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Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 Sermon Commentary
Proper 20C
Illustration: The Emperor’s New Clothes is a wonderful parable for explaining the prophet’s task. The prophet is not the only person who knows or notices what is true. The prophet is the one who foregoes pretense and is unafraid to say the quiet part out loud. In the classic children’s story, it is a young…
Luke 16:1-13 Sermon Commentary
Proper 20C
This parable is one of the most difficult to get to the bottom of. Why is Jesus seemingly praising a shady businessperson? The ‘hero’ of the story steals from his boss in order to curry favour and ensure his future with other people all too happy to cheat the system! Though it is not part…
1 Timothy 2:1-7 Sermon Commentary
Proper 20C
Most preachers are at least familiar with variations on some Christians’ refrain of “Prime Minister (or President) So-and-So is a turkey.” Or “Congressman (or Member of Parliament) Such-and-Such is trying to ruin our country.” I’m always a bit tempted to respond to such assertions by asking the complainant, “Do you pray for that leader as…
Psalm 113 Sermon Commentary
Proper 20C
Many of us have been taught that sometimes it is helpful to read passages from the perspective of those who find themselves on the underside of history. This may be especially true of famous pieces of writing that we are perhaps too accustomed to reading from the vantage point of those who tend to come…
Commentary posted on September 21, 2025
Proper 20C Sermon Commentary
The Proper 20C Sermon Commentaries include reflection and illustration ideas for Luke 16:1-13 from the Lectionary Gospel; Jeremiah 8:18–9:1 from the Old Testament Lectionary; Psalm 113 from the Lectionary Psalms; and 1 Timothy 2:1-7 from the Lectionary Epistle.
Related Reformed confession: Lectionary Epistle: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 18 (Lord’s Day 6)