Narrative Lectionary 644 (NL412): Jeremiah's Letter to Exiles - November 23, 2025

Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary

Join Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester as they explore Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14 for Christ the King Sunday (November 23, 2025). This powerful episode examines Jeremiah's shocking letter to the Babylonian exiles, where God calls His people not to resist, but to settle down, build homes, and seek the welfare of the very city that conquered them.

The hosts unpack the jarring nature of Jeremiah's message—marry, have children, pray for Babylon—in contrast to the rage expressed in Psalm 137. They explore how this ancient text speaks to anyone finding themselves in an unexpected place or life circumstance, offering hope through one of Scripture's most famous promises: "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope" (Jeremiah 29:11).

This episode offers fresh perspective on exile, hope, and what it means to live faithfully in a mixed society while maintaining covenant relationship with God. Perfect preparation for Advent's themes of hope and waiting.

TIMECODES: 00:00 Introduction to Exile and Hope 03:00 Jeremiah's Message to the Exiles 06:01 Reorientation in Exile 08:59 Hope and Future in Exile

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Follow along with the commentary on Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14 written by Michael J. Chan at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/jeremiahs-letter-to-exiles/commentary-on-jeremiah-291-4-14-6.

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Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/8OC47zmtgCQ.

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