Scripture First
286 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 69 ratingsThree millennials sit down with Lutheran theologians to understand how Scripture is working in our lives. God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, sin, faith, forgiveness, Luther, and more are on the table as Mason Van Essen, Kiri Haugen, and Adam Guthmiller discuss each week's upcoming lectionary Bible passage with Luther House of Study's theologians to hear the context in and around Scripture before it's preached in church.
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Episodes
A Good Pruning | John 15:1-8 with Dr. Chris Croghan
April 22, 2024 08:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBThis week’s text says that Jesus is the vine and God is the vinegrower. Everyone who produces fruit, God prunes to produce more fruit. Everyone who doesn't produce fruit, God lops off the vine to wither and burn. And this is supposed to be reassurance? Dr. Chris Croghan explains how this is an election text. The fact you’re hearing this means you’re connected to the vine; you’re connected to Jesus. Through that connection, you’re producing fruit: faith. COURSES Do you like what you le...
Sheep Are Not Aspirational | John 10:1-10 with Sarah Stenson
April 15, 2024 08:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBMany of Jesus’ “I Am” statements lend themselves to comforting depictions for Christians. “I am the light of the world,” makes for a nice painting! But in today’s passage, Jesus is the gate. Sarah Stenson teaches us how Jesus is being categorical in this text. There are two options: enter through the gate by hearing the shepherd’s voice or climbing in another way which makes you a thief and a bandit. Many will hear this as a prescription: how can I be a sheep and not a thief who steals, ...
A Ghost! | Luke 24:36b-48 with Lars Olson
April 08, 2024 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBThe two men who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus are just starting to tell the disciples about what they’d experienced when Jesus appears before them again. Lars Olson explains how the Gospel of Luke is using this literary structure to depict what happens when the resurrected Jesus shows up: fear, joy, and disbelief. The resurrection is so unbelievable the disciples desperately try to rationalize it away by explaining that Jesus must be a ghost. Lars teaches us that, for most of c...
Breaking the Laws of Nature | John 20:19-31 with Dr. Chris Croghan & Sarah Stenson
April 01, 2024 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MBThe political power, religious authorities, and the general public all demanded Jesus’ death. The disciples were terrified they were next. Suddenly, Jesus breaks the laws of nature and shows up in the locked room and starts a sermon: peace be with you. Here is the consequence of your sin. Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson explain how Jesus shows them the marks on His hands and sides and clearly places the bullseye on all of them, and all of us: your sin is what killed me. Yet the mes...
He is Not Here | Mark 16:1-8 with Sarah Stenson & Dr. Chris Croghan
March 25, 2024 08:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBIt’s Easter Sunday and three women head to Jesus’ tomb fully expecting to find the dead body of the man they betrayed. Suddenly, an angel appears to deliver them the incredible news that is the basis of the Christian faith: “He has been raised; he is not here.” Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan explains why the women expected to find death despite Jesus having told them He would be raised, the importance of the angel’s sermon, and the surprising last verse of the original manuscript of...
You Killed Jesus | John 18:1-19:42 with Dr. Chris Croghan & Lars Olson
March 22, 2024 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBThis episode is going to be a little different. No background music. No closing summary and calls to action. Why? Because we’re grappling with the question, “Why did Jesus have to die?” in this conversation. Dr. Chris Croghan and Lars Olson do an incredible job calling out how everyone involved in Christ’s final moments sinned against Him. From the betrayal to the power dynamics to the self-preservation, every single person called for Jesus to be crucified. Why did Jesus have to die? Bec...
What Does Maundy Mean? | John 13:1-17,31b-35 with Lars Olson & Sarah Stenson
March 21, 2024 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBIn the first of two Holy Week bonus episodes, Lars Olson and Sarah Stenson break down what Jesus meant by giving us a new commandment to love one another in this Maundy Thursday text. Jesus demonstrates true humility by washing His disciples’ feet. He also commands us to love one another. Many will read this as a command in the Law, as an expectation of what they’re supposed to do. But what Jesus is depicting is what makes someone a disciple. A disciple is someone who betrays Christ. He’...
