Listen for the Word: Recent Episodes
Listen for the Word
In our text for the First Sunday of Christmas we look at the way Luke's story of the presentation of Jesus continues the themes in his infancy narrative. We particularly look at Simeon and Anna, and the way they express their hopes for restoration.
The text for the third Sunday in Advent presents the vision of "Third" Isaiah of the fulfillment of God's justice in the kingdom of God. It is a beautiful, hopeful, and inspiring vision that reminds us that this is God's purpose and that God will be faithful to accomplish it ultimately.
The Judgment of the Nations: In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats Jesus teaches the practice of kindness toward the “least of these”: the vulnerable, the disenfranchised, and the outcasts. We discuss how the Reformers saw this as a parable of hope.
This week we discuss the Parable of the Talents. As with the parable last week, this parable in Matthew’s Gospel appears to be one that he has revised to urge his community to a life of consistent discipleship. While his community would undoubtedly have read most of the parable positively, the final verse is troubling. Again, in light of the work of the Reformers and modern scholars, we discuss approaches to preaching this passage.
This week we discuss the Parable of the Bridesmaids. In Matthew’s Gospel it appears to be a parable that he has revised to urge his community to a life of consistent discipleship, based on his view that the church contains both “good” and “evil” persons. Unfortunately, the legacy of this idea has been one of fear and insecurity. We discuss the various ways in which different interpreters in the Reformation era read this passage. Finally, we discuss the difficulty of preaching on this passage.
This week we discuss the introduction to what has been called the “unloveliest chapter in the gospel.” It is a chapter where Jesus criticizes the Jewish religious leaders. We discuss the fact that this reflects intra-Jewish polemics and perhaps Matthew addressed this to the leaders of his own community. We also discuss the views of the Reformers about the Jewish people. Finally, we discuss how to practice humility in Christian leadership.
This week we discuss the conclusion of the conflict scene between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders at the Temple. One of the “experts in the law” asks Jesus about the “great” commandment, to which he responds with the combination of Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, which was unprecedented. Then Jesus “turns the tables” and questions them about the identity of the “Messiah.” They are silenced, and all that is left for him to do in Matthew’s Gospel is to pronounce woes upon them.
This week we discuss the passage where the Jewish religious leaders attempt to entrap Jesus by asking him whether it was consistent with the Law of Moses to pay taxes to Caesar. Jesus responds by asking them to show him the coin, and simply by possessing the coin, they demonstrate their hypocrisy. He calls them to be more concerned about giving their lives to God. The Reformers used this text as a basis for their view of the relationship between the church and the state. We use that lens as a way of talking about our ability to hear what Jesus was saying.
This week we discuss the Parable of the Wedding Banquet, which is the third and final parable with which Jesus confronts the Jewish religious leaders for their unwillingness to accept him and his message. This parable is very much influenced by Matthew’s view that the church is composed for both the good and the evil, who will be separated in the final judgment. It is a difficult text, and we discuss some of the problems it raises as well as strategies for preaching.
This week we discuss the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, which seems to be intended by Jesus as an allegory to confront the Jewish religious leaders over their rejection of him. Calvin agrees with this reading, but he also applies it to his own time, and reminds us that all those who would act as God’s “servants” are subject to human weakness. Finally, we discuss that as a possible avenue for preaching.
This week we discuss the question from the Jewish religious leaders about the authority by which Jesus carried out his ministry. We also discuss the Reformers’ approach to this passage, focusing on John the Baptist. Finally, we conclude by discussing the issue of “right” versus “wrong” interpretation.
This week we return to where we started 3 years ago, with the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. We discuss the possibility that Jesus’ original parable was commentary on the economic situation in which one landowner had a large enough vineyard to hire all the laborers in the village. That was an obvious departure from the laws regarding the land in the Torah. We talk about the Reformers’ views on this parable as reflecting the nature of work, faith, and works righteousness. Finally, we discuss how this parable illustrates God’s generosity toward us all.
This week we talk about Jesus’ teaching on unlimited forgiveness as one of the organizing principles for life in Christian community. We discuss the challenges that the “Parable of the Unforgiving Servant” poses for our understanding of God. We also learn about how the Church has tended to put conditions on the unlimited forgiveness Jesus advocates. Finally, we look at some options for preaching this difficult text.
This week we discuss what is perhaps one of the most difficult passages, where Matthew likely reports a process for admonishing a brother or sister disciple that had developed in his community. We look at this potentially problematic text through the lens of Matthew’s “Community Discourse” in Chapter 18, where Matthew surrounds this procedure with Jesus’ teachings about humility, care, and forgiveness. As Calvin reminds us, any admonition should be motivated by love. We discuss practical ways of seeking restoration for broken relationships in our contemporary setting.
TThis week we discuss Jesus prediction of his death and resurrection, and his call to his disciples to follow him in a path that leads them to make the “righteousness of the kingdom” the orientation for their lives, just as Jesus did. This is a counter-cultural message, and is difficult to practice, but for Matthew it’s the heart of discipleship.
This week we take an extended look at Matthew’s version of Peter’s confession, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” along with Jesus’ apparent commendation of Peter as the “rock” on which the church would be built. This text has provoked a great deal of discussion in the history of Christianity, because it is a key text for the role of the Popes in the Roman Catholic Church. We look at the way the Reformers dealt with this, including a woodcut that clearly opposes the Catholic tradition by presenting a counter image to the papal seal. We steer away from that approach and take our cue from Ulrich Luz’s commentary on Matthew, exploring ways that we can find unity through the teaching of the apostles.
TThis week we talk about a troubling passage in which Jesus seemingly responds harshly to a Canaanite woman’s request for healing. We discuss it in the context of the ongoing tensions between Jewish and Gentile Christians in the First-Century church, as well as the prejudices against gentiles Jesus’ disciples harbored, as perhaps also did some of the members of Matthew’s community. The result is the recognition that Jesus commends her for her “great faith,” in contrast to the disciples whom he calls “you of little faith”!
