This commentary reads the Beatitudes as Gospel recognition rather than moral instruction. In Matthew, Jesus names and blesses people as they already are—mourning, weary, vulnerable—proclaiming God’s kingdom present amid violence, fear, and uncertainty, not as reward, but as promise and belonging.
Matthew 4:12-23 (3rd Sunday after Epiphany) – January 25, 2026
Matthew’s call narrative moves fast: Jesus proclaims the kingdom, then calls disciples who immediately leave their nets, boats, and family. Matthew insists discipleship isn’t a private conviction or performance of virtue, it is a reordering of allegiance. Following Jesus reshapes real life, loyalties, and the systems we participate in.
John 1:29-42 (2nd Sunday after Epiphany) – January 18th, 2026
This commentary invites preachers to linger with John’s Gospel, where faith grows through encounter rather than urgency. Centered on John’s confession, “I did not know him,” it distinguishes knowing about Jesus from knowing Jesus, affirming that recognition, relationship, and discipleship unfold slowly through abiding presence.
Matthew 3:13-17 (Baptism of our Lord) – January 11, 2026
Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism reveals baptism as incorporation into a prophetic tradition. Authority is transferred from John to Jesus and, ultimately, to the baptized church. Baptism names belovedness while commissioning the church to proclaim God’s kingdom, even when that witness unsettles power and disrupts expectations.
Matthew 2:1-12 (Epiphany of our Lord) – January 6, 2026
Matthew’s Epiphany story refuses sentimentality. The magi are not decorative figures but disruptive witnesses whose recognition of the true king exposes fragile power and provokes consequence. Epiphany reveals that faithful allegiance to Christ is never neutral, never safe, and never without cost—but it is the path of discipleship.
John 1:[1-9] 10-18 (2nd Sunday of Christmas) – January 4, 2026
This week's focus reflects on the unsettling nature of John's Gospel, particularly how the Word entered a world that did not recognize Him. Despite rejection, Jesus embodies grace and truth, challenging our expectations. The message emphasizes that Christmas doesn’t reset the story but reveals God's persistent presence amid misunderstanding and flaws.
Matthew 2:13-23 (1st Sunday of Christmas) – December 28, 2025
Matthew’s Christmas story refuses sentimentality. This commentary explores the Slaughter of the Holy Innocents as an essential part of the incarnation, naming how fear-driven power responds to God’s reign. It invites preachers to lean into the text’s theology without flattening it into headlines
John 1:1-14 (Christmas Day) – December 25, 2025
Christmas Day worship encourages a quieter, more reflective atmosphere, as participants carry the weight of the season. John's Gospel emphasizes God's faithful presence, depicting light that persists amid darkness. This message reassures weary individuals that they are invited to simply receive, signifying a relationship built on vulnerability and grace.
Luke 2:1-20 (Christmas Eve) – December 24, 2025
This Christmas Eve commentary reflects on the familiar narrative of Jesus' birth, emphasizing clarity, courage, and joy in preaching. It explores the translation of "guest room," suggesting a lack of welcome rather than mere unavailability. The shepherds, marginalized figures, are the first to celebrate this transformative event, highlighting God's attention to those overlooked.
Matthew 1:18-25 (4th Sunday of Advent) – December 21, 2025
Matthew's birth narrative emphasizes Joseph's quiet obedience amidst uncertainty rather than celebration. Rather than acting from moral superiority, Joseph's righteous response embodies compassion despite limited understanding. His actions facilitate God's work, highlighting that obedience involves relinquishing power and creating space for new life, challenging traditional expectations during Advent.
Micah Krey 