Waving Palm Branches | Mark 11:1-11 with Sarah Stenson & Dr. Chris Croghan
March 18, 2024 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBPalm Sunday. Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. In many churches, we’ll wave our palm branches and shout, “Hosanna!” In this week’s conversation, Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan explain how the crowds believed the Messiah was going to be a king whose power came through the Law. They thought the Messiah would defeat their enemies and make their lives materially better—much like how people view being a Christian today will benefit them. The crowd chants, “Hosanna! Blessed is the c...
The Greeks Show Up | John 12:20-33 with Dr. Chris Croghan
March 11, 2024 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBDr. Chris Croghan summarized this week’s text in two sentences, “God made a promise. God fulfilled that promise.” After his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a few Greeks show up to the festival. What could be overlooked as a passing detail, Dr. Croghan explains how pivotal this detail is. God promised Abraham that the Messiah would come from his line for all nations. With the Greeks showing up, suddenly it’s not just the Israelites. Non-Jews were present, too. With the promise fulfilled,...
Their Deeds Were Evil | John 3:14-21 with Lars Olson
March 04, 2024 09:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBKiri and Mason welcome Lars Olson to the podcast to break down the verses surrounding one of the most well-known verses in the Bible: John 3:16. This week’s lectionary text begins with, “And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness…” Lars explains the story about God sending snakes to bite His people in Numbers and Moses lifting up a bronze snake. Then we ask, “What does it mean that God so loved the world?” Lars teaches us we think of love as an exchange: if I love you, the...
Does the Old Testament Matter to Christians? | John 2:13-22 with Sarah Stenson
February 26, 2024 09:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBA dramatic scene unfolds at the temple where Jesus is driving out livestock with a whip and flipping over the bankers’ tables, spilling money everywhere. Kiri and Mason ask Sarah Stenson what’s happening here and why is Jesus reacting with such a physical disturbance? She explains the context of Passover: a festival where God commanded His people to offer a sacrifice, but—over time—the priests taught that sacrifices were the best form of worship (over obeying other aspects of the Law like ...
This Will Be the Death of You | Mark 8:31-38 with Dr. Chris Croghan & Sarah Stenson
February 19, 2024 09:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBImmediately after Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus lays out the entirety of what that means in a single verse: He’s going to undergo great suffering, be rejected, be killed, and rise again. Peter tries to prevent this from happening and Jesus tells him, “Get behind me, Satan!” Both Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson teach us in this conversation why Jesus reacts this way. It’s an example of setting your mind on a human thing—idolatry—instead of on divine things. ...
And the Angels Waited On Him | Mark 1:9-15 with Sarah Stenson
February 12, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBAt the beginning of Lent, the Gospel of Mark continues on a blistering pace: in six verses, Jesus is baptized, driven into the wilderness, John was arrested, and Jesus proclaimed the good news of God. In these six verses, Kiri, Max, and Mason ask Sarah Stenson about the details that could get overlooked when focusing on the big events happening in these verses. At Jesus’ baptism, Sarah explains how the Greek word for “just” in the verse, “and just as he was coming up out of the water,” m...
Sent Back Down the Mountain | Mark 9:1-10 with Dr. Chris Croghan
February 05, 2024 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBThe Transfiguration. A literal mountaintop experience, and the bookend to the season of Epiphany as Jesus moves toward Jerusalem, His crucifixion, and, ultimately, His resurrection. Kiri, Max, and Mason ask Dr. Chris Croghan why Jesus elected Peter, James, and John to witness this incredible moment when they've been acting like the Three Stooges up to this point. We also discuss what transfiguration actually means as it remains a difficult-to-envision story in the Gospels. As you’ll hear...
Miracle Worker vs Preacher | Mark 1:29-39 with Lars Olson
January 29, 2024 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBWe continue to move through Mark at a breakneck speed: John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, Jesus vs Satan in the wilderness, Jesus teaching in the synagogue with authority before casting out a demon; all in the first chapter! Now, Jesus enters Simon’s mother-in-law’s house to heal her from a fever. Word gets out, and the entire city descends looking for a piece of Jesus’ miracles. In this week’s conversation, Kiri, Max, and Mason ask Lars Olson: The disciples were married?! If Jesus says...
Jesus Leaves Them Dumbfounded | Mark 1:21-28 with Sarah Stenson & Dr. Chris Croghan
January 22, 2024 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBIn this week’s lectionary text, we hear of the first thing Jesus does in His ministry: teach in the synagogue with authority. As you’ll hear Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan teach Kiri, Cole, and Mason, everyone who heard Jesus was shocked because He spoke with the power of God. The event only gets more shocking as a man controlled by a demon bursts on the scene. We discuss: How do the demons know it’s Jesus? What does it mean for Jesus to be able to command demons? Why were the scr...