This week we discuss Matthew’s version of Jesus’ walking on the water, which includes the story of Peter asking to walk on the water to him. Following the hint from John Calvin and others, we discuss the question whether Peter “doubted” when he saw the wind and the waves or when he asked to get out of the boat! We conclude by talking about ideas for preaching a sermon on “staying with the boat” by staying on the path of discipleship.
This week we discuss Matthew’s version of Jesus’ feeding the “great crowd” of 5000 men, plus women and children. We take the opportunity afforded by a passage that is found in all four Gospels to discuss Gospel origins. We also discuss the various ways this passage has been interpreted, focusing on the idea that Matthew emphasizes Jesus has both the compassion and the power to feed the great crowd.
This week we discuss Matthew’s “Parables Discourse” in Matthew 13. We focus on the parable of the “Wheat and the Tares,” and the significant difficulties with the parable and the “interpretation” offered. In our opinion, this parable reflects Matthew’s situation and perhaps his apocalyptic theology rather than Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom of God. We also discuss John Calvin’s use of this passage, not only to support “double predestination,” but also from a “pastoral” perspective. Finally, we discuss ways to approach this difficult text in preaching.
This week we re-visit Matthew 11, which deals with the response to the Words and Deeds of the Messiah, from John, from the crowds, from the cities of Galilee. It concludes with an affirmation of Jesus’ relationship with the Father that parallels “Wisdom” and may have laid the groundwork for the theology of John’s Gospel, as well as an invitation to learn from Jesus and find rest. We discuss Calvin’s views on Jesus’ identity and the question of “wisdom” in light of the text. Finally, we discuss the question of how much we should talk about the historical and critical questions in our preaching.
This week we wrap up our discussion of Matthew’s “Missionary Discourse” with the three verses in the Lectionary. In order to “rightly explain” the passage, we have to take it in context of the chapter as a whole. We wrap up our discussion by talking about how to share the insights of our work without leading our congregations “into the weeds.”
This week we discuss the rest of Matthew’s “Missionary Discourse” in Matthew chapter 10. In comparison with Mark and Luke, Matthew has shaped the tradition about Jesus’ sending out the Twelve with a view toward instructing his own community in their own mission endeavor. In part, it serves as a challenge for them to extend the work of Jesus, and in part it serves as a warning that they will share his fate. We discuss Calvin’s treatment of one of the verses in terms of his view of humanity under God’s sovereignty. Then we discuss the question raised by Gene Boring in the New Interpreter’s Bible as to why this passage seems so foreign to contemporary Christians.
This week we discuss the first part of Matthew’s “Missionary Discourse” in Matthew chapter 10. In comparison with Mark and Luke, Matthew has shaped the tradition about Jesus’ sending out the Twelve with a view toward instructing his own community in their own mission endeavor. In part, it serves as a challenge for them to extend the work of Jesus, and in part it serves as a warning that they will share his fate. As we look into the Reformers, we discuss this “class of kingdoms.” Finally, we discuss the idea that “the priesthood of all believers” leads us to the ministry of all members.
This week we discuss Matthew’s presentation of Jesus’ ministry with authority in word and deed. We also talk about how the Reformers related faith and practice. And finally we discuss the origins of faith.
This week we are back with a brand-new episode where we discuss the “Great Commission” in Matthew’s Gospel from the perspective of how it functions in the narrative and theology of Matthew’s Gospel, how it relates to the concept of the Trinity, and why Trinity matters for our lives as Christians.
This week we discuss Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances according to John’s Gospel, including his encounter with “Doubting” Thomas. On that basis we talk about the process by which our faith grows.
This week, we are rebroadcasting another "Best of Listen for the Word" episode as we get ready to finish out year A in Matthew. In the original episode, the Gospel reading was from John 17:6-19. We discuss the first part of Jesus’ “prayer” for his disciples in John 17 as a whole in light of the historical setting of the Johannine community. Although this is a difficult passage because of the negative image of the “world,” there is a sense in which it seems to echo the idea that Jesus has completed the work the Father gave him to do.
This week, we are rebroadcasting another "Best of Listen for the Word" episode as we get ready to finish out year A in Matthew. In the original episode, we discussed John 14:8-17 in the context of chapter 14 as a whole. We talk about the way the Farewell Discourse in John’s Gospel addresses the issue of Jesus’ departure, and how the disciples would be empowered to continue his work. We also discuss the Reformers’ views on how we know God based on the cult of saints and indulgences in the medieval Catholic church. Finally we discuss some of the contemporary challenges this passage poses for us.
This week’s lesson takes us into a wide-ranging discussion of a passage in John’s Gospel meant to provide assurance to believers in his “absence.” In light of the details of the text and the way the Reformers treated it, we discuss the authorship of John’s Gospel, biblical interpretation, the work of the Spirit, and the question of whether faith is a “work,” among other topics.
This week we discuss Jesus’ discourse in which he calls himself “The Good Shepherd” who lays down his life for the sheep, and who knows them, because God has “given” them to him. In Christy’s segment, we take a look at a woodcut based on this parable, Beham’s Sheepshed. You can find the image here: https://www.akg-images.co.uk/archive/-2UMDHUWBW90M5.html
This week we talk about Jesus encounter with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. In Luke’s Gospel Jesus must "open the eyes” and “minds” of the disciples for them to recognize him as the risen Lord. We discuss the way the Reformers used this passage to debate the Eucharistic controversy with the Roman Catholic Church and with one another. Finally, we discuss the ways in which Jesus is present for us today.
This week we discuss Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances according to John’s Gospel, including his encounter with “Doubting” Thomas. On that basis we talk about the process by which our faith grows.
This week we discuss the Empty Tomb narrative in John’s Gospel, which is very different from the way the Synoptic Gospels tell the story. Jesus reveals himself as alive to Mary Magdalene, but tells her that he must complete the process of being “lifted up” by ascending to God. We also talk about Calvin’s interpretation which is unfortunately quite heavily influenced by the attitudes of the day toward women. Finally we discuss how to help people have their own encounter with the risen Christ through this passage.
