The Easter narrative in Matthew emphasizes the quiet uncertainty of resurrection, contrasting with celebratory worship. Resurrection is depicted as a transformative event that propels the disciples into action. Rather than serving as a conclusion, it marks the beginning of the church's mission, urging believers to carry Jesus' message into the world.
John 20:1-18 (Easter Vigil) – April 4th, 2026
The Easter Vigil uniquely begins in darkness, emphasizing the resurrection's quiet start in a garden. Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ reveals layers of meaning, connecting themes of creation and renewal. The gardener's role symbolizes God's ongoing work in cultivating life, hope, and restoration, echoing the story's origins in Eden.
Matthew 21:1-11 (Palm Sunday) – March 29, 2026
Palm Sunday begins with celebration, but Matthew’s story ends with a question: “Who is this?” As Jesus enters Jerusalem like a king—but not the kind people expect—the crowds reveal how easily we shape Jesus around our hopes. This reflection invites preachers to explore the tension between expectation, misunderstanding, and Christ’s true identity.
John 11:1-45 (5th Sunday in Lent) – March 22, 2026
As Lent nears its end, the story of Lazarus in John's Gospel highlights profound themes of grief and divine presence. Jesus, despite knowing the outcome, engages with the sorrow of Mary and Martha, illustrating God's empathetic nature. The narrative emphasizes the church's role in being present with those who mourn, reinforcing the promise of the Holy Spirit's abiding companionship.
John 9:1-41 (4th Sunday in Lent) – March 15, 2026
In John 9, Jesus heals a man blind from birth, depicting a deeper narrative about identity and recognition rather than merely the miracle. The healed man's struggle for acceptance highlights societal perceptions of disability. The story invites reflection on how communities recognize and redefine individuals beyond past labels, emphasizing a divine understanding of identity.
John 4:5-42 (3rd Sunday in Lent) – March 8, 2026
The Gospel of John presents a transformative encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at a well, emphasizing the theme of thirst. Initially, it is Jesus who expresses need, destabilizing traditional power dynamics. This paradox reflects the essence of the incarnation, illustrating that God's love embraces vulnerability and shared humanity, inviting deeper spiritual recognition.
John 3:1-17 (2nd Sunday in Lent) – March 1, 2026
The content emphasizes the shifting perspective within the Gospel of John, focusing on Nicodemus’ journey from certainty to transformation. Through his encounters with Jesus, Nicodemus embodies the struggle of changing one’s mind and understanding faith. The text encourages embracing curiosity and gradual reorientation as essential parts of spiritual growth, especially during Lent.
Matthew 4:1-11 (1st Sunday in Lent) – February 22, 2026
The content emphasizes Lent as a period of introspection and spiritual identity, highlighting Jesus' temptations in the wilderness. Rather than viewing temptations as challenges to resist, it invites reflection on the nature of Jesus as a Messiah who exemplifies trust, community, and service over self-sufficiency, spectacle, and domination.
Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21 (Ash Wednesday) – February 18, 2026
Ash Wednesday encourages reflection on the essence of faith, urging a shift from performative piety to inward orientation. It emphasizes the importance of what we treasure, which shapes our hearts. True treasure lies not in accolades but in deep, boundary-crossing love. The ashes serve as a reminder of our mortality and dependence on God.
Matthew 17:1-9 (Transfiguration Sunday) – February 15, 2026
This commentary reframes the Transfiguration as a moment of formation rather than spectacle. In Matthew, glory does not resolve uncertainty but prepares disciples to live with unfinished hope. Jesus stands with Moses and Elijah, handing authority forward, shaping leaders who listen, descend the mountain, and trust God in ambiguity together.
Micah Krey 