Caught In Jesus’ Net | Mark 1:14-20 with Dr. Chris Croghan
January 15, 2024 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBIn this week’s episode, Kiri, Cole, and Mason welcome Dr. Chris Croghan back to the podcast to break down Jesus’ first sermon in the rapid Gospel of Mark. In five short words, Jesus fulfills the Old Testament and ushers in the kingdom of God. "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." They ask Dr. Croghan: What does it mean the time is fulfilled? What is the kingdom of God and how can it be near when heaven is a place we go when we di...
You Will See Greater Things | John 1:43-51 with Sarah Stenson
January 08, 2024 09:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBIn this week’s text, Jesus goes to Galilee and finds Philip and tells him to, “Follow me.” This prompts Philip to tell Nathanael they’ve found the one the Old Testament prophesied. Sarah Stenson explains how this is what happens when Jesus grabs you. When you hear of Jesus’ promise you can’t help but to tell others about it. Similarly, Jesus tells Nathanael He’s known him before He ever met him, and Nathanael responds, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God!” When you’re named by Christ, you confess...
The Face of the Deep | Genesis 1:1-5 with Lars Olson
January 01, 2024 20:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBHappy New Year, Scripture First listeners! The lectionary text for the first Sunday of 2024 centers on the same verses about John the Baptist we discussed a few weeks ago in Advent. In our conversation, Kiri and Mason ask Lars Olson about the verses not included in the previous passage: Jesus’ baptism and how it ties into the creation story in Genesis chapter one. We cover high level questions about baptism: what is the promise you receive in your baptism? What’s the difference between bapti...
Under the Law | Luke 2:22-40 with Dr. Chris Croghan & Sarah Stenson
December 26, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBWhat does it mean Jesus was put under the law? That He who knew no sin became sin? That’s the question Kiri, Justin, and Mason ask Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson in this week’s episode about Jesus in the temple and the prophets Simeon and Anna. In order for Jesus to get rid of the law, He needs to go under it so it can do its full work on Him. We try to make sense of the gospel: how can three people be one? How can God be under something He created? How can someone who never sinned beco...
The Christmas Episode | John 1:1-14 with Sarah Stenson (Rebroadcast)
December 22, 2023 18:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBWe're discussing the very familiar lectionary text for Christmas Day in today's episode: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. As you'll hear Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask Sarah Stenson, we can roll over the incredible meaning of these words from how familiar it is. As you'll hear Sarah explain, this text is the basis for the e...
Christmas Eve: The End of the World As You Know It | Luke 2:1-20 with Lars Olson & Dr. Chris Croghan
December 18, 2023 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBMerry Christmas, Scripture First listeners! With the last week of Advent landing on Christmas Eve, pastors get the chance to preach one sermon for both lectionary days. Lars Olson and Dr. Chris Croghan break down the Luke text we hear every year on Christmas Eve starting with, “In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.” They explain how God works through real world events: including the government requiring a census. Kiri, Justin, and Maso...
A Man Sent From God | John 1:6-8, 19-28 with Dr. Chris Croghan
December 11, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBIf this week’s text sounds similar to the text we discussed last week, that’s because it is: John the Baptist is back and we welcome Dr. Chris Croghan to explain how the John passage is different from the Mark passage. The priests and Levites think God will bring salvation through the law, but John the Baptist—out in the wilderness—is pointing his long bony finger saying the Messiah is coming outside of the law. We also discuss how paths are made straight. Dr. Croghan teaches us having faith...
Clothed with Camel's Hair | Mark 1:1-8 with Sarah Stenson
December 04, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBWe're discussing the opening verses of the Gospel of Mark, starting with, "1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." Sarah Stenson explains how this verse shows how the entire book of Mark is good news: we now have God's mercy, in the flesh, as promised in Genesis. His name is Jesus. As we discuss John the Baptist, Kiri, Justin and Mason ask Sarah: what does it mean to make the Lord's paths straight? Many assume this is a to-do. Sarah explains the quoted Isaiah passa...