This week we walk through Matthew’s passion narrative, beginning with the Last Supper, through the trials and the crucifixion to Jesus’ burial. We also discuss the way this passage was used in the history of the church, and by the Reformers, as a basis for Anti-Semitism. Highlights of our discussion include Judas’ presence at the Last Supper and the fact that the Centurion and the soldiers with him (likely the ones who had mocked Jesus) all confessed Jesus to be the “Son of God.”
This week we deal with the Jesus’ raising of Lazarus as a demonstration of the truth that Jesus is “the resurrection and the life” because he is the “Word” of God incarnate. We talk about how the Reformers used this passage at times as a prooftext for their theological tenets. Finally, we discuss the difference it makes to live from the perspective of faith in God’s “irrevocable promise” of life in Jesus.
This week we discuss the Jesus’ healing of the man born blind and the issues of sin and salvation it raises in the setting of John’s Gospel. We also discuss the Reformers’ take on this healing miracle. Finally we discuss the promise and the peril of John’s “realized eschatology.”
This week we discuss the dialogue between Jesus and the woman at the well in Samaria. In contrast to Nicodemus, this woman continues to engage with Jesus and her faith gradually awakens as Jesus leads her in the dialogue. As a result she “bore witness” to the people of her town and they responded with faith in Jesus as the “Savior of the world.” We discuss the ways in which the Reformers tried to read this narrative within their framework of what was appropriate for women. Finally, we discuss the issue of the freedom of women to serve in the church.
This week we take an in-depth look at John 3:1-21, examining the text in light of the themes in John's Gospel, the way in which the Reformers interpreted them, and how we can read this passage in light of a theology of grace today.
This week we talk about Matthew’s version of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. We see that Matthew uses this passage to make some pretty remarkable claims about Jesus; particularly that because Jesus truly “fulfilled all righteousness,” after his death and resurrection “all authority in heaven and on earth” was given to him by God. We also take a look at how Calvin tried to move away from the complete dualism surrounding the notion of a “devil” in the Medieval era, but is still influenced by it. Finally, we discuss how to deal with this passage today without giving too much credit to a “devil,” which only creates fear.
This week we deal with Matthew’s version of the transfiguration of Jesus, in which Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of God’s purposes, the confirmation of Jesus’ identity as “Son of God,” and the assurance that Jesus is the one who mediates the presence of God. We also discuss the themes in the Reformers, including an emphasis on the person on Christ and the authority of God. Finally, we discuss ways to help people find confirmation of their faith today.
This week we discuss the specifics of the “greater righteousness” that Jesus outlines in the “Sermon on the Mount,” including Jesus’ interpretation of the command against killing, against adultery, and against false oaths. In each case, Jesus addresses the intention of the command, summed up in the “golden rule”: “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets" (Mt 7:12). We take a deeper dive into the issue of marriage, adultery, and divorce with the Reformers. Finally, we discuss applications of the “greater righteousness” today.
This week we take a look at a second “introduction” to the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus calls his disciples to demonstrate the new quality of their lives in the kingdom of God, a quality of life that we are going to find fulfills the “law and the prophets” through love for God and love for others that even includes enemies. We discuss several themes from the Reformers, especially their emphasis on the Ten Commandments as the summary of the Law. Finally, we talk about ways to connect these themes with our lives today.
This week we discuss the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12, which not only play a significant role introducing the Sermon on the Mount, but also they serve to fill out the meaning of the “blessings” of God’s kingdom. We also discuss the Reformers’ interpretation of the passage, especially Calvin’s perspective that the “blessedness” of the kingdom combines with the kingdom’s ethical demands. We come back to recognize that the message of grace in the kingdom is combined with the ethical demands that will be developed in the Sermon on the Mount, but the focus is on grace.
This week we discuss Matthew’s account of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, focusing on the kingdom of Heaven and the mission to the Gentiles. We also discuss the Reformers’ views on this passage, particularly on the need for training for ministry. We conclude by talking about how this relates to “calling” in the 21st Century church.
This week we discuss the various titles used for Jesus in John's Gospel in light of Jesus' self-references and in light of the setting for the Fourth Gospel. We also discuss the influence of Erasmus on our reading of John's Gospel, and how we can reclaim some of these titles for Jesus today.
This week we talk about Matthew’s account of the visit of the “wise men.” In it, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the Son of David because he was born in Bethlehem, as the Scripture indicated. Matthew also portrays the “wise men” as the first of the gentiles who will come to acknowledge Jesus, pointing toward the mission to the gentiles. The Reformers had varied opinions about this text, but especially Calvin focused on Matthew’s emphases. We conclude by discussing how to preach this text despite the historical and scientific challenges.
This week we discuss the story of Jesus' escape to Egypt, the murder of the innocents, and the return from Egypt. It is not a story we commonly preach about, but we see how Matthew points toward the fulfillment of God’s saving purpose even in these events. This foreshadows the conflict that even the birth of Jesus provoked, and would ultimately lead to his death on the cross.
This week we talk about Luke’s story of Jesus’ birth, the announcement to the shepherds, and the significance for understanding Jesus. We also talk about Calvin and his approach to the Gospels in general, as well as his interpretation of our passage. Finally, we talk about some of the themes from the passage that could be used for preaching on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
This week we discuss Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth as Messiah, Son of David, Savior, and Immanuel. We also talk about Calvin’s approach to the Genealogy of Matthew and the story of Jesus’ birth. Finally, we discuss the themes of Matthew’s story of Jesus’ birth.
This week we discuss the passage where Jesus responds to John’s question about his identity in terms of what he was teaching and doing as an indication that he was indeed the Messiah. We also talk about how John Calvin treats John the Baptist through his own interpretive lens. We conclude by talking about hermeneutical lenses and how we use them to understand Scripture.
This week we return to broadcasting a new episode, and we take a look at Matthew’s treatment of John the Baptist, who is portrayed in the First Gospel as a prophet of impending judgment. We discuss several themes that Calvin brought up in connection with John the Baptist, including his approach to the relationship between the Gospel and the Prophets, John’s demand for repentance, how his ministry relates to sacramental theology. and the “enemies of Christ.” We wrap up with a discussion of how this passage fits the theme of peace for the second Sunday of Advent.
