By the Well
By the Well
Fran Barber & Robyn Whitaker
By the Well is a weekly lectionary-based podcast for preachers. Each week we take a deep dive into some of the texts from the Revised Common Lectionary, exploring their ancient setting and how we might preach them today. We aim to take the Bible seriously, but not literally, bringing the best biblical scholarship into conversation with lived experience, pastoral need, and theology. Our name, By the Well, is a nod to the Samaritan woman in John 4. In many ways she is an ordinary woman, perhaps on the margins of her community. When she encounters Jesus during her daily task of drawing water at the well, it transforms her and her faith. In discovering the “living water” that is Christ, she becomes a preacher and evangelist for her community, bringing them to encounter the good news of God for themselves. - Fran and Robyn (co-founders)
C 250 Reign of Christ
Robyn and Fran discuss Jeremiah 23:1-6; Colossians 1:11-20 and Luke 23:33-43, and bid farewell for now, as By the Well pauses.
Nov 13, 2025
32 min
C249 Pentecost 23
Howard Wallace and Brendan Byrne discuss Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 12 and Luke 21:5-19.
Nov 9, 2025
20 min
C248 Pentecost 22
Daniel Sihombing and Sandy Brodine discuss Haggai 1:15-2:9; Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-7; and Luke 20:27-38.
Nov 4, 2025
28 min
C247 After Pentecost 21
Kylie Crabbe welcomes Prof Brendan Byrne SJ, Jesuit Priest and renowned scholar of the New Testament as guest to the podcast. We discuss the Habakkuk and 2 Thessalonians readings more briefly before turning to discussion of the reading about Zacchaeus in Luke. Themes across the episode include: finding hope in turbulent political times, eschatology, conversion of communities (not just individuals), salvation that comes to Zacchaeus, meals, “Lukan triangles”—whereby episodes in Luke show a contrast or challenge in how two different people or groups respond to the good news or an interaction with Jesus, and more! Listeners might also be especially interested in Brendan’s wonderful (and highly accessible) commentary on Luke’s Gospel: The Hospitality of God: A Reading of Luke’s Gospel.
Oct 23, 2025
37 min
C246 After Pentecost 20
Kylie Crabbe and guest Rev Rachel Kronberger discuss Joel 2.23–32 and Luke 18.9–14. Themes include: hope after suffering, communal repentance, insiders and outsiders, portrayals of the Pharisees in the Gospels (and responsible interpretation), tax collectors in first-century Roman setting, reversal or restoration to relationship.  Resources include: Amy-Jill Levine's Jewish Annotated New Testament, Brendan Byrne's The Hospitality of God, Howard Wallace's Lectionary Resources blog, Speaking of the Pharisees event by The Enoch Seminar.
Oct 15, 2025
31 min
C242 Pentecost 17
Rev Sandy Brodine and Rev Brendan Byrne discuss Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14 and Luke 17:5-10. We refer to resources on intergen.org.au
Sep 30, 2025
25 min
C241 Pentecost 15
Howard Wallace and Sally Douglas discuss Jeremiah 8:18-9:1, Psalm 79:1-9, 1 Tim 2:1-7, and Luke 16:1-13. They discuss the balance between truth and love, praying for leaders and issues of wealth.
Sep 11, 2025
27 min
C240 Pentecost 14
Sandy and Adrian discuss Jeremiah 4:11-12,22-28; Psalm 14 and Luke 15:1-10.
Sep 9, 2025
27 min
C239 Pentecost 13
Sandy and Adrian discuss Jeremiah 18:1-11 and Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Sep 3, 2025
29 min
C238 Pentecost 12
This week Rachel and Sally explore the readings for Sunday August 31, Pentecost 12. Focusing on Jeremiah 2.4-13, Hebrews 13.1-8, 15-16, and Luke 14 1. 7-14, they discuss the hospitality of God and the challenge to think about where we seek our nourishment and who we offer hospitality to. In a world obsessed with status and wealth the way of Jesus disrupts expectations.
Aug 22, 2025
31 min
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