The Most Comforting Thing | Mark 13:24-37 with Lars Olson
November 27, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBIt's the most wonderful time of the year, but when you show up to church this week you're going to hear this passage about imminent destruction and the impending end times. It's a common reaction to be frightened by this, but—as Lars Olson explains—Jesus said these things as a word of comfort. You WILL lose everything: house, job, spouse, family, your life. All of the coming wars, famines, and persecutions will end in death. The only thing that won't? Jesus' word. It's the only thing that go...
Weird Sheep | Matthew 25:31-46 with Sarah Stenson & Lars Olson
November 20, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBIn one of Jesus' last parables before being crucified, He mentions terms Christians hear all the time: Son of Man, blessed by the father, sheep and goats. Kiri, Max, and Mason slow down and ask Sarah Stenson and Lars Olson to unpack what those terms actually mean. What does Jesus' title as Son of Man mean? What does it mean to be blessed by God the Father? How do I know if I'm a sheep or a goat? In the ensuing conversation, Lars and Sarah preach why is everyone trying so hard to be a good pe...
God: Giver or Demander? | Matthew 25:14-30 with Dr. Chris Croghan
November 13, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBThis week, we're discussing the Parable of the Talents where Jesus describes a man giving three of his slaves extremely valuable property: approximately worth $2 million or 16 years worth of earnings. The first two slaves doubled their value. The third buried the talent because he was afraid. The first two are told, 'Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things." The third is rebuked, "You wicked and lazy slave!" Ki...
Ten Bridesmaids | Matthew 25:1-13 with Sarah Stenson
November 06, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBWe dive into the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids with Sarah Stenson this week. Five wise bridesmaids were prepared for the bridegroom by bringing oil for their lamps. Compare that to the five foolish bridesmaids who came unprepared and demanded the wise bridesmaids share their oil only to be turned down, and, while they were off buying their own oil, the bridegroom showed up and the door to the wedding banquet was shut. We hear Jesus conclude this parable in a terrifying way: "Truly I tell yo...
What Is a Sermon? | Matthew 5:1-12 with Lars Olson
October 30, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBFor All Saints Sunday, we're welcoming Lars Olson to break down the beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount: the Beatitudes. As you'll hear Lars teach us, people who have diseases, demons, and are dying are gathering around Jesus, and, instead of healing them, Jesus begins to preach. So many people hear these verses and think, "the blessing will come once I get through this hard time," or even more dramatically, "I'll know I'm being a good Christian when people start to revile me." But Lars ...
Reformation Sunday | John 8:31-36 with Sarah Stenson & Lars Olson
October 23, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBIt's Reformation Sunday and Sarah Stenson and Lars Olson join the podcast to break down the bedrock of biblical Reformation theology and Martin Luther's law-gospel distinction by answering Kiri and Mason's questions including: How can you continue in Jesus' word? How do you know the truth? What does it mean to be a slave to sin? Lars and Sarah explain that Christ is the one who keeps you in his word. Staying in his word makes you a disciple. Abiding in his word allows you to know the truth, ...
Show Me the Coin | Matthew 22:15-22 with Dr. Chris Croghan & Sarah Stenson
October 16, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBThe Pharisees plot to entrap Jesus in an impossible to answer question. If Jesus answers one way, He breaks Jewish law by breaking the First Commandment. If He answers the other way, the Roman authorities have grounds to arrest Him. How does Jesus get out of this dilemma? By flipping the accusation on to the Pharisees: show me the coin used for the tax. If Jesus is the one on trial, why do the Pharisees hold the thing He's not supposed to hold? In the end, all of Scripture has been saying th...
The Word Into the World | Matthew 22:1-14 with Dr. Chris Croghan
October 09, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBThe Parable of the Wedding Banquet—when Jesus tells a parable, He's talking about election. In this week's lectionary text, Jesus tells the Pharisees a parable about a king gave a wedding banquet for his son. As you'll hear Dr. Chris Croghan explain, Jesus had sent out his disciples to the lost sheep of Israel—to the Jews like the Pharisees. They were the first to hear God's promise and what did they do with it? They take the gift of God and thumb their nose at it. The Pharisees are enraged ...