This week we are re-broadcasting a final “best of Listen for the Word” episode as we gear up for Year C on Matthew. In our podcast we discuss the end of Jesus’ discourse on the coming of the Son of Man in Luke’s Gospel. We also discuss how this passage was interpreted during the Reformation and particularly a woodcut depicting the alignment of the planets in 1524 as a tumultuous event. Finally, we talk about how to approach this passage from the perspective of Advent.
This week we are re-broadcasting another “best of Listen for the Word” episode as we gear up for Year C on Matthew. In our podcast we discuss Luke’s account of Jesus trials, sentence, and crucifixion. What we find is that Luke’s account is unique in comparison with Mark’s version from last year. Luke consistently portrays Jesus as an innocent man wrongfully condemned to death, who remains faithful to God to the very end. We also discuss the Reformer’s views on the various details of the narrative, that came from their unique context. Finally, we discuss the question of whether the Gospel account is “anti-Semitic.”
This week we are re-broadcasting a “best of Listen for the Word” episode as we gear up for Year C on Matthew. In our podcast we discuss the beginning of what is known as the “Apocalyptic Discourse,” where Jesus speaks about the coming destruction of the Temple, as well as the signs of the coming of the “Son of Man.” We also discuss the various ways apocalyptic thinking affected the church through the middle ages and the reformation up to today, particularly in the form of dispensationalism.
This week we at Jesus' conflict with the Jewish religious leaders, especially the Sadducees' question about the resurrection. Jesus responds by affirming God's character as the God of the living. We discuss the ways the Reformers dealt with this passage, especially focusing on the law and the importance of resurrection. Finally, we discuss the difficulties with trying to understand this passage.
This week we take a look at the story of Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus, in which Luke provides a kind of final summary of Jesus’ mission to “seek out and to save the lost,” which as the story illustrates, includes even the most despised of the despised. We also discuss the Reformers’ views about God’s freedom to save anyone, as well as questions about Zacchaeus’ spiritual condition prior to this encounter. Finally, we talk about how to get away from the image of Zacchaeus as a character from a children’s story and finding a way to hear how important it is to Luke’s overall message that “salvation” comes even to him.
This week we discuss another parable unique to Luke’s Gospel. On the surface of things, it looks like a story about prayer, but as Luke tells us, it’s really about whether we place our trust in God or in ourselves. We also discuss the themes raised by the Reformers: justification by faith versus the attempt at self-validation through works, pride versus humility, and contempt for others versus our equality before God. Finally, we discuss the challenge of calling people to put their trust in God in a world that is all about self-validation through any and all other sources.
This week we our Gospel lesson comes from section of Luke’s “Journey to Jerusalem” narrative that is moving more quickly toward its conclusion. As we see the Samaritan as the one who is saved by his faith, we are reminded that it is the “outsiders” who respond in faith while the Jewish religious leaders, and even the disciples, do not. We also talk about how the Reformers approached this passage, which more often than not is a study in approaches to avoid! Finally, we discuss the implications of the idea that it’s the least likely people who in Luke’s Gospel serve as the exemplars of what it means to have faith and to respond faithfully to Jesus.
This week we our Gospel lesson comes from section of Luke’s “Journey to Jerusalem” narrative that is moving more quickly toward its conclusion. As we see the Samaritan as the one who is saved by his faith, we are reminded that it is the “outsiders” who respond in faith while the Jewish religious leaders, and even the disciples, do not. We also talk about how the Reformers approached this passage, which more often than not is a study in approaches to avoid! Finally, we discuss the implications of the idea that it’s the least likely people who in Luke’s Gospel serve as the exemplars of what it means to have faith and to respond faithfully to Jesus.
This week we talk about the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, which is not a story about the afterlife, but rather a dramatic illustration of the theme of the “Great Reversal” that is so prominent in Luke’s Gospel. Jesus uses this story to provide a theological basis for his willingness to cross boundaries of “clean” and “unclean” with the mercy of God’s kingdom. We look at some interesting historical background, especially surrounding the wars of religion in France. Finally, we discuss ways to help people see past the wording of this parable to what Jesus was addressing.
This week we talk about the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, which is not a story about the afterlife, but rather a dramatic illustration of the theme of the “Great Reversal” that is so prominent in Luke’s Gospel. Jesus uses this story to provide a theological basis for his willingness to cross boundaries of “clean” and “unclean” with the mercy of God’s kingdom. We look at some interesting historical background, especially surrounding the wars of religion in France. Finally, we discuss ways to help people see past the wording of this parable to what Jesus was addressing.
This week we are discussing one of Jesus’ most difficult parables. There are several questions that we take a look at, and as a result, we conclude that Jesus uses this parable with an ironical twist: he does not “commend” the “shrewdness” of the manager, but rather uses him as an example of what disciples are not to do. We discuss the Reformers’ approach to this difficult passage, and observe how even Calvin had some trouble with it.
This week we were prevented from recording due to illness, so we are reposting our episode on the Prodigal Son from March 27, 2022. Although it focuses on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, we also deal with the parables of the Sheep and the Coin. Hopefully we’ll be back on track next week!
This week we discuss one of the most difficult of all Jesus’ sayings, not just about the cost of discipleship but the consequence of not being willing to align one’s life with the kingdom of God, but continuing to find one’s identity in other ways. We discuss the response of the Reformers to various attempts to read this passage too literally, and their insistence that we must follow Christ in this world and not by leaving it. Finally we talk about the challenge this passage poses to biblical interpretation and to our lives today.
This week we talk about another episode where Jesus not only heals on the sabbath, but also instructs the Jewish religious leaders about the principles of the kingdom of God in which the first are last and how that relates to their social and religious norms. We discuss how the Reformers’ efforts at effecting change contributed to the beginnings of modernity, especially with the rise of cities. Finally, we discuss the practical implications of trying to put into practice the open-handed generosity of God’s kingdom.
