lectionary.com

Pentecost Season · Proper 17 · Year A

Jeremiah 15:15-21

The Prophet's Complaint

August 30, 2026

Prophet Jeremiah, Michelangelo
Prophet Jeremiah, Michelangelo, c. 1511Sistine Chapel ceiling, Vatican
Perhaps the most inward figure on the ceiling: Jeremiah slumped with a hand over his mouth and his eyes down, saying nothing at all.Your words were found, and I ate them … I sat alone, because your hand was upon me … I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze.MichelangeloSculptor first and painter under protest, who spent four years on his back on the Sistine ceiling and produced the most consequential painting in Europe.Sistine Chapel ceiling, VaticanThe pope's chapel, where conclaves are held, decorated by Perugino, Botticelli and Ghirlandaio before Michelangelo was ever asked.Sistine Chapel ceiling, Vatican
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelMatt. 16:21-28Mt 16:21-28
EpistleRom. 12:9-21Rom 12:9-21
Old TestamentExod. 3:1-15Ex 3:1-15Alt. OTJer. 15:15-21Jer 15:15-21
PsalterPs. 105:1-6, 23-26, 45bPs 105:1-6, 23-26, 45bAlt. PsalmPs. 26:1-8Ps 26:1-8

Overview & Insights

“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight.” (Jeremiah 15:16)

Jeremiah pours out his complaint to God over the suffering his calling has brought him and the loneliness of bearing God's word. God answers by calling him to repent and promising to make him a fortified wall of bronze his enemies cannot overcome.

From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.

Take it further: Jeremiah 15:15-21

Commentary

Commentary on Jeremiah 15:15-21Commentary on Jer 15:15-21 Working Preacher

The Lutheran home commentary on this Year A reading by a named seminary scholar.

Jeremiah 15 - The Prophet's Distress and the LORD's AnswerJer 15 - The Prophet's Distress and the LORD's Answer Enduring Word · David Guzik

A verse-by-verse evangelical study of Jeremiah's lament and God's promise of strength.

Jeremiah 15:15 CommentariesJer 15:15 Commentaries BibleHub

Classic commentaries gathered verse by verse on the prophet's complaint.

Jeremiah 15:15 Verse-by-Verse CommentaryJer 15:15 Verse-by-Verse Commentary StudyLight

A large library of expositors stacked verse by verse for a further voice on the passage.

Jeremiah Commentaries and SermonsJer Commentaries and Sermons Precept Austin

A gateway to inductive word studies and cross references across Jeremiah.

Background & Word Study

Jeremiah 15 (Hebrew and English)Jer 15 (Hebrew and English) Sefaria

The Hebrew of the lament alongside English with linked Jewish commentary for the OT reading.

Jeremiah 15:15 InterlinearJer 15:15 Interlinear BibleHub

The Hebrew of the passage word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers.

Jeremiah OverviewJer Overview BibleProject

An animated overview of Jeremiah that frames the cost of the prophetic vocation.

The Church Fathers

Jeremiah 15 (Catena)Jer 15 (Catena) Catena

Patristic comments verse by verse on the prophet's suffering and the LORD's assurance.

Prep at sermons.com

Ready to write?

  • Full sermons on Matthew 16:21-28
  • Illustrations cleared for use in worship
  • Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Open it at sermons.com →

Trusted by pastors since 1995.

Free every Tuesday

Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox

The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.