A Different Kind of Parable | Matthew 21:33-46 with Sarah Stenson
October 02, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBIn this week's lectionary text, Jesus continues to address the Pharisees who questioned His authority last week. He tells them a different kind of parable—not a parable of election, but a parable addressing what the Old Testament says about Him. The Pharisees think if they kill Jesus, they'll get rid of the man who is claiming to have the authority of God and they'll be the ones back in charge. But—as you'll hear Sarah Stenson explain—Jesus is explaining one of the most misunderstood phrases...
Playing Power Games | Matthew 21:23-32 with Lars Olson
September 25, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB“By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” The religious power players confront Jesus about His teaching and preaching with authority. Jesus flips the question on the chief priests and elders to reveal their supposed power is based on their own thinking—they only care what the crowd thinks. As Lars Olson explains, Jesus reveals where righteousness and true power comes from: God. SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing t...
People Hate Unfairness | Matthew 20:1-16 with Lars Olson
September 18, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBIn this week's episode, Jesus is explaining what the kingdom of heaven is like by comparing it to a generous landowner who hires laborers to work in his vineyard at all times of the day, promising to pay them whatever is right. Everyone is on board if this is what heaven is like! Things take a turn at the end of the day when the landowner pays the workers an equal amount, regardless of how long they worked. Lars Olson explains in this week's conversation how the kingdom of heaven is not fair...
How Do You Use These Keys? | Matthew 18:21-35 with Sarah Stenson & Dr. Chris Croghan
September 11, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBIn Adam's farewell episode, we're discussing Peter's natural question after Jesus tells him the definition of the church is to use the office of the keys to bind and loose sin. How often do I have to forgive? Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan explain how Jesus forgives Peter's sin and Peter immediately tries to place that forgiveness back in the law. Then Chris and Sarah break down the Parable of Unmerciful Servant ending with the statement, "When you have faith in Christ, you're not looki...
Church: Defined | Matthew 18:15-20 with Dr. Chris Croghan
September 04, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBThe only time in the entire Bible Jesus says the word, "church," is in this week's lectionary text. It's the only place Jesus defines what His church means, we better pay attention! Kiri and Mason ask Dr. Chris Croghan: What does it mean to be a member of the church? What's the difference between saying, "it's ok," versus, "I forgive you?" and how is forgiving each other's sin in private pastoral care? SING TO THE LORD Listen to Luther House of Study's newest podcast: Sing to the Lord! Ma...
Get Behind Me, Satan! | Matthew 16:21-28 with Sarah Stenson
August 28, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBFor the first time, Jesus tells His disciples He's going to be killed and be raised from the dead. Understandably, Peter objects, "This must never happen to you," causing Jesus to say to him, "Get behind me, Satan!" Sarah Stenson teaches Adam, Kiri, and Mason how this is Peter's confession of sin. Peter is trying to prevent Jesus from doing what He came to do. He doesn't have faith to respond, "Amen. Thy will be done." Then we explain what Jesus meant in saying, "let them deny themselves and...
We Have the Messiah Here! | Matthew 16:13-20 with Lars Olson
August 21, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBJesus opens this week's text by asking His disciples a general question, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" As you'll hear Lars Olson teach Kiri and Mason, the disciples answer: John the Baptist, Elijah, or Jeremiah. Then Jesus asks them directly, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter confesses, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Lars explains what it means for Peter to have been given this confession as well as other details including: How Christians differ on what J...
She Keeps Shouting | Matthew 15:21-28 with Dr. Chris Croghan & Sarah Stenson
August 14, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBAfter dealing with the Pharisees and their cleanliness and righteousness in the law, Jesus enters pagan cities and encounters a Canaanite woman whose daughter is tormented by a demon. Adam and Mason ask Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson, what does it mean the Pharisees thought they were righteous according to the law and why is righteousness a matter of the heart? In His exchanges with His disciples and the woman, Jesus finally says, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it...
It's a Ghost! | Matthew 14:22-33 with Dr. Chris Croghan
August 07, 2023 08:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBThe miracle of Jesus walking on the water—Kiri and Mason welcome Dr. Chris Croghan back to the podcast to discuss this well-known text and call out the subtle details between the action that preaches the gospel. When Mason reads the passage, listen closely to these three parts of the passage: first, when the disciples are terrified and think they're seeing a ghost, Jesus responds, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid." Dr. Croghan teaches us this is the preached God giving us His very name...