This week we discuss an episode where Jesus carries out his ministry of “release” by healing a woman who was bound and not able to stand up straight, thus redefining “sabbath” observance from one of restrictions to one of engaging in the work of the kingdom of God. In our discussion of the Reformation, we found that the Roman Catholic Church took this passage as a prooftext for “exorcism.” We also look at varying definitions of keeping the sabbath in the Reformed tradition. Finally, we discuss how to approach “sabbath” today.
This week we talk about one of the more difficult sayings of Jesus, that he came not to bring peace but division. In the context of Luke’s Gospel, we discuss how this relates to the effect of choosing to align one’s life with the kingdom of God, especially from those who do not embrace those values. We discuss representative understandings in the era of the Reformation, especially the idea that this was a call to ministers to be prepared for opposition. Finally, we discuss what embracing a ministry of “release” might look like for us today.
This week discuss the follow-up to the Parable of the Rich Fool, where Jesus reinforces the importance of faithful discipleship from the perspective of trusting confidence in God’s goodness as well as a recognition of the need for living out the principles of the kingdom of God in our lives. We also discuss the various ways that the Reformers framed this “watchfulness,” or faithful discipleship, in their day, as well as some of implications for us today.
This week we talk about the Parable of the Rich Fool, in which Luke introduces Jesus’ perspective that “one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possession,” a theme we’ll come back to several times as we continue through Luke’s travel narrative. We also talk about the rise of wealth and a middle class in the renaissance and the reformation, and how that affected their take on this passage. Finally we discuss how to apply Jesus’ perspective on wealth to our lives today.
This week we discuss Jesus’ teaching about prayer, including the different versions of Lord’s Prayer, and especially the fact that Jesus instructs his disciples to pray with the confidence that God knows their needs and delights in their good. We also discuss the interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer in various confessions from the Reformed tradition.
This week take a close look at the episode where Jesus visits Martha and Mary, and we discuss how Luke emphasizes Mary’s role of listening to the word but that Jesus implicitly endorses both Martha’s diakonia and Mary’s listening to the word. We explore how this passage was interpreted (sometimes harshly) in the medieval church and by the Reformers, using Diego Velazquez’ Christ in the House of Martha and Mary. We conclude by discussing the implications for today.
This week we talk about the parable of the “Good Samaritan” in the context of Jesus’ day and the scandal it would have provoked. We look at how Calvin used this passage to promote some of his key theological themes, and we discuss how to be “neighbors” to those who threaten us in our day.
This week we discuss a unique episode in Luke’s Gospel, the sending of the Seventy (Two) “others” to extend Jesus’ ministry as well as that of the Twelve Apostles. We discuss how this relates to themes of the urgency and danger of the work of proclaiming the Kingdom, as well as the fact that Jesus’ commission was extended to these “others” to meet the pressing need to get the word out.
This week we take a look at a couple of interesting episodes that introduce the “Journey to Jerusalem” section of Luke’s Gospel, and the way they emphasize the cost of choosing to follow Jesus. We discuss an example of how Calvin’s biblical interpretation reflects the shortcomings of his day, as well as the emergence of the “protestant ethic” in the Reformation. Finally we discuss the question of whether that commonly held ethic does justice to Jesus’ call to discipleship.
This week we discuss an unusual story: the healing/saving of the Gerasene demoniac, which displays Jesus’ saving power for the first time in Gentile territory. We also discuss the theology surrounding “demons” in the Medieval Catholic church and among the Reformers. Finally, we talk about ways to approach this passage without endorsing a Medieval understanding of “demons” and “exorcism.”
This week we take a look at the way the Farewell Discourse follows the pattern of Trinitarian language in the NT: weaving together the work of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We also discuss the Pseudo-Athanasian creed and it’s significance for our understanding of Trinity. Finally, we talk about some ways to communicate the importance of Trinity for our faith.
This week we discuss the way the Farewell Discourse in John’s Gospel addresses the issue of Jesus’ departure, and how the disciples would be empowered to continue his work. We also discuss the Reformers’ views on how we know God based on the cult of saints and indulgences in the medieval Catholic church. Finally we discuss some of the contemporary challenges this passage poses for us.
This week we return to the prayer in John 17. We engaged in a wide-ranging discussion, from the nature of the unity, to the purpose of the unity, to the view of the “world” in the Fourth Gospel. We also discuss how the Reformers used this passage to counter some of the Roman Catholic theology of the day regarding salvation. Finally we discuss what to make of the fact that Jesus probably didn’t actually pray this prayer!
This week’s lesson takes us into a wide-ranging discussion of a passage in John’s Gospel meant to provide assurance to believers in his “absence.” In light of the details of the text and the way the Reformers treated it, we discuss the authorship of John’s Gospel, biblical interpretation, the work of the Spirit, and the question of whether faith is a “work,” among other topics.
This week we discuss Jesus’ “New Commandment” to love in light of the meal Jesus shared with his disciples, and especially his act of washing their feet. We also discuss John Calvin’s interpretation of the passage, which is connected with several Reformation themes. We close by discussing what it looks like to love one another following the example of Jesus’ humble service.
This week we take a look at the “follow-up” to the “Good Shepherd” discourse we discussed last year. Jesus emphasizes his protection of his “sheep,” which is matched by the Father’s protection, and claims that “I and the Father are one.” The Reformers discussed this passage with reference to Predestination. We conclude by exploring Predestination for us today.
This week we discuss the “epilogue” to John’s Gospel, its purpose in relation to the Gospel as a whole and particularly with reference to Peter’s status, and how Jesus’ “pastoral” approach to “rehabilitating” Peter is translated into Peter’s advice to pastors in 1 Peter. Some of these ideas are already brought out by the Reformers, and they also use the passage to discuss their concerns.
This week, we are re-broadcasting an episode from last year, in which we discuss Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances according to John’s Gospel, including his encounter with “Doubting” Thomas. On that basis we talk about the process by which our faith grows.
This week we talk about Luke’s account of the women at the empty tomb, how they are given the news that Jesus had become “the Living One,” and they shared that news with the disciples. We also talk about the challenges of “talking about” Jesus’ resurrection in our world.
