robyn is joined by Rev. Alistair Macrae to discuss Psalm 125, James 2:1-7, and Mark 7:24-37. We talk about favouritism, racism, and how the gospel compels us to act across boundaries.
We mention Garry Deverell's book Gondwana Theology.
In this episode Sean talks with Sandy about readings from the Song of Songs 2:8–13; Mark 7:1–5, 14–15, 21–23; and James 1:17–27. They talk about the spring time imagery in the Song's celebration of love, about Jesus' teaching on purity and defilement, and the practical wisdom of James.
The Bible Studies prepared for the 2022 Synod of the Uniting Church in Victoria and Tasmania on the theme 'Arise and Come With Me' can be found in .pdf form with study / reflection questions here.
Kyie and Fran discuss 1 Kings 8: (1, 6, 10-11), 22-30; 41-43; Psalm 84; Ephesians 6:10-20
We mention a video about the Solomon's Temple Construction;
an article by Walter Brueggemann in Sojourners
and Martin Wright's book The Dividing Wall: Ephesians and the Integrity of the Corpus Paulinum
Howard and Fran discuss 1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14; Psalm 111 and Ephesians 5:15-20
We refer to Sally Douglas' latest book Jesus Sophia: Returning to Woman Wisdom in the Bible, Practice and Prayer
Howard refers to Sally Brown's comments in her essay on the Working Preacher site
Kylie welcomes two scholars of the Gospel and Letters of John, Catrin Williams (University of Wales Trinity St David, UK) and Alicia Myers (Campbell University Divinity School, US) to discuss John 6, and especially 6.35, 41–51. Delve into this episode for some framing for these five weeks on John 6, as well as the passage for this week. See also Alicia's contributions to working preacher on John 6.1–21 and John 6.24–35.
For more on the other readings for this week, see the episode for Pentecost 6 for Psalm 130. On 2 Sam 18, see Howard Wallace's lectionary blog.
We also mentioned Susan Hylen's book Imperfect Believers. Alicia Myers also has a commentary on John written for preachers, Reading John and 1, 2, 3 John, and edited with Bruce Schuchard, on John's use of Scripture, Abiding Words, including a chapter by Catrin Williams.
Howard and Robyn continue their discussion of David and Bathsheba in 2 Sam 11:26-12:13, then dive into Psalm 51 and John 6:24-35.
Those interested in preaching the David and Bathsheba story might like to listen to last week's episode and also look at the following further resources:
The Bloody Bible Podcast episode on "David's Entitlement"
Shiloh blog on this story by Princess O’Nika Auguste
This sermon on the text by Tanya Riches
Robyn Whitaker's book - Even the Devil Quotes Scripture which offers a reading of this story in the conclusion.
Howard and Robyn discuss 2 Sam 11:1-15; Psalm 14; and John 6:1-21. We do a deep dive into the David and Bathsheba story but suggest preachers might like to look at the following further resources:
The Bloody Bible Podcast episode on "David's Entitlement"
Shiloh blog on this story by Princess O’Nika Auguste
This sermon on the text by Tanya Riches
Robyn Whitaker's book - Even the Devil Quotes Scripture which offers a reading of this story in the conclusion
Sean and Robyn discuss themes in 2 Samuel 7:1-14; Ephesians 2:11-22; and Mark 6:30-34, 53-56.
In this week's conversation Monica and Sean talk about kings and their wives as they explore 2 Samuel 6:1–5, 12b–19 and Mark 6:14–29, stopping along the way to discuss the liturgical riches of Psalm 24 and the single sentence blessing of Ephesians 1:3–14.
Sally and Fran discuss 2 Sam 5:1-5;9-10; Psalm 48; 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 and Mark 6:1-13
We mention Sally Douglas' The Church as Salt
Kylie speaks with guest Dr Janine Luttick of Australian Catholic University, author of the wonderful book: Jairus's Daughter and the Female Body in Mark (SBL Press, 2024). We speak about Psalm 130 and Mark 5.21–43, with a particular focus on the story of Jairus's daughter. Themes include: crying out of the depths, active waiting and hoping, God's presence in the midst of grief, Jesus restructuring families, children responding to the experience of Jesus, and more.
In this episode Kylie and Sean explore themes of kingship, apocalyptic, family, and bodies in 1 Samuel 8:4–20; 2 Corinthians 4:13–5:1 and Mark 3:20–35.
In the episode we mention three resources relating to the gospel reading:
Ched Myers, Binding the Strong Man
Anna Rebecca Solevåg, Negotiating The Disabled Body (SBL Press, 2018)
Justin Meggitt, The Madness of King Jesus (I B Tauris, 2018)
For the second week of Pentecost season, Sally and Robyn discuss 1 Sam 3:1-20; Psalm 139; 2 Corinthians 4:5-12; and Mark 2:23-3:6.
It is also the Sunday of Reconciliation week in Australia and were grateful to Brooke Prentis for sharing some thoughts about how Christians might mark that in their worship.
We also refer to Howard Wallace's Lectionary blog.
This week we are joined by a guest host, Brooke Prentis, an Aboriginal Christian leader who brings her indigenous perspective to the texts. Brooke and Robyn discuss Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, and Psalm 104.
To learn more about Brooke Prentis and her ministry resources, including her prayers and poetry, check out https://www.brookeprentis.com/
If you are interested to know more about Ezekiel 37:1-14 you can listen to our episode from three years ago. https://bythewell.com.au/episodes/pentecost-acts-21-12-ezekiel-371-14
Fran and Robyn discuss Psalm 1, Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, and John 17:6-19.
We refer to Andrew Root's When the Church Stops Working.
Fran and Robyn discuss Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98 and John 15:9-17
We mention Willie James Jennings Commentary on Acts
and Eugene Peterson's The Contemplative Pastor
This week we welcome Revd Sandy Brodine to By the Well. Sandy and Sean discuss the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8:26–40, the reflections on divine and community love in 1 John 4:7–21, and Jesus' teaching about the vine and the branches in John 15:1–8.
Robyn and Sean discuss Acts 4:5-12; 1 John 3:16-24; Psalm 23; and John 10:11-18.
We also answered your questions about preferred translations and mentioned the following specific translations:
NT Wright, Kingdom NT
David Bentley Hart, The New Testament
Robert Alter, The Hebrew Bible
and the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition which can be found online at Bible Gateway.
Sean and Robyn discuss resurrection, witness, and atonement in Luke 24:36-48, Acts 3:12-19 (21), and 1 John 3:1-7.
Fran and Robyn talk about the way resurrection shapes community life in Acts 4:32-35 and John 20:19-31 (with a brief look at Ps 133).
We mention Gail Ramshaw's "Treasures Old and New".
Fran and Kylie talk about 1 Cor 15.1–11 and Mark 16.1–8. For Good Friday episodes, you can listen to A121 (Fran with Frank Rees), and C115 (Robyn, with Dorothy Lee and Andrew McGowan).
Robyn Whitaker talks with liturgist, Prof. Stephen Burns, about the Palm and Passion Sunday traditions. We discuss Mark 11:1-11 and Mark 14:1-15:47 and ideas for "preaching" without preaching this week.
We mention Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings and the apocryphal text "Acts of John".
