Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 Sermon Commentary
Proper 28A
Psalm 90 is very much a unified psalm and so despite the Lectionary’s chopping it up and stopping short of the last 5 verses, one may as well preach on the whole poem. Psalm 90 is one of several psalms that bears a striking resemblance to the primary themes found in the Book of Ecclesiastes. …
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Sermon Commentary
Proper 28A
In this Sunday’s Epistolary Lesson, Paul returns to the theme of encouragement with which he ended last Sunday’s Epistolary Lesson. In 1 Thessalonians 4:18 he calls Thessalonica’s Christians to “encourage” [parakaleite*] each other with what he has written to them. Now, in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 he again calls them to “encourage” [parakaleite] one another. It…
Zephaniah 1:7-18 Sermon Commentary
Proper 28A
After spending a sustained amount of time in the books of Genesis and Exodus over the summer and early Fall, in the month-long lead up to Advent, the Lectionary plops us down into 4 different prophetic books. So part of the commentary each week will be to orient us to the argument of the book…
Matthew 25:14-30 Sermon Commentary
Proper 28A
This parable about what we do with ourselves as we wait for Christ’s return seems to be getting us ready for Advent a little early. Given that it is still Ordinary time, though, we can find our emphasis in the call to discipleship found in this story rather than the focus on Christ our Master’s…
Psalm 70 Sermon Commentary
Proper 27A
The odd and curious words “Aha! Aha!” occur four times in the Hebrew Psalter. Twice in Psalm 35, once in Psalm 40, and then here in Psalm 70. It is a translation of the Hebrew הֶאָח / he-ach and near as anyone can tell, a derisive “Aha!” seems to be a pretty good rendering of…
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Sermon Commentary
Proper 27A
Paul begins this Sunday’s Epistolary Lesson by claiming he does not want his brothers and sisters in Christ to be “uninformed [agnoein*] about those who sleep in death [koimomenon]” (13). He then goes on to conclude 1 Thessalonians 4 with verse 18’s call to “encourage [parakaleite] one another with” what he has just written. In…
Amos 5:18-25 Sermon Commentary
Proper 27A
After spending a sustained amount of time in the books of Genesis and Exodus over the summer and early Fall, in the month-long lead up to Advent, the Lectionary plops us down into 4 different prophetic books. So part of the commentary each week will be to orient us to the argument of the book…
Matthew 25:1-13 Sermon Commentary
Proper 27A
This story definitely wants us to pay attention to the mistakes of the foolish: they are unprepared and do not care to plan or to think about what they need to do in their role as a bridesmaid. Thus, when the big moment comes for them to escort the groom to the house where the…
Micah 3:5-12 Sermon Commentary
Proper 26A
After spending a sustained amount of time in the books of Genesis and Exodus over the summer and early Fall, in the month-long lead up to Advent, the Lectionary plops us down into 4 different prophetic books. So part of the commentary each week will be to orient us to the argument of the book…
Sermon Commentary Library
Our weekly sermon commentaries are Lectionary-based, which across its three-year cycle, encompass a vast array of biblical texts. Filter the Sermon Commentary Library to search Scripture texts by book and chapter to find commentary, illustrations, and reflections to spark ideas.
Looking for something else? View our Heidelberg Catechism sermon resources and our Reformed Connections to the RCL section that traces Lectionary texts to specific parts of the Heidelberg Catechism and the Belgic Confession.