This week we discuss Luke’s account of Jesus trials, sentence, and crucifixion. What we find is that Luke’s account is unique in comparison with Mark’s version from last year. Luke consistently portrays Jesus as an innocent man wrongfully condemned to death, who remains faithful to God to the very end. We also discuss the Reformer’s views on the various details of the narrative, that came from their unique context. Finally, we discuss the question of whether the Gospel account is “anti-Semitic.”
This week take a look at the story of Mary anointing Jesus in preparation for his impending death. We discover a complex set of relationships among the Gospels regarding this event. We also discuss the themes that the Reformers pulled out of the passage, and discuss the significance of Mary as a woman performing this act of honoring Jesus in preparation for his death.
This week discuss the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and discover that it might easily be known as the Parable of the Prodigal Father, because the Father extends his compassion rather “recklessly” to both the prodigal son and the elder brother. We discuss how this parable was used in the time of the Reformation, looking especially at an article by Barbara Haeger on woodcuts by Cornelius Anthonisz, both of which illustrate Reformed themes: the danger of superstition and the marks of the true church. We conclude by discussing why Luke chose to include this parable in his Gospel, and what that means for us.
This week discuss another strange text, the passage where Jesus warns that “unless you repent, you will all perish.” In light of the crisis of God’s kingdom, as well as the coming of the Son of Man, Jesus is stressing the urgency of repentance in terms of aligning one’s life with God’s purposes. But the parable of the fig tree also stresses God’s patience and mercy in allowing us ample opportunity to make that change. We discuss this passage in it’s biblical context, in view of the Reformers’ assumptions about God’s wrath, and in view of popular American religion today.
TThis week talk about what seems like a strange text, but it could be read as a kind of “extra” passion prediction in the middle of the long journey to Jerusalem in Luke’s Gospel. We also discuss the place of Jerusalem historically and for the Reformers. Finally we talk about how this strange passage can offer us encouragement and hope in our own discipleship.
This week we discuss the temptation of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel, especially focusing on how this experience demonstrates his faithfulness to God’s purpose, and therefore his readiness to begin the ministry of bringing “release” to the people. We take a look at the ideas of the Reformers, especially in contrast to the Catholic tradition, and we discuss how Jesus serves as a model for true faith.
This week we take a look at Luke’s version of the Transfiguration, and the way in which this event not only confirms Jesus’ identity as announced by the “heavenly voice” at his baptism, but also points forward to how he will fulfill his mission. In that sense, the transfiguration is a preview of the cross, the resurrection, the ascension, and his coming again with power. The church quickly saw the Transfiguration as confirmation of the Incarnation, and we discuss how that influenced the Reformers. We also take a look at the implications for our calling to follow Jesus today.
This week we discuss the section of Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain” that deals with the command to “Love Your Enemies.” This is the central principle of the “justice of God’s Kingdom” that Jesus advocates: a way of life defined by giving without thought of return that emulates God’s unconditional and generous love. We discuss the efforts of the Reformers given the reality of life and our own thoughts about how to deal with the challenge of this text.
This week we discuss the beginning of the “Sermon on the Plain” in Luke’s Gospel, especially focusing on the beatitudes and woes that make very clear that the kingdom of God is intended to bring “release” (both in terms of salvation and in terms of social justice). We discuss the Reformers’ attempts to deal with the challenge this text poses, as well as how to understand it in our day.
This week we take a look a Jesus’ calling the first disciples in Luke’s Gospel, which is unique in comparison with the call narratives in the other Gospels. We discuss the nature of vocation in the Reformation in comparison with the Medieval Church, and we wrap up with a discussion of the nature of vocation today, affirming that we all have gifts that God delights in using.
This week discuss the second part of Luke’s version of the story about Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth. When Jesus speaks of the “Year of the Lord’s Favor,” the people at the synagogue initially responded positively. But he provoked them by reminding them of two stories that show that God’s grace cannot be constrained by us. We discuss the implications of this for the Reformation era and for today.
This week discuss Luke’s version of the story about Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth. But unlike Matthew and Mark, Luke not only locates this event at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, he also frames it so that it defines who Jesus is and what is mission is about. Taking a cue from the Reformers, we discuss paradigms of salvation that affect our people.
This week take a look at the “sign” that Jesus worked at the Wedding at Cana. John says that he did this to “reveal his glory” and so that his disciples believed. We also discuss how the Reformers interpreted this passage in widely varying ways, but primarily with an emphasis on the importance of marriage. We conclude by discussing the theme of savoring the joy of life and creation that seems to play an important role in the Gospel text.
This week we discuss the account of Jesus’ baptism in Luke’s Gospel, which has some subtle but important differences from the “normal” way we envision it. We also discuss the role of sacraments in the Reformation, and baptism in particular. Finally, we close with a discussion of two questions: “Did Jesus need to be baptized?” and “Do we need to be baptized?”
This week we are re-broadcasting our podcast from last year on John 1:1-18, discussing the passage as the primary source for our understanding of the incarnation, how the Reformers dealt with this passage, and how Juergen Moltmann sees incarnation as a reflection of God's eternally self-communicating love.
This week we discuss the episode when Jesus went to Jerusalem with his parents for the Passover, and when his parents left Jesus remained behind due to his commitment to God’s purpose. The Reformers bring our several themes, including Jesus’ relationship with his human parents and his relationship with God. We tend to read this passage with the assumption that it reflects Jesus as divine, but we discuss that in our final segment.
This week we are rebroadcasting our episode from last year on Mary’s Magnificat. Here are a couple of images that will help with the discussion: Madonna and Child by Giotto and Madonna Litta by Da Vinci.
This week discuss the message of John the Baptist. We discuss the details of the text, and the fact that this is a classic text that demonstrates the need for some use of written sources for our Gospels. We also discuss how various groups in the era of the Reformation responded to this passage, some of which are surprising, and some that are still with us. We conclude with a discussion of the fact that while the message of John the Baptist doesn’t seem very joyful, living in a way defined by the kind of practical justice and mercy can be a joyful way of living.