Monica and Kylie discuss Exodus 20.1–17, Psalm 19, and 1 Corinthians 1.18–25. The themes include the context of the ten commandments readings, as the Hebrew people come out of harsh enslavement and Yahweh establishes relationship with them; creation, Torah, and salvation/forgiveness in the Psalm; and Paul's theological reflection on true wisdom and on weakness and strengh. On reflecting on sabbath, we also mention too books: Rest as Resistance by Tricia Hersey (https://thenapministry.com/), and Practicing our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People, edited by Dorothy C. Bass (https://practicingourfaith.org/the-books/).
Kylie and Robyn discuss Genesis 17.1–7, 15–16, Romans 4.13–25, and Mark 8.31–38. As we contemplate Lent, the themes in the readings we touch on include the promise to both Sarai and Abram, the reality of death and how we approach faith in impossible circumstances, and discipleship.
For the first week in Lent Robyn and Fran discuss Mark 1:9-14; Psalm 25:1-10 and Genesis 9:8-17
We mention Gail Ramshaw's Treasures Old and New
Fleming Rutledge's The Crucifixion
Garry Worete Deverell's Contemplating Country: More Gondwana Theology
Robyn and Fran discuss 2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, 2 Corinthaisn 4:3-6 and Mark 9:2-9.
We mention Gail Ramshaw's book "Treasures old and new: Images in the Lectionary"
FROM THE ARCHIVES AND REPOSTING FOR 2024:
Both readings this week give profound insight into the nature of God in diverse and complementary ways. Robyn and Fran talk about “Jesus the exorcist” in Mark’s gospel and how healing and exorcism are signs of the capacity of Jesus to liberate humanity from evil. Isaiah 40 poses the question “to whom can you liken God?”. Addressed to exiles to inspire hope, Isaiah offers an expansive, awe-inspiring account of the God who strengthens the weak and overturns the powerful.
We refer to this article by Julia Baird on the “overview effect” and this commentary on Mark by Joel Marcus.
Alistair and Fran discuss Jonah 3:1-6; 10 and Mark 1:14-20
We mention Daniel Smith-Christopher's A Biblical Theology of Exile
And Anna Carter Florence's address A Preacher's Alphabet - section on Jonah
This is a repost of a bonus episode for the lectionary Year of Mark recorded in 2021. Robyn sat down with Rev. Dr. Sally Douglas to unpack the themes and theology of Mark’s gospel. Mark is the earliest, shortest and perhaps most dramatic of the gospels. It proclaims the good news of liberation from evil through divine inversion of power, epitomised in the cross. Costly discipleship, cosmic battles, and the cross are key themes throughout.
We mention “The Dark Side” documentary and Raquel St Clair’s “Call and Consequences: A Womanist Reading of Mark”.
Sharon and Fran discuss readings for Advent 4, focussing particularly on Luke 1:26-38 and Luke 1:46b-55, with brief reference to 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
We mention Fleming Rutledge's book Advent
Sam Wells' How to Preach
and an ABC's Radio National Sunday Extra with Rev Dr Gary Mason
Craig Thompson steps in as guest co-host and speaks with Robyn about the readings for Advent 3. We discuss Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; John 1:6-8, 19-28; and 1 Thess 5:16-24.
We mention Fleming Rutledge's Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ.
Fran and Howard discuss two readings from Advent 2 - Isaiah 40:1-11 and Mark 1:1-8, with brief reference to Psalm 85 and 2 Peter 3
Howard and Fran discuss Isaiah 64:1-9 and Mark 13: 24-37
We mention Sam Wells' How to Preach: Times, Seasons, Texts and Contexts
Sally Douglas and Robyn Whitaker finish the lectionary year with the a discussion of kingship and other themes in Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100; Ephesians 1:5-23; and Matthew 25:31-46.
We mention Ben Myers' "The Apostles Creed" and David Bentleigh Hart on reading "eternal punishment" in the New Testament.
Sally and Robyn discuss Judges 4:1-7; Psalm 123; 1 Thess 5:1-11, and Matthew 25:14-30.
The Thessalonians quote is from Nijay Gupta's commentary. The quote from Yahia Lababidi was from this episode of Soul Search.
Kylie and Robyn discuss Matt 25.1–13, 1 Thess 4.13–18, and Josh 24.1–3a, 14–25. We set the Matthew reading in the context of the wider set of eschatological sayings in this section, noting some traps in translation (bridesmaids! lamps!), and the irony that all ten young women (including the wise ones) fall asleep! On 1 Thessalonians, we counter the idea of a rapture and talk about the pastoral issue being addressed by Paul. And in Joshua, we look at both the difficult claims about colonising the land and the passage's focus on choosing God.
Fran and Robyn discuss Joshua 3:7-17; Matthew 23:1-12; and 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13. We quote from Robert Alter's Hebrew Bible introduction to Joshua.
Kylie and Rachel discuss Deuteronomy 34.1–12, Psalm 90.1–6, 13–17, and Matthew 22.34–46. In the story of Moses's death they reflect on the images of perfection the passage leaves us with and transition of leadership when the task is not yet fulfilled, and in Matthew, the conflicts over the greatest commandment and Jesus's identity. Robyn Whitaker's Book Even the Devil Quotes Scripture, and John Barclay's treatment of the "one-way gift" in Paul and the Gift also feature in the conversation.
Fran and Monica discuss Exodus 14:19-31; Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21; Psalm 114 and Matthew 18:21-35
We mention Sam Wells' book Love Mercy
and Terence Fretheim's Commentary on Exodus in the Interpretation Series
Brian and Fran discuss Exodus 3: 1-15 and Matthew 16:21-28
We mention Hauerwas' theological commentary on Matthew and
Andrew Root's work on enchantment/disenchantment in The Pastor in a Secular Age
Robyn and Fran discuss Genesis 45:1-15; Romans 11:1-2, 29-32; and Matthew 15:21-28.
We recommmend this chapter in Texts of Terror by Dorothy Lee about the various ways to interpret the gospel reading.
Fran and Robyn discuss Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28; Romans 10:5-15; and Matthew 14:22-33.
We mentioned Dorothy Lee's book The Gospels Speak: Addressing Life's Questions.
Robyn is joined by John Bottomly and Brendan Byrne from Working the Lectionary podcast. We discuss Genesis 32:22-31 and Matthew 14:13-21 through the lens of work, economy, justice, and theology.
Robyn and Sean discuss Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, and the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.
Sean and Robyn discuss Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67; Romans 7:15-25; and Matthew 11:16-10, 25-30. We mention Sally Douglas's new book, Jesus Sophia.
Fran and Howard discuss Genesis 21:8-21 and Matthew 10:24-39
We mention Phyllis Trible's Texts of Terror
Rembrandt's Casting out of Hagar and Ishmael (in the National Gallery of Victoria)
Robyn and Howard discuss Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8, and Matthew 9:35-10:8. We also mention Rublev's icon.
In this episode Howard and Sally talk about the story of Abraham as it is told in Genesis 12:1–9 and also in Romans 4:13–25, They also look at Matthew 9:9–13, 18–26.
Apologies for the audio hiccups along the way. Sally was joining the conversation by Zoom.
In this episode, Sally joins Howard to talk about Genesis 1:1–2.4 (with a nod to Psalm 8) and the the conclusions to 2 Corinthians (2 Cor 13:11–13) and the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 28:16–20).
