Narrative Lectionary 650 (NL418): A Voice in the Wilderness - December 28, 2025

Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary

Join hosts Rolf Jacobson and Kathryn Schifferdecker as they welcome Karoline Lewis, Luther Seminary's resident Gospel of John expert, for the first episode in John's gospel year. This timely discussion explores John 1:19-34, perfect for the first Sunday after Christmas and sermon preparation for the Narrative Lectionary.

In this episode, the hosts unpack John the Baptist's crucial role as witness rather than baptizer in the Fourth Gospel. Unlike the synoptic gospels, John presents the Baptist not as Elijah or "the prophet," but as one who testifies to Jesus's identity. Caroline Lewis illuminates how John 1:29's declaration—"Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"—reveals a profound theological distinction: in John's gospel, "sin" isn't a moral category but describes separation from God.

The conversation explores first-century Jewish apocalyptic expectations, drawing on scholarly work about messianic figures and prophetic forerunners. Discover why John's Gospel omits the heavenly voice at Jesus's baptism—because Jesus doesn't need confirmation of his identity. Instead, the baptism becomes John the Baptist's moment of witness, setting up the gospel's major theme: discipleship as testimony.

Whether you're preparing Sunday's sermon, leading Bible study, or deepening your understanding of John's unique theological perspective, this episode offers rich insights into witness, identity, and relationship with God. Perfect for preachers, lay leaders, and anyone seeking to understand how John's Christmas season texts invite us to "behold" Emmanuel—God with us.

Episode Highlights: * John the Baptist as witness rather than Elijah or "the prophet" * The meaning of "Lamb of God" in Johannine theology * Why Jesus's baptism in John serves a different purpose than in the synoptics * First-century Jewish messianic expectations and apocalyptic figures * "Sin" as separation from God versus moral failure * The "come and see" invitation throughout John's gospel

TIMECODES: 00:00 Introduction to the Gospel of John 03:05 The Role of John the Baptist 05:50 Witnessing and Testifying to Jesus 09:12 Understanding Sin and Relationship with God

🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Follow along with the commentary on John 1:19-34 written by Gennifer Benjamin Brooks at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/a-voice-in-the-wilderness-2/commentary-on-john-119-34-4.