This week discuss the role of John the Baptist as the herald of salvation in light of Luke’s unique presentation of him and his ministry. We discuss some of the interesting ways theologians in the Reformation era used this text. Then we conclude with a discussion of the victory of God’s grace.
This week we begin a new liturgical year with the end of Jesus’ discourse on the coming of the Son of Man in Luke’s Gospel. We also discuss how this passage was interpreted during the Reformation and particularly a woodcut depicting the alignment of the planets in 1524 as a tumultuous event. Finally, we talk about how to approach this passage from the perspective of Advent.
This week in preparation for “The Reign of Christ Sunday,” we take a look at Jesus’ trial before Pilate and the somewhat surprising things Jesus says. We also discuss how this passage influenced ideas of the Reformation and even the notions of the divine right of kings. Finally, we talk about how a thoroughgoing confidence that “The Lord Reigns” is essential to the Christian faith.
This week discuss the beginning of what is known as the “Apocalyptic Discourse,” where Jesus speaks about the coming destruction of the Temple, as well as the signs of the coming of the “Son of Man.” We also discuss the various ways apocalyptic thinking affected the church through the middle ages and the reformation up to today, particularly in the form of dispensationalism.
This week we take a look at a passage that combines Jesus’ criticism of the scribes for taking advantage of vulnerable widows together with his commendation of the Widow’s offering of two small coins at the Temple. Mark portrays this widow as the example not only of discipleship but also what it means to love God with all one’s “life.” This is a pattern in Mark’s gospel: those who are seemingly insignificant become the exemplars for faith.
This week we talk about Jesus’ answer to a scribes’ question about the “first” commandment. In response, Jesus says to love God and love your neighbor. This interpretive framework serves as the foundation for the biblical message: because we experience God’s love for us, we respond by loving God, which means we will seek to follow God’s ways. That is primarily defined by loving others through mercy and justice. We discuss how the Reformers echoed this message, particularly Calvin. We discuss the importance of keeping this framework intact as we seek to live our Christian lives.
This week we discuss an episode in Jesus’ ministry that is easily overlooked, but that represents the way in which “the first shall be last and the last shall be first” is woven into the narrative fabric of Mark’s Gospel. This blind man whom Jesus heals, like many other “outsiders” in Mark’s Gospel, is held up as an example of true faith and discipleship.
This week we discuss Jesus’ response to the request of James and John to sit at Jesus’ right and left in his kingdom. This is the final episode in which Jesus seeks to impress upon the twelve his call to follow him in service to others. We also discuss Calvin’s approach to this passage and the interesting theological implications he draws from it. Finally, we talk about how this theme impacts us in ministry today.
This week we look at Jesus’ encounter with a man who asked how he could inherit eternal life, and Jesus responded by telling him to obey God’s commands. Although the man insisted he had done so, Jesus challenged him to sell his property and give the proceeds to the poor, but he was unwilling to part with his wealth. We discuss wealth as a rival to faith in God, as well as the role of the Ten Commandments in the Christian life.
This week we discuss Jesus’ response to the Pharisees’ question about divorce. It seems clear that in Mark’s Gospel Jesus’ position is that marriage is to be a permanent relationship and remarriage after divorce is not proper as long as one’s former spouse is living. We survey the history of marriage and divorce in the church, and see that the Reformers took a pastoral approach. We try to explore what that pastoral approach would look like in our day.
This week our podcast takes us to a passage that seems disjointed, but when we look at it through the lens of the disciples’ argument about greatness and Jesus’ teaching about service it may make sense. This passage gives us the chance to look at biblical interpretation, both in the setting of the Reformation and today.
This week we discuss Jesus’ second passion prediction in the Synoptic Tradition, in light of the fact that immediately afterwards his disciples argued about who among them would be greatest in the kingdom they expected Jesus to usher in. He tells them to be last of all and servant of all, and to reinforce that he says that “whoever welcomes a child in my name welcomes me.” We discuss the place of children in the family during the Reformation, and then reflect on Jesus’ call to a path of “downward mobility.”
This week we look at a passage we discussed on Feb 21, 2021 in it it’s fuller context. Jesus asks the disciples who they think he is, and he responds by telling them that the Son of Man must be rejected and die and then be raised to life. We discuss Calvin’s understanding of this, and the reflect on what it all means for us in light of Bonhoeffer’s “Discipleship” and Moltmann’s “Crucified God.”
This week we discuss two episodes that show Jesus’ interactions with people outside Jewish territory. In the first, a woman seeks out Jesus to heal her daughter, and basically, won’t take “no” for an answer! In the second, Jesus heals a deaf man whom some friends had brought to him. This has implications for understanding Jesus’ ministry, and for understanding the scope of the Kingdom of God in Mark’s Gospel.
This week go back in to Mark, taking a look at the debate between Jesus and the religious leaders about following “The Tradition of the Elders” concerning matters of ritual purity. The Reformers apply this discussion to worship, and we take a cue from them in our own discussion.
This week we wrap up our tour of John 6 with the conclusion to the story: many of Jesus’ disciples turn back, but Peter affirms on behalf of the Twelve that Jesus has the “words of eternal life.” We see that in fact the whole chapter presents a Christology in which Jesus is the one who gives life. We also discuss more of the Reformers’ views about this, some of which are rather “literal.” We conclude with a discussion of taking the Bible “literally.”
This week we discuss the second part of Jesus’ “Bread of Life” discourse. His speaking about eating his flesh and drinking his blood in connection with faith seems to constitute a Johannine version of the words of institution for the Lord’s Supper. We also discuss the “Eucharistic Controversy” in the Reformation era, and finally ask, “What difference does it make” how we view the Lord’s Supper.
This week we discuss the first part of Jesus’ “Bread of Life” discourse. While Jesus calls the crowds to faith in himself as the “bread of life,” they continue to misunderstand. The Reformers disagree about whether Jesus’ words have eucharistic significance. And we discuss what it means to be “drawn” to Jesus.
This week we discuss Jesus' interaction with the crowds that searched for him after he fed the 5000. This passage prepares us for the "Bread of Life" discourse next week.