Sally was joining the conversation by Zoom, and so apologies that at times there is a lag on her audio.
Those wanting to get a visual sense of new ways of imagining the Trinity might look at the the following art work by Scott Erickson: https://scottericksonartshop.com/products/trinity
Fran and Sean discuss the texts for Pentecost, including Acts 2:1-21, Numbers 11:24-30, John 7:37-39, John 20:19-23 and 1 Corinthians 12:3b-23.
This week Fran and Sean focus on two New Testament texts: Acts 1:6–14 and John 17:1–11. They talk about the ascension of Jesus and the mission of the church, the importance of thinking about space and time in Luke's narrative, and the meaning of glory and eternal life in the gospel of John.
Reference is made to Willie Jennings' commentary on Acts
and to an article by By the Well host Robyn Whitaker, 'From Cross to Ascension: The Surprising Locus of Salvation in Luke–Acts', Australian Biblical Review 65 (2017), 47–60.
Sally and Robyn discuss Acts 17:22-31; 1 Peter3:13-22; John 14:15-21. We look at themes of resurrection, gentleness, love, and testimony.
Robyn and Fran focus on Acts 7:55-60 and John 1:1-14. For discussion about 1 Peter 2:2-10, please see this episode from Easter 5 in 2020
We mention Willie Jennings' commentary on Acts
Sean and Fran discuss Luke 24:13-35 and Acts 2:14a-21
We mention Willie Jennings' Commentary on Acts
Giles Fraser's book Chosen
Carravaggio's Supper at Emmaus, BBC Culture article
Robyn Whitaker and guest-host, Greg Carey, discuss Acts 2 14a, 22-32 and John 20:19-31. Greg has recently published a book on eschatology.
If you'd like to hear more about 1 Peter 1:3-9, you can listen to our Easter 2 episode from 2020.
Sean Winter, Robyn Whitaker, and guest-host Greg Carey discuss the two possible gospel readings for Easter Sunday - John 20:1-18 and Matthew 28:1-10.
Robyn Whitaker and guest co-host, Greg Carey, discuss Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, and Matthew 21:1-11 (with a bit of a look at the Zechariah passage that lies behind it).
In this episode for the final Sunday in Lent, Kylie and Sean talk about dry bones, dead bodies and the hope of restoration through the Spirit and in the resurrection. The texts discussed are Ezekiel 37:1–14, Romans 8:6–11, and John 11:1–45.
Fran and Kylie discuss 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and John 9:1-41 for Lent 4
Wen mention the World Council of Churches document The Gift of Being: Called to be a Church of All for All;
Harold Kushner's When Bad Things Happen to Good People;
The Bible and Disability:a Commentary, ed Melcher, Parsons and Young
Sean Winter and Robyn Whitaker discuss Exodus 17:1-7, Rom 5:1-11, and John 4:5-42 for the third Sunday in Lent.
In this special episode, Robyn interviews Sean Winter about all things Romans. Romans appears in both the Lent nad Pentecosts seasons in Year A, so its a great chance to do a preaching series on Romans. We talk about the ocassion for writing, the shape of this letter, and some resources for those of you who want to dig deeper.
We mention these two books:
Beverley Gaventa, When in Romans: An Invitation to Linger with the Gospel According to Paul
Michael Gorman, Romans:A Theological and Pastoral Commentary
Fran and Howard discuss Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121, John 3:1-17, and (briefly) Romans 4:1-5; 13-17
Fran and Howard discuss Genesis 2:15-3:1-7; Psalm 32 and Matthew 4:1-11
Look out for an episode devoted to Romans with Sean Winter coming soon in the Easter season.
Sally and Fran focus on Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2; 2 Peter 1:16-21 and Matthew 17:1-9
We mention Dorothy Lee's Transfiguration
Sally Douglas' Early Church's Understanding of Jesus as the Female Divine
Sally's new book, Jesus Sophia: Returning to Woman Wisdom in the Bible, Practice and Prayer (Cascade Books 2023) is out soon.
Brian Fiu Kolia and Robyn Whitaker discuss Deut 30:15-20, Matt 5:21-37, and 1 Cor 3:1-9.
Robyn Whitaker and Brian Fiu Kolia talk about Isaiah 59:1-9, 1 Cor 2:1-12 (13-16), and Matt 5:13-20.
Sean and Robyn continue delving into 1 Corinthians, with a focus on 1:18-31, as well as Matthew 5:1-12 (the Beatitudes) and Micah 6:1-8.
Fran and Robyn focus on Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43 and Matthew 3:13-17.
We refer to Willie James Jennings' Theological Commentary on Acts
and Brendan Byrne's Lifting the Burden
Isaiah 63:7-9 and Matthew 2:13-23 are the focus for this first Sunday after Christmas. Kylie and Robyn discuss the Magi, the political situation, and the way Matthew places Jesus in a long tradition of Jewish leaders who are chosen by God to liberate or save God's people.
We refer to a new book "The Magi" by Eric Vanden Eykel who writes about the magi here.
Kylie and Robyn discuss a selection of Christmas readings including Isaiah 9:2-7 with Luke 2:1-20 and Psalm 98 with John 1:1-14. Merry Christmas!
Glen O'Brien and Fran discuss Isaiah 7:10-16 and Matthew 1:18-25
We mention Fleming Rutledge's Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ,
Brendan Byrne's Lifting the Burden: Reading Matthew's Gospel in the World Today
and Charles Wesley's hymn Let Earth and Heaven Combine
Glen O Brien's new book The Political World of John Wesley is available now.
The themes of joy and rejoicing in God's activity weave their way through the readings for this Gaudate Sunday. Robyn and Monica discuss Isaiah 35:1-10, Psalm 146, James 5:7-10, and Matthew 11:2-11.
We refer to this Working Preacher article by Barbara Lundblad on Isa 35:1-10.
Glen O'Brien and Fran discuss Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13 and Matthew 3:1-12
We mention Fleming Rutledge's Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ,
and the movie Sling Blade.
Glen O'Brien's new book The Political World of John Wesley is available now
In this episode, Carolyn and Sean invite preachers to think through what it means to preach in the season of Advent and consider some of the texts set for the First Sunday in Advent in Year A: Isaiah 2:1–5; Romans 13:11–14 and Matthew 24:36–44. The explore what Advent waiting means, and how texts relating to God's promised coming might provide us with an impetus to watch and stay alert.
Sally and Fran focus on Jeremiah 23:1-6; Colossians 1:11-20 and Luke 23:33-43 and talk about Jesus' subversive kingship.
We mention 'The problem with powerlessness: attending to power and authority in Matthew's Wisdom christology' in Contemporary Feminist Theologies: Power, Authority, Love (2021)
Apocalyptic themes abound for the end of the lectionary year! Robyn and Sean discuss Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thess 3:6-13, and Luke 21:5-19
Robyn and U-Wen discuss Haggai 1:15b-2:9, Luke 20:27-38, and 2 Thess 1:1-5, 13-17. Themes emerge relating to resurrection, afterlife, and the balance between honouring tradition and doing something new.
Fran and Kylie focus on Habakkuk 1:2-4, 2:1-4 and Luke 19:1-10 for the twenty-first week after Pentecost
We mention Brendan Byrne's The Hospitality of God
Kylie and Fran discuss Joel 2:23-32 and Luke 18:9-14. We mention:
Serene Jones, Feminist Theory and Christian Theology: Cartographies of Grace (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000).
