FREE lectionary-based video sermons by America’s best preachers for use in worship, Bible study, small groups, Sunday school classes, or for individual use. All you do is push the button.

Sign up to receive one email a week to carry the message with you.


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Good Faith Media, PO Box 721972, Norman, OK, 73070, http://goodfaithmedia.org. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Additional Content

A Sermon for Every Sunday is guided by the conviction that every person is made in God’s image and therefore seeks to be fully inclusive.

August 2, 2026

“Discipleship and Empire” (A36: Proper 13)

Rev. Dr. Cody J. Sanders

Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-9,14-21; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21

Sanders frames the feeding of the multitude as a radical challenge to empire: When scarcity reigns, Jesus rejects “send them away” and commands, “You feed them.” He connects this to community care movements like the Black Panthers’ breakfast program, arguing that healing, feeding and Eucharistic sharing are political acts of justice, abundance and resistance to oppressive power.

Rev. Dr. Cody J. Sanders is associate professor of congregational and community care leadership at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He holds a bachelor of arts from Gardner-Webb University, a master of science in community counseling from Mercer University, a master of divinity from McAfee School of Theology, and a doctor of philosophy from Brite Divinity School.