Daily Bread In Abundance | Matthew 14:13-21 with Sarah Stenson
July 31, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBFeeding the 5000, a miracle story found in all four gospels—Kiri and Mason welcome Sarah Stenson back to Scripture First to break down this famous passage. Sarah teaches us how this story is not a story of the forgiveness of sins; it's a story of how "all ate and were filled." God creates, and gives us daily bread, in abundance. God gives us everything we need to sustain life. With faith, we can be comfortable knowing He is our God. Plus, we discuss how the details in the verses around the m...
Mustard Seeds, Yeast, Hidden Treasure, & Fine Pearls | Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 with Lars Olson
July 24, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBJesus says He purposely makes parables difficult to understand so we turn to Him for the explanation. This week, we have four parables in the same lectionary text: the parables of the mustard seed, the yeast, the hidden treasure, and the pearl. Lars Olson teaches Adam, Kiri, and Mason that all of these parables are depicting what the kingdom of heaven is like. For the mustard seed and the yeast, it's how the kingdom of heaven starts as nothing, but grows to become everything. Then for the hi...
Weeds & Wheat | Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 with Sarah Stenson & Dr. Chris Croghan
July 17, 2023 08:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBComing off of last week's passage where the disciples asked Jesus why He speaks in parables, Jesus puts another one to them: the Parable of the Weeds among the Wheat. Sarah Stenson and Dr. Chris Croghan join Adam, Kiri, and Mason to explain what Jesus is getting at in this parable: what election means. Election can be a scary topic. Am I in? Am I out? And as you'll hear in the conversation, God is the one who's choosing who has the ears to hear. God is electing who understands these parables...
Freed or Lost In the Parable | Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 with Dr. Chris Croghan
July 10, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBMany people who hear or read the Parable of the Sower try to find the "to-do" as in where or how to plant seeds. Others try to find themselves in the parable: "I am good soil." As you'll hear Dr. Chris Croghan teach Kiri and Mason, this is not how parables work. Jesus tells parables as a depiction of what happens to you, not as a command of what you should do. In fact, this parable is not just a depiction of what happens, but a depiction of election. Who's in and who's out. But, before you s...
My Yoke Is Easy | Matthew 11:16-19,25-30 with Sarah Stenson
July 03, 2023 08:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBIn this summer lectionary text, Sarah Stenson joins Kiri Haugen and Mason Van Essen to discuss what it means that Jesus is exclusive in stating, "no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Then we get the incredibly reassuring verse, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest," before wrapping up the conversation discussing what Jesus' yoke is and how we are to take it upon ourselves. SING TO TH...
A Prophet's Reward | Matthew 10:40-42 with Lars Olson
June 26, 2023 08:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBWhat is the prophet's reward? What does it mean to welcome Jesus? Should churches get better at welcoming strangers? These are the questions Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask Lars Olson in this week's conversation. Lars explains how the world is trained to hear reward as the opposite of punishment—you get a reward for good behavior. But—as you'll hear Jesus explain—the prophet's reward is receiving Christ's Word. Lars also teaches us how it's easy to mistake these verses on welcoming as a charge for...
Plagiarizing Jesus | Matthew 10.24-39 with Dr. Chris Croghan & Sarah Stenson
June 19, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBThis text is packed with well-known verses like: "A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master..." "...but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven." "Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." Dr. Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson lead us in a wide-ranging conversation addressing Adam, Kiri, and my questions that include: What does it mean that God will kill you? How is that related ...
A Gospel Sandwich | Matthew 9:35-10:8 with Dr. Chris Croghan
June 12, 2023 08:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBWhen Jesus saw the crowds, in this week's lectionary text, he had compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless. Jesus said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few." Then, Jesus gives his disciples the authority and power to reverse the crowd's harassment and helplessness. How? By proclaiming the good news. Dr. Chris Croghan join Kiri and Mason to discuss what it means for Jesus to have authority, how he gives that authority to his disciples in thi...
Making Fun of Death | Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 with Sarah Stenson
June 05, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBAs you heard in Mason's initial reaction, this week's lectionary text is bonkers. It's absolutely nonsensical. A man asks Jesus to touch his dead daughter to bring her back to life, and—on His way —a woman with hemorrhages touches His cloak to be healed. Once there, Jesus says the girl is just sleeping. People laugh at Him. But, as you'll hear Sarah Stenson teach us in this week's conversation, Jesus came for the sick, not the well. In fact, Jesus didn't comes to make us physically well, He ...