This week we discuss John’s version of Jesus’ feeding the 5000 and walking on the water as a basis for the “Bread of Life” discourse that will follow in John 6. We also look at Calvin’s more pastoral insights on the implications for the Christian life. Finally, we discuss the uniqueness of John’s account in light of the particular perspectives of John’s Gospel as a whole.
This week we discuss Mark’s version of Jesus’ feeding the 5000 and walking on the water in light of the very negative assessment he gives regarding the faith of the Twelve. We discuss Calvin’s take on this, especially his emphasis on the role of Jesus’ teaching, and the connection between the Lord’s Supper and all our meals. Finally we discuss the implications of Jesus’ compassion for our ministry today.
This week we discuss the death of John the Baptist in light of the corruption in the Herodian family, and in light of the hope of the resurrection as the final resolution of all injustice.
This week we discuss the episode at Nazareth in Mark’s Gospel in comparison with Matthew and Luke. We discuss how Jesus’ exercise of the “authority” of the kingdom of God is impacted by the unbelief of the people. We also discuss how even the disciples, who in Mark’s Gospel still don’t understand, are nevertheless enabled by Jesus to do the work of the kingdom, because it was God’s grace that was doing the work.
This week we talk about Jesus’ healing of a woman who’s faith he commends by saying “your faith has saved you.” Her faith then becomes the example for a Jewish Synagogue leader, whose twelve-year-old daughter dies, but Jesus raises to life. We talk about the miracles in general as they relate to our faith today.
This week we discuss Jesus’ stilling the storm as Mark frames it in comparison with Matthew and Luke. In Mark’s Gospel, the focus is on yet another demonstration of Jesus as the one who has the authority to enact the kingdom of God. We discuss the Reformers’ interpretations regarding the faith of the Apostles, and then we conclude with an examination of the theology behind the notion that “Jesus stills the storms of life”
This week we look at a couple of parables that talk about the paradox between the relatively “unimpressive” beginnings of the Kingdom of God and the extensive influence of the Kingdom. The Reformers discussed this passage in light of the “true church”; we will discuss this in light of woodcut by Lucas Cranach on “The True Church”: https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/the-false-and-the-true-church-lucas-cranach-the-younger/3gHrD-YpBcBEug .
This week we address the accusation made by some scribes that Jesus was casting out demons by the power of "Beelzebul," which would have been an offense worthy of stoning. We examine the fluidity of "demonology" in the NT era, and the way in which the church fathers in the third and fourth Centuries developed what we could call the concept of "Satan" that is prevalent today.
This week we discuss Jesus' interview with Nicodemus with a view toward looking into the way the NT weaves the theology of trinity into the message. We also look into the history of trinity in the church and the importance of trinity for our lives today.
This week we discuss Jesus’ promise to send the “Helper/Encourager/Mediator,” the “Spirit of truth” who would lead the disciples into all truth and enable them to bear witness to him. We discuss the role of the Spirit in our Christian lives.
This week we look Jesus’ “prayer” for his disciples in John 17 in light of the setting of the Johannine community. Although this is a difficult passage because of the negative image of the “world,” there is a sense in which it seems to echo the idea that Jesus has completed the work the Father gave him to do.
This week we look at the continuation of Jesus’ discourse instructing disciples to “abide in his love” and we learn that “bearing fruit” in discipleship means obeying Jesus’ commands, primarily the command to love one another by laying down our lives for each other.
This week we look at what it means to “abide in Jesus” as the “true vine” and thus “bear much fruit” in discipleship, in the context of John’s Gospel, the theology of the Reformers, and today.
This week we discuss Jesus’ discourse in which he calls himself “The Good Shepherd” who lays down his life for the sheep, and who knows them, because God has “given” them to him. In Christy’s segment, we take a look at a woodcut based on this parable, Beham’s Sheepshed. You can find the image here: https://www.akg-images.co.uk/archive/-2UMDHUWBW90M5.html
This week we discuss Luke’s version of Jesus’ appearance to his disciples, and the unique way in which they respond. Unlike the other Gospels, in Luke it takes more than the empty tomb, and even more than the experience of the resurrected Jesus to awaken the disciples’ faith.
This week we discuss Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances according to John’s Gospel, including his encounter with “Doubting” Thomas. On that basis we talk about the process by which our faith grows.
This week we look at the unique way in which Mark concludes his Gospel: with the story of the women at the empty tomb. We will explore the various endings of Mark in the development of the New Testament, and discuss the Reformers' views on this passage, as well has how we "identify" Jesus today.
This week we look at Mark’s account of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion, and burial. The text is full of irony, as well as allusions to prominent passages from the Hebrew Bible. We look at the Reformers’ interpretation of this crucial event, and discuss current applications.
This week in our podcast we discuss a turning point in John's narrative of Jesus' life--his awareness that his "hour" has come to glorify the Father and to be glorified by the Father. We also talk about the implications of a view of salvation that is too small for God's sovereign grace.
This week we take an in-depth look at John 3:1-21, examining the themes of John's Gospel, the way in which the Reformers interpreted them, and how we can read this passage in light of a theology of grace today.
In our podcast this week we take a good look at the account of Jesus cleansing the Temple in John's Gospel. We discuss the biblical emphases, the role this text played in the Reformation, and it's implications for today.
This week we discuss Jesus' prediction of his death and his call to follow him in a path of discipleship that will lead to a cross. We look at what that meant in the context of Mark's Gospel, as well as for the Reformers and for us today.
In our podcast this week, we discuss the various titles used for Jesus in John's Gospel in light of Jesus' self-references and in light of the setting for the Fourth Gospel. We also discuss the influence of Erasmus on our reading of John's Gospel, and how we can reclaim some of these titles for Jesus today.
Welcome to the first Podcast for “Listening for the Word.” Dr. Alan Brehm and Dr. Christine delve into the Revised Common Lectionary for the celebration of Trinity Sunday looking at how the doctrine informed the early church, developed during the Protestant Reformation and informs our church toay.