Enoch seminar session Speaking of the Pharisees (April 2022):
Readings: Jeremiah 31:27–34; Psalm 119: 97–104; Luke 18:1–8; 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5
In this episode Sean and Monica talk about what it means to look and live for God's coming justice. They explore the important of the language of covenant, justice, faith, and law or teaching, focus on the good news contained in the prophetic oracle of Jeremiah and the parable of the Unjust Judge.
Apology: the readings this week are introduced as those for Pentecost 22, rather than Pentecost 19. This is a mistake :)
Readings: Jeremiah 28:1, 4-6; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; and Luke 17:11-19.
Howard, Robyn, and Rachel Kronberger unpack the readings for Pentecost 18, exploring themes of healing and cleansing, exemplary Samaritans, and enduring through suffering.
Lamentations 1:1-6, 3:19-26, Psalm 137, and Luke 17:5-10 are discussed this week. Rachel Kronberger joins Robyn and Howard to unpack the preaching themes with a focus on lament as faithful response.
This week we are joined by Rev. Dr. John Squires to discuss Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19 and Luke 16:19-31. John is editor of With Love to the World and blogs at An Informed Faith.
U-Wen and Fran delve into 1 Timothy 2:1-7 and Luke 16:1-13, and Robyn and Liz Boase discuss Jeremiah 8:18-9:1.
We mention Brendan Byrne's The Hospitality of God
N.T. Wright's Luke For Everyone
U-Wen and Fran discuss 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and Luke 15:1-10; Robyn and Liz Boase focus on Jeremiah 4: 11-12; 22-28
We mention a sermon by Rev Craig Thompson; and a sermon by Fleming Rutledge in God Spoke to Abraham
Sally and Robyn talk about the vulnerability of God in Jeremiah 2:4-13 in the expression of God's desire for relationship. Reliance on our own technology and skills rather than God is one theme that emerges. In Luke's gospel ( 13:1, 7-14) Jesus challenges both guests and hosts to think about humbling the exalted and exalting the humble. Kingdom values here disrupt normal power relations in ways that continue to challenge the church.
Howard and Robyn discuss the challenges of prophetic call, divine initiative, and the message of hope in the midst of struggle in Jeremiah 1:4-10. In the story of a bent-over woman's 'release' in Luke 13:10-17, we find Jesus embodies the idea of Sabbath as a divine gift that is life-giving and a day that frees us from bondage.
Gerald West joins Monica and Robyn this week to discuss Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19, Hebrews 11:29-12:2, and Luke 12:49-56. We look at the various metaphors used for God and God's people, as well as themes of justice, accountability, judgement, and an active faith.
Monica and Robyn discuss Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23, Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, and Luke 12:32-40. Themes emerge about the need for worship and justice, speech and action, to go hand in hand. Luke talks about the kingdom of God as "gift" where the Son of Man comes to serve, and Hebrews reminds us about the surety of trust in God.
Fran and Monica explore the readings for Pentecost 8, focusing on Hosea 11:1-11 and Luke 12:13-21, but also referencing Psalm 107 and Colossians 3:1-11.
Rachel and Fran explore Hosea 1:2-10 and Luke 11:1-13: readings for Pentecost 7
We mention Rowan Williams' Being Christian
Fran and U-Wen sit down to explore readings from Pentecost 6: Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42
We mention N.T Wright's youtube lecture on Colossians
Brian Walsh and Sylvia Keesmaat's Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire;
Joel Green's Gospel of Luke
For Pentecost 5, U-Wen and Fran focus conversation on Amos 7: 7-17, Psalm 82 and Luke 10:25-37.
We mention Brendan Byrne's The Hospitality of God
This week we discuss the healing of Naaman in 2 Kings 5, noting the way the story-teller subverts cultural norms to locate the voice of wisdom and faithfulness in those of the lowest status. In Luke 10 we encounter the sending of the 72 (70) to go before Jesus and announce the reign of God.
Kylie and Fran discuss Elijah passing the mantle to Elisha in 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, the urgent call to follow Jesus in Luke 9:51-62, and the fruits of the Spirit Galatians 5:1, 13-25. We mention Rowan Williams' Being Disciples
and ABC TV's Compass program
In this episode Sean and Carolyn discuss Elijah's encounter with God outside a cave (1 Kings 19:1–4, (5–7), 8–15a), Paul's famous declaration that 'all are one in Christ Jesus' (Galatians 3:23–29), and Luke's dramatic portrayal of the man occupied by a 'legion' of demons (Luke 8:26–39).
In this episode Carolyn Francis and Sean Winter are in conversation about Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31, Romans 5:1–5, and John 16:12–15. They consider the ways that the preacher might approach the task of preaching on Trinity Sunday, and talk about the role of woman wisdom and the Holy Spirit in relation to God's creation of and concern for God's world and connection to suffering and struggle.
Fran and Robyn discuss the different theologies of the Spirit in Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21; Romans 8:14-17, and John 14:8-17.
Monica and U-Wen discuss the slave girl in Acts 16:16-34 as well as Psalm 97 and Revelation 22:12-21.
Sally and Robyn discuss the activity of the Holy Spirit, Lydia, New Jerusalem, and much more in this week's jam-packed episode. The readings are Acts 16:9-15, Psalm 67, Rev 21:10, 22-22:5, and John 5:1-9 or 14:23-29.
Fran and Monica discuss the readings for Easter 5: Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148 and John 13:31-35.
Robyn and Fran sit down and talk about Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30.
We mention Willie Jennings' commentary on Acts, and our episode B118 on Psalm 23
In this episode, U-Wen and Robyn discuss the role of Ananias in bringing Saul into the Christian community (Acts 9:1-20), Peter's restoration to discipleship and mission (John 21:1-19), and the entire creation's worship of the Lamb and enthroned one in Revelation (Rev 5:11-14). All exemplify the kinds of faithful responses to the resurrection available to Christians both then and now, as well as the early church's emphasis on forgiveness and working with the Spirit.
We mention Ian Paul's Psephizo blog post on John 21 and the words for love.
Robyn and U-Wen discuss the lectionary readings from Acts 5:27-32, Rev 1:4-8, and John 20:19-31. Each record responses to the resurrection, the activity of the Spirit, the role of forgiveness, and early Christian witness to the resurrection.
We mention Willie Jenning's Acts Commentary, this book on Revelation, Frank Moloney's Reading Revelation at Easter, and U-Wen's Unveiling Apocalypse podcast.
This Easter, can we testify like Mary who declared "I have seen the Lord"? How might we invite others into the posture of discipleship and invite them to "come and see"?
Kylie and Robyn talk about preaching the meaning of the resurrection rather than trying to explain or defend it. Themes of new creation, promise, and suffering transformed cut across the readings from Isa 65:17-25, 1 Cor 15:19-26, and John 20:1-18.
We refer to Women Remembered by Bond and Taylor.
In this special, longer episode for Good Friday, Robyn Whitaker sits down with two guests: Dorothy Lee brings her literary and theological insights to John's passion (John 18-19) and Andrew McGowan discusses preaching traditions for Good Friday, his book Seven Last Words, and atonement theologies.
Sean and Fran discuss the readings for Palm Sunday: Psalm 118:1-2; 19-29 and Luke 19:28-40.
