The Hope Canteen Podcast, Episode 55: The Mysterious Life of Seeds

Mustard seeds and flowers with the Hope Canteen Podcast logo

Jesus tells two short parables in Mark 4:26-34. They’re both about seeds. In the first, seeds that grow up mysteriously overnight after a farmer has scattered them far and wide across the ground. In the second, the tiny mustard seed grows into a great shrub that then gives shade and shelter to nests of birds.

We know that Jesus did a lot of teaching through stories, perhaps because they invite us in and expand our imaginations, revealing something of God’s work beyond our understanding. The mysterious life of seeds paints the Kingdom of God as a living, growing, extravagant reality. Jesus invites us to participate in it.

This is our last lectionary podcast episode before the summer. Join us around the virtual table as we close the season with these hope-filled parables.

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The Hope Canteen Podcast, Episode 49: Abiding in Christ, the True Vine

Jesus the Vine

Last week, we explored the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Today, we look at a very different metaphor from John 15:1-8: we are called to abide in Jesus Christ, who is the true vine. 

Jesus introduces this teaching by saying, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower.” He follows this metaphor with four images. First, he says that if he is the vine, then the disciples are the branches that come out of the vine. Second, he tells us that the branches must bear fruit. Third, he tells us that branches that don’t bear fruit need to be pruned back. Fourth, the relationship between the branch and the vine is one of abiding. Like the branch abides in the vine, so we must abide in Jesus.

Join us as we reflect (with too many gardening metaphors!) on bearing good fruit as we are nourished in the life of God.

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The Hope Canteen Podcast, Episode 28: The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids

Podcast 28 Wise & Foolish Bridesmaids
Episode 28: The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids

Jesus tells this parable about ten bridesmaids who fall asleep waiting for the wedding procession to arrive. This picks up a number of themes in Jesus’ teaching, and reflects Old Testament meditations on staying awake, being alert, and persevering in Christ. Join us around the virtual table as we talk about Matthew 25: 1-13.

What insights do you take from this parable? Please join the conversation! Add your reflections in the comments below.

The Hope Canteen Podcast, Episode 24: The Parable of the Tenants in the Vineyard

Matthew 21: parable of the tenants

This week, we look at the parable of the tenants in the vineyard (Matthew 21:33-46). This is a challenging parable because Jesus uses it to speak pointedly against those who oppose him for misplaced religious reasons. This parable leads us to ask why it’s important to remember why we have been given responsibility in God’s world.

Join us around the virtual table as we reflect on what it means to bear good fruit. Please join the conversation! Add your insights in the comments below.

The Hope Canteen Podcast, Episode 22: The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

Podcast 22: The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

In this episode, we’re talking about Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard. He tells the story of a landowner who goes out to hire workers at different times during the day. When it comes time to pay them, they are shocked that the landowner pays them all the same amount. Even those who only worked an hour receive a full day’s wages.

Join us around the virtual table as we reflect on what Matthew 20:1-16 can tell us about God and about ourselves. Please join the conversation! Add your insights in the comments below.

The Hope Canteen Podcast Episode 15: The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like…

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed... it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches. -- Jesus (Matthew 13:31-32)

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 (Year A, Proper 12)

Every week, your hosts have been sitting around the table and talking about the Bible reading for the upcoming Sunday. This week, Jesus gives a series of short metaphors that describe something of the Kingdom of Heaven: it’s like a mustard seed, yeast mixed with flour, a treasure hidden in a field, a pearl of great value, a net thrown into the sea.

Please join the conversation! You can leave your insights, questions and ideas in the comments.