In this week's podcast, Howard and Sally explore Isaiah 43:16-21 & John 12:1-8. We make mention of Sandra Schneiders "Written That You May Believe".
U-Wen and Fran sit down to discuss Luke 15:1-3; 11-32 and 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 for Lent 4.
Howard and Fran sat down to discuss three readings for Lent 3: Isaiah 55:1-9; Psalm 63:1-8; Luke 13:1-9.
Robyn sits down with special guest Rev. Prof. Andrew McGowan from Yale University to discuss the nature of lent and the temptations of Jesus in Luke 4:1-13.
We refer to Andrew's book Seven Last Words: Cross and Creation.
Fran and Robyn discuss themes of change and transformation after divine encounter in Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Cor 3:12-4:2, and Luke 9:28-36.
U-Wen and Robyn discuss Psalm 37, 1 Cor 15:35-50, and Luke 6:27-38. Themes of ethical Christian living continue in the gospel and teaching on the centrality of the resurrection continue in Corinthians. We discuss how concepts relating to heavenly bodies affect attitudes to earthly bodies and refer to Candida Moss’s Divine Bodies.
Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Cor 15 12-20, and Luke 6:17-26 are under discussion this week. We refer to Christopher Hays’ book Luke’s Wealth Ethics.
Isaiah 6:1-13, Psalm 138, 1 Cor 15:1-11, and Luke 5:1-11 all pick up epiphany themes of divine manifestation, glory, and transformative revelation. We discuss the paradox that encounter with the divine both affirms human frailty (framed as uncleanliness, sinfulness, or wretchedness in the readings) as well as our worthiness to be called to participate in divine activity.
Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, and Luke 4:21-30 are the focus this episode. We discuss Paul’s ode to love and locate this ethic within his and other Christian teaching. Jeremiah and Luke both point to the challenge of prophetic call. Luke 4 continues to reveal Jesus’ identity and ministry focus.
We refer to bell hooks and Oda Wischmeyer’s Love as Agape.
Nehemiah 8:1-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, and Luke 4:14-21 are discussed this week. Luke and Nehemiah invite reflection on how we interpret Scripture and its fundamental role in grounding and forming the gathered people of God. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul offers the metaphor of the body to describe the way the Christian community is in unity through the Spirit and yet has difference and diversity as an essential part of it.
We mention Chris Keith’s Jesus Against the Scribal Elite and Joel Green’s Luke Commentary.
Dr Anne Elvey joins Kylie and Fran for Advent 4 to talk about Mary’s visit to Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-45) and Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1: 46-59).
We mention Anne’s book Reading the Magnificat in Australia;
Anne’s poem Sun Glint Drift: On visiting Elizabeth in the Western Australian Wheatbelt Mary sings a Song,
and Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner’s poem she read at the UN Climate Summit.
There are a number of First Nations women writing strong poetry in Australia at present, in particular: Evelyn Araluen, Ali Cobby Eckermann, Natalie Harkin, Jeanine Leane, Ellen Van Neerven, and Alison Whittaker. The Lukan Magnificat might point us toward listening to contemporary Indigenous women’s voices. Also composer and opera singer, Deborah Cheetham.
We also mentioned The Englewood Review of Books Podcast episode with John Swinton and Andrew Root on our relationship and understanding of time/waiting.
Fiona Winn, Kylie and Fran explore the readings for Advent 3 focussing particularly on Zephaniah 3:14-20 and Luke 3:7-18.
We mention Christopher M. Hays’ Renouncing Everything: Money and Discipleship in Luke
Fran and Kylie discuss Malachi 3:1-4, Zechariah’s song in Luke 1:68-79, and the gospel reading Luke 3:1-6. We focus on the reckoning of Advent, properly understood: opening ourselves to God’s cleansing fire through which we come face to face with God’s grace and kindness.
We mention:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Advent sermon, 1928, as found in Kathryn Schifferdecker’s Working Preacher article, originally sourced in Stephen Cook’s blog “Biblische Ausbildung”.
Brendan Byrne’s The Hospitality of God: A Reading of Luke’s Gospel
Fran and Kylie focus on Psalm 25:1-10 and Luke 21: 21-36 and talk about hope and revelation as they appear in both texts. What is it to wait on God, according to the Psalmist? And what does Luke say about our waiting in the light of Christ’s coming?
We mention Howard Wallace’s Commentary on Psalms
and Craig Thompson’s discussion of apocalyptic and revelation in his sermon Dec 2018
By the Well B 148 – Pentecost 26 (Proper 29) Reign of Christ
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Carolyn and Fran explore the profound suffering and faithful persistence that Hannah embodies in 1 Samuel 1:4-20; we note the evocative language used in the passage to describe her relentless ordeal of infertility and talk about the pastoral implications of preaching on the text. We note the abundant hope and thankfulness expressed in Hannah’s song (1 Samuel 2:1-10), and that though it comes from Hannah’s experience of despair, it casts God’s power and faithfulness in communal terms, for all Israel. The passage from Mark (13:1-8) evokes birth pangs in an entirely different way: apocalyptically. We mention the pitfalls in preaching from apocalyptic texts, but note resonances in our current global situation with regard to climate change particularly.
Rachel and Fran continue exploring the beautiful but enigmatic and challenging story of Ruth, focusing on 3:1-6; 4:13-17. We note the lengths to which Naomi had to go to secure her and Ruth's future; we highlight the euphemistic language in the text, and underline the theme of redemption that runs through the whole narrative. We question the moralistic assumptions the tradition has read into the characters, and whether such judgements distract from the theological power of the story. Mark 12: 38-44 takes up the theme of caring for widows and the hypocrisy of religious institutions; with Ruth this passage calls the community out of economic complacency. What is it to offer all of our lives?
Rachel and Fran continue exploring the beautiful but enigmatic and challenging story of Ruth, focusing on 3:1-6; 4:13-17. We note the lengths to which Naomi had to go to secure her and Ruth’s future; we highlight the euphemistic language in the text, and underline the theme of redemption that runs through the whole narrative. We question the moralistic assumptions the tradition has read into the characters, and whether such judgements distract from the theological power of the story. Mark 12: 38-44 takes up the theme of caring for widows and the hypocrisy of religious institutions; with Ruth this passage calls the community out of economic complacency. What is it to offer all of our lives?
For Pentecost 23 Rachel Kronberger and Fran delve into the book of Ruth (1:1-18), noting the word plays in the text and the larger themes of feast and famine, love and loss, emptiness and abundance that weave throughout the story. We focus on Ruth's outsider status, and her gracious covenant with 'bitter' Naomi, and note connections with All Saints. We talk about the deep listening and curious respectful debate between the scribe and Jesus in Mark 12:28-34. One task for the preacher is to preach against the anti-semitic assumptions with which many approach this text.
We mention Michael Fagenblat's essay "The Concept of Neighbour in Jewish and Christian Ethics" in The Jewish Annotated New Testament, ed. by Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Z. Brettler
Sean and Fran explore the final episode in the book of Job (42:1-6; 10-17), noting the ‘happily ever after’ narrative resolution, the pastoral minefield that this poses in preaching, and the apparent theological inconsistency that Job’s blessing represents. We emphasise the vulnerability Job displays in his story and how counter cultural that is for wealthy, powerful people. The purpose of Job’s story is to trace the transformation that encounters with God provoke; Job’s resolution is complex. In Mark 10:46-52 the theme of coming to faith and ‘seeing’ continues with the healing of Bartimaeus. We note the nuanced way in which disability needs to be talked about. The emphasis of Bartimaeus’ story is his marginalisation, his coming to faith and his following without question, as Jesus heads to Jerusalem.
We mention Willie James Jennings’ After Whiteness;
Ched Myers’ Binding the Strong Man;
Kylie Crabbe’s Terror, challenge, and reimagined community in biblical treatments of disability.
Fran and Sean continue the conversation on Job for Pentecost 21, namely on Job 38:1-7 (34-41) when God recounts the wonders of her creation to Job. God reminds Job of his creatureliness. We discuss the comfort amidst suffering that might be derived for Job, and us, to be reminded of God’s care at every juncture of creation. Hebrews 5:1-10 outlines the priestliness of Christ as distinct from priests who have come before him, being both the subject and object of sacrifice. We note some parallels with Mark 10:35-45 as both texts occur in the context of pilgrimage and journey for Jesus’ followers. Jesus, ‘the one subject to weakness’ goes before us. The Mark passage lays out cross shaped leadership, and we talk about the challenges to worldly notions of leadership.
We mention Jesper Svartvik’s article The New Testament’s Most Dangerous Book for Jews
For Pentecost 20 Fran and Sean focus on Job's profound sense of God's absence in Job 23:1-9; 16-17. We note that Job has loudly rejected the theology of his friends, who all assert that Job's suffering is the result of his sin. Job's is a bold and courageous stance is to defy them, and to continue to seek, approach, even rebel against God despite his ongoing despair. Psalm 22;1-15 is an echo of Job's suffering and also, of course, the Psalm from which Jesus' cry of dereliction comes. Both the Psalmist and Job somehow remain faithful when all the evidence asks them to do otherwise. Mark 10:17-31 outlines the hard call of discipleship for the rich man. We talk about the radical deconstruction of economic and power structures required when following Jesus 'on the way', and note the emotional and existential shock - the disruption - that the call to follow elicits in Jesus' followers - including us!
We mention Jesper Svartvik's The New Testament's most dangerous book for Jews.
Ched Myers et al's Say to This Mountain: Mark's Story of Discipleship
Sally and Fran talk about the particular character of wisdom literature in Job (1:1; 2:1-10) and the urgent, pastoral and cosmic questions it asks about human suffering and theodicy. We touch on preaching against bad theology, and the way Job disrupts our human judgements. We invite a look at the Hebrews reading (Hebrews 1:1-4:2:5-12) for the radical way in which God in Christ speaks to the suffering of the world. We note Jesus disrupting male privilege when he answers the Pharisees' question about divorce in Mark 10:2-16, but also the way he diverts their question to talk about t the real focus: our posture as "little ones" towards God in the kingdom. We mention Carol Newsom's The New Interpreters Bible: A Commentary in Twelve Volumes ( Job, volume 4).
Sally Douglas continues in the co-host chair this week, Pentecost 18. She and Fran talk about the enigmatic and troubling story of Esther (7:1-6, 9-10). We note the dynamics of diaspora; the role of human ingenuity and faithfulness in the face of appalling oppression, and name the challenges and possibilities of preaching from Esther. James 5:13-20 focuses on the communal character and many manifestations of prayer. We touch on the pastoral implication regarding answered and unanswered prayer. With Mark 9:38-50 we draw out the radical centrality of the ‘little ones’ – children – in the faith community; and the confronting statement that we are all salted with fire.
We mention: the Bible Project’s Youtube clip on Esther;
the Brazos Commentary on Esther and Daniel by Sam Wells and George Sumner;
Rudolf Vrba’s I Escaped from Auschwitz.
Ched Myer’s Binding the Strong Man: A Political Reading of Mark’s Story of Jesus
Sally Douglas’ The Church As Salt: Becoming the Community Jesus Speaks About
This week Sean Winter and Sally Douglas continue to explore texts from Proverbs, James, and Mark. Proverbs 31:10–31 invites reflections on the ways that a portrayal of the ideal wife might point the reader to the figure of Lady Wisdom, and the character of God. James 3:13–4:3, 7–8a offers practical advice as to what wisdom looks like in the life of a community, and how the community is invited to reflect a Christ-like wisdom. Finally, Jesus action of bringing a child into the centre of the discipleship community (Mark 9:30–37) reminds us of the ways that Jesus prompts a reassessment of greatness, value and worth.
Sean and Fran continue a foray into Proverbs (1:20-33), where Wisdom is in the public square decrying those who obstinately refuse to adhere to her precepts; James 3:1-2, where James warns against the havoc our tongue can cause, and that pivotal chapter in Mark 8:27-38 when Peter confesses Jesus as Messiah. Themes of speaking, silence and truth echo throughout all the passages. James cautions against too much speaking, given we are capable of cursing and blessing sometime without realising – as Peter does in his technically correct identification of Jesus, but one he does not understand.
Sean Winter joins the co- host chair for Pentecost 15 where we focus on the nature of wisdom literature in Proverbs (Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23) and the way this tradition is developed christologically by the writer of James (James 2:1-10 (11-13), 14-17). Both readings deal with partiality and favouritism; cautioning the faithful against favouring those who are rich and powerful, at the same time coercing the poor to believe they deserve their lowly status. Jesus’ encounter with the Syrophoenician woman in Mark (Mark 7:24-37) is also about breaking down boundaries, this time between Jew and Gentile. We touch on the way this reading, in particular, challenges colonial understandings of mission.
Fran and Kylie explore the relationship between hearing and doing ‘the law of liberty’ in James 1:17-27, and reflect on the two emphases in the Jewish and Christian traditions of faith and works. We note that James may not be as anthropologically focused as it first appears. We re-engage with Mark’s gospel, where Jesus challenges his own tradition, and note pitfalls in caricaturing the Pharisees in 7:1-8, 14-15, 22-23, and talk about the nuances in living tradition, change and faithfulness.
We explore themes of incarnation, belief and salvation in John 6:56-69, noting the pattern of rejection that Jesus experiences throughout chapter 6 as the twelve ‘come to believe and know’. We touch on how to talk about the particularity of Jesus and the universal invitation in John’s gospel, and highlight the inseparability of spirit and flesh in John’s understanding of Jesus, humanity and the whole world. Ephesians 6:6-10 invites a sermon on the imagery of battle, and how that might be reconceived – or not – today, in the call to live out the gospel in peace. Such is the liberation of the gospel that it compels us to speak in the power of the Spirit to whom and through whom we pray.
Howard Wallace joins Kylie and Fran to explore the end of David’s and beginning of Solomon’s reigns in 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14. We talk about the biased picture the lectionary provides of Solomon. We look at the call pattern evident in Solomon’s taking up the kingship and the model of leadership which 1 Kings portrays in him – seeking wisdom being a key feature. We touch on how the good news might be preached through historical narratives like 1 Kings. Psalm 111 provides a context for us to talk about the rich possibilities for preaching and liturgy which the psalms provide the church. We talk about their communal character, their context of worship and the way they plumb the depths and soar to the heights of human emotion.
We mention Howard’s books Words to God: Word of God, and Psalms: Readings – A New Biblical Commentary.
Howard Wallace’s homepage with Lectionary Commentary.
The Distillery Podcast (episode 14th May, 2021, The Wounds of the Soul)
Bonhoeffer’s The Psalter: the Prayer Book of the Bible
Dorothy Lee joins Kylie and Fran to explore major themes in John 6, focusing on the gospel reading for the day (John 6:35,41-51), but taking in passages throughout the five weeks of John in the lectionary. We touch on the broader structure of this section of John's gospel, and the relationship of John 6 to Passover and Exodus. Moving into key themes of eternal life, true bread, universalism and the invitation to believe.
We mention Dorothy's book The Gospels Speak: Addressing Life's Questions
A story from Thomas Merton's collection The Wisdom of the Desert Fathers.
Listeners might also like to read Sara Miles' Take this Bread.
Martin Wright joins Fran and Kylie to unpack the Letter to the Ephesians, focusing on Ephesians 4: 1-16. Martin talks about the issue of authorship, and the distinct way in which the Body of Christ imagery is used in Ephesians compared to other parts of the Pauline Corpus. We highlight the cosmic dimension of God's gift in Christ, the clarity of the calling to the church, and the hope the passage offers the church today. In Nathan's parable and David's response in 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a we are given a lesson the way we are to listen to scripture; and in Psalm 51 we see David's remorse and repentance fleshed out.
Martin Wright's recent book is The Dividing Wall: Ephesians and the Integrity of the Corpus Paulinum
Our guest this week is Rev. Dr. Garry Worete Deverell, Trawloolway man, Anglican Priest, and Vice-Chancellor's Fellow in Indigenous Theologies at the University of Divinity. We discuss the vision of King David as unifier and God's chosen in 2 Sam 5:1-10, noting this is a narrative written by the victors and not without challenges.
2 Cor 12:2-10 and Mark 6:1-13 raise questions about limits and weaknesses in ministry, pointing us towards the need to rely on God and one another.
Garry Deverell blogs at Uncommon Prayers and his latest book is called Gondwana Theology: A Trawloolway man reflects on Christian Faith.
The readings this week invite us to reflect on change, the role of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus' commandment to love. Acts 10:44-48 narrates the "gentile pentecost", the delightful interruption of the Holy Spirit who falls upon everyone while Peter is speaking. This is the fourth pouring out of the Spirit in Acts, this time prior to water baptism and upon those outside the faith. Peter exemplifies the capacity to change in response to God's prompting. John 15:9-17 continues Jesus' teaching on abiding in love and the command to love in the manner of Jesus. Psalm 98 expresses joy at the thing God has done and offers a way to respond to these NT passages.
We refer to "Tank man" and this protester, Ieshia Evans.
The universal embrace of the gospel is embodied in the Ethiopian Eunuch in the Acts 8 passage. The usual social barriers are no barriers to his baptism and the joy of faith. We talk about the communal context of interpretation of scripture, the importance of teaching, and the proclamatory, spoken nature of the good news. The John passage includes the final I am statement and centres on vine imagery, which emphasises the interconnectedness of the faithful with one another and with God, the vinegrower. The language of 'abiding' speaks of love, grounded in living God's commandments. This love is further fleshed out in the 1 John 4 reading.
We refer to Brittany Wilson's article "Neither Male nor Female" New Testament Studies 60.3 (2014).
We begin talking about preaching Christ is risen by looking at 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, an account of the resurrection that predates the gospels. We note Paul's repeated use of 'appeared'; how this passive voice places the initiative with Jesus, not Paul's capacity to 'see'. We explore the different emphases in Mark and John's account of the 'third day', and touch on ways of talking about 'resurrection' that free us from rationalistic dismissals of it.
We refer to Rowan Williams' On Christian Theology
Dorothy Lee joins us as we talk about the liberating force of the Ten Commandments as a grace-filled way to live out salvation. We touch on Paul's counter-cultural theology of the cross in Corinthians: God goes with shame and undercuts our notions of strength and power. Dorothy outlines how worship and market places operated in the temple, highlighting a key way John 2 has been misinterpreted. The writer of John is concerned with who Jesus is as the temple of God, and the manifestation of his glory in his resurrection. we talk about what it might mean for the church to be cleansed.
We refer to El Greco's painting The Cleansing of the Temple.
Dr Angela Sawyer joins us to explore the tender and powerful image of God in Isaiah 40, as well as the cosmic and personal hope the end of exile represents to Israel. We talk about suffering and the yearning for freedom and fulfilment in Israel’s foundational story, and how it informs and shapes ours (communally). In a few short phrases Mark 1 outlines the subversive character of Mark’s writing, and of Jesus’ message of ‘good news’. We note that everybody came to hear John talk about repentance: what is the peculiar task of preaching about repentance in the 21st century? We highlight some key Advent questions: for whom are we waiting and why?
We refer to Ched Myers’, Binding the Strong Man and Rick Morton’s One Hundred of Dirt.
This week preachers are invited to think about taking the opportunity to talk about resurrection and what happens at “the end” through the parable of the ten wedding attendants in Matthew (25:1-13), which is a way to talk about entrance into the future kingdom of heaven, or Paul’s assurance to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 4:13-18) that even the dead will be included in the resurrection. We combat some of the bad rapture theology often associated with this passage too.
Joshua 24 invites reflection on how communities remember, recommit to God, and ritualise those commitments. The invitation to choose God in response to being chosen is a reminder of the radical grace of YHWH in these texts, yet the setting invites critique and naming of the problem of colonisation.
We refer to this commentary by Craig Keener.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Gospel-Matthew-C-Keener/dp/0802864988
and to the Brazos Theological Commentary on Thessalonians 1 & 2 by Douglas Farrow
1 & 2 Thessalonians (Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible)
Rev. Dr. Sunny Chen joins us for a conversation about the Greek words for love, resurrection promises, preaching for All Saints (All Souls) day, and Christian leadership.
The All Saints readings discussed are: 1 John 3:1-3, Revelation 7:19-17, and Matt 5:1-12. Those following the regular Sunday passages can hear a discussion of the Matthew 23 passage in the second part of the episode.
Hyperlink: For those wanting to explore the Matthew 5 reading for All Saints day, please check out episode A111 with Sally Douglas.
https://bythewell.com.au/a111-epiphany-4-matthew-51-12-the-beatitudes-with-sally-douglas/
Megan Turton, a specialist on law in the Hebrew Bible, joins us to talk about the Decalogue and legal narrative in Exodus. Holiness, identity, and mutual covenant are key themes to explore.
In the gospel reading, conflict continues between Jesus and the other Jewish leaders. We discuss the parable of the vineyard in Matthew 21 and the challenge of preaching such passages without repeating the anti-jewish sentiments of the text.
Willie James Jennings, The Christian Imagination
https://www.amazon.com.au/Christian-Imagination-Theology-Origins-Race/dp/0300171366
The lecture Fran mentioned by Jennings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5ZGwuwcHV0
Bill Loader joins the podcast this week to help unpack Matthew’s advice in resolving Christian conflict without gossiping (Mt 18:15-20). We discuss the tension between forgiveness and judgment in this section of Matthew’s Gospel, between holding offenders accountable and the ongoing demand to love them.
Exodus 12 tells the story of Passover, a story that undergirds both ancient and living rituals that are foundational for Jewish identity and speak about the liberating love of God. We point out that the Passover lamb is not a sin sacrifice, but a symbol that protects and frees. Such theological images are applied to Jesus’ death in the NT.
Bill Loader’s Lectionary resources page: http://wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader/lectionaryindex.html
Joel Baden’s Exodus Book. https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691169545/the-book-of-exodus
Meg Warner joins the podcast to talk about Joseph, favoritism, family dissension and trauma. We discuss how Joseph's story is contradictory and ambiguous; that Joseph himself is an enigma - which attention to the nuances of his dreams illustrates. We note that though his story is as long as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob's, Joseph is not put in their esteemed company - largely for political reasons. Focus on his brothers' betrayal of Joseph highlights the rippling effects of trauma, at the personal, communal and global levels. We talk about the apocalyptic nature of the miracle in the Matthew reading, and the echoes of Genesis 1 and Exodus 32 which cast Jesus as both the new Moses and the great 'I am'. Is it an epiphany? We note that Peter's understanding of faith as obedience: he requested to be commanded to walk. Fear took over when he took his eyes from Jesus.
We mention Meg's Tragedies and Congregations and Joseph: A story of Resilience, and Mary' Trump's Too Much is Never Enough.
Brian Kolia joins the podcast to discuss Jacob's wrestle with God in Genesis 32:22-31. We point to the humour in this story where God takes on some human characteristics and becomes the trickster, a role that has previously been Jacob's. Relationship with God is associated with both struggle and blessing here, as well as a new identity. Themes of seeing, darkness, and the hope that comes with daybreak also emerge. We note Psalm 17:1-7, 15 picks up many of these themes.
The feeding of the 5000 (Matthew 14:13-21) parallels the deathly feast of Herod that precedes it, highlighting the difference between the values of God's kingdom and Herod's. We point to the egalitarian elements of Matthew's feast and that in God's kingdom not only is everyone "satisfied" but there is abundance and enough left for others.
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This week the lectionary offers a rare chance to preach on the love poetry known as Song of Songs (Song of Solomon). Hebrew Bible scholar, Brian Kolia, joins the podcast to unpack Genesis 24:34-38, 58-67, Song of Songs 2:8-13, and Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. We compare Abraham's quest to get a wife for his son with the erotic, body positive, love poetry of Song of Songs. Themes of place, ethnicity, and love permeate these Old Testament readings, while Matthew's gospel compares the yoke of Christ with that of the world. We refer to this article by Elaine James.
Find us on Twitter @bythewellpod
Do you have to talk about the Doctrine of the Trinity on Trinity Sunday? Well, no. But this Sunday, in particular, invites us to explore our image(s) of God and what it means for humans to be in that image (Genesis 1). We discuss the relational nature of the God revealed in these texts, how we keep sabbath, and the call to mission in Matthew 28:16-20. We refer to the Enuma Elish and Ben Myers' tweets on the Trinity.
Christian identity and the nature of Christian community in the midst of suffering are themes that run throughout this week's readings. Fran and Robyn discuss Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 7), John 14:1-14, and 1 Peter 2:2-10 to unpack the numerous metaphors used throughout.
Michael Bird joins the podcast to discuss how he approaches preaching, the image of the Good Shepherd (Ps 23, John 10), the utopian vision of Acts 2, and what we do with the teaching addressed to slaves in 1 Peter 2:18-25. We explore Peter's teaching on not retaliating, non-violence, and imitating Christ.
Mike blogs at Euangelion and his most recent book, co-authored with N.T.Wright, is The New Testament in its World. We refer to Dennis Edwards' 1 Peter Commentary.
Fran and Robyn discuss the scandalous way kingship is radically subverted in both Matthew 21 and Philippians 2:5-11, unpacking both the historical context and the theological presentation of Christ in these texts. Robyn points out the apocalyptic elements in Matthew's version of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and his use of Zechariah. Fran wonders what Jesus would not do (WWJND?) in pondering what it means to have the "same mind" as Christ (Phil 2:5-7).
If you are looking for a discussion on the Passion, please see our Good Friday episode with theologian Frank Rees.
Rev Dr Frank Rees joins us this week to talk about preaching on Good Friday. We focus on the Hebrews readings (ch. 4 & 10) and John 18-19, discussing the strange, to modern ears, notion of sacrifice, and how Christ’s death might transform our understanding of it. We talk about the importance of preaching on Good Friday, proclaiming the strange good news of a God who suffers and enters death, and resisting the temptation to explain. Frank’s question, ‘to what prayer would you hope this sermon leads?’ is a wonderful way to direct your preaching. We mention Rowan Williams’ book The Sign and Sacrifice, and Fleming Rutledge’s The Crucifixion: Understanding the death of Jesus Christ.
Abraham's faith and God's faithfulness are the focus on this week's podcast. We discuss how radical the particularity of the covenant with Abraham in its ancient context and the theology it introduces which pervades so much of scripture. We refer to Fleming Rutledge's And God Spoke to Abraham and Brueggemann's Genesis commentary.
Sally Douglas joins Robyn and Fran to discuss Christian identity, as Matthew portrays it and in our own post-Christendom context. We talk about the relationship between belief and behaviour, and specifically what Matthew means by righteousness. In this podcast we refer to Bonhoeffer’s The Cost of Discipleship, David Bentley Hart’s New Testament: A Translation; Stanley Hauerwas’ Matthew: A Theological Commentary and Eugene Peterson’s translation The Message
Sally Douglas’ book Early Church Understandings of Jesus as the Female Divine, can be found here.
Sally Douglas joins Robyn and Fran to talk about the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12. We discuss how they are more than ethical aspirations, but instead descriptions of Kingdom life where nonviolence as embodied by Jesus upends the world’s ‘normal’ ordering of things. We talk about what blessedness means, and explore the profound transformation that results from encounter with Jesus and Jesus’ vision.
In this podcast we refer to David Bentley Hart’s New Testament: A Translation; Charles Talbert’s essay on Grace in the Sermon on the Mount, and Stanley Hauerwas’ Matthew: A Theological Commentary
Sally Douglas’ book Early Church Understandings of Jesus as the Female Divine, can be found here.
Sharon Hollis joins Fran and Robyn in Epiphany - the season of revelation - to talk about the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles in the letter to the Ephesians 3:1-12. We talk about the radical universality of the gospel and the mystery of grace in both Ephesians and Matthew 2, as well as the way Ephesians continues to be both a word of hope and a charge to the church.
In this podcast we refer to Verhay and Havard’s Ephesians: A theological Commentary
Follow us @bythewellpod
Sean Winter joins Fran and Robyn to discuss the shoot that springs from the “stump of Jesse” passage in Isaiah 11:1-10. Isaiah here offers a vision of a promised, righteous king from the Davidic line; a passage that would be later be applied to Jesus. We discuss the use of Isaiah’s arboreal images as picked up in Matthew 3:1-12. In this podcast we refer to Robert Alter’s 2018 translation of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).
Associate Professor Sean Winter's publications can be found here. You can find him on twitter @seanfwinter
You can find out more at bythewell.com.au Follow us on Twitter: @bythewellpod
By the Well is supported by Pilgrim Theological College and the equipping Leadership for Mission unit of the Uniting Church in Australia.