Illustrations from John
1085 illustrations referencing John
Lessons from Kindness - Story
A story that demonstrates the same truth Like a seed growing in fertile soil, kindness requires receive to see {result}.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 17:1-5
We read John 17:1-5 as a profound declaration of God’s sovereign plan of redemption through Christ. Here, Jesus prays for the glorification that is inherent in the fulfillment of the Father’s eternal decree — that the Son would give eternal life to those whom the Father has given him. This passage u
Traditional Lens Commentary: John 17:1-5
We read this passage as Jesus' high priestly prayer, where He speaks to the Father about the culmination of His earthly mission — the glorification of the Son through the cross. Jesus affirms His authority over all flesh to grant eternal life, which underscores His divine nature and messianic role.
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 9:1-12
We read John 9:1-12 through the lens of God's liberating action in history. This story of Jesus healing the man born blind is not just a miracle of physical sight, but a profound sign of spiritual and social liberation. We see Jesus challenging the societal norms that equate physical ailments with p
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 9:1-12
We read John 9:1-12 through the lens of Christ's incarnational mission to bring healing and redemption to the world. This passage demonstrates the sacramental principle that physical realities can be conduits of divine grace. Jesus' use of mud and saliva to heal the blind man is a tangible sign of t
Heart Religion and Social Transformation - Story
The sermon emphasizes the importance of both personal faith and social action in true Christianity, as taught by John Wesley. It highlights the concept of prevenient grace, which enables individuals to choose God, and stresses that genuine faith must manifest in works that transform communities. The call to love God and neighbor is central to the Methodist tradition, advocating for both personal renewal and social reform.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 9:1-12
We read John 9:1-12 as a profound illustration of the distinction between Law and Gospel. The disciples' question about the man's blindness reflects the Law, exposing human assumptions about sin and suffering. Jesus' response shifts the focus to the Gospel, revealing God's purpose to display His wor
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 9:1-12
In John 9:1-12, we read this passage as a demonstration of God's sovereign grace and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. Jesus' healing of the man born blind is not merely a miracle but a sign of the inbreaking of the new creation in Christ. This event is a fulfillment of the covenant of grace, re
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 21:15-19
In John 21:15-19, we read this passage as Jesus' reaffirmation and commissioning of Peter, a moment of restoration and empowerment. This is not merely about personal reconciliation but a divine mandate for pastoral care and prophetic leadership. We see Jesus calling Peter to 'feed my sheep,' a call
A Story of Grace - Contemporary Example
There’s a man named David who I met in a local coffee shop. David was once a successful corporate executive, living a life many would envy. Yet beneath the surface, he felt empty, trapped in a cycle of superficial relationships...
Traditional Lens Commentary: John 9:1-12
We read this passage as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' divine authority and compassion, affirming His role as the light of the world who brings both physical and spiritual sight. The healing of the man born blind shows the transformative power of Christ, illustrating the gospel truth that those
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 7:10-13
In John 7:10-13, we read this passage as revealing the mystery of Christ's mission and the hiddenness of His divine identity. Jesus goes secretly to the feast, which we interpret as a profound sign of His humility and the unfolding of God's salvific plan in ways that are not always immediately appar
Practical Understanding - Illustration
When we reflect on John 3:16, we see the heart of our faith: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son." This is the ultimate expression of *agape*—selfless, sacrificial love. It’s easy to understand...
When Peace - Biblical Analogy
There’s a story of a young woman named Sarah who lived in a bustling city, constantly caught in the frenzy of life. No matter how hard she tried to find peace, she felt like a ship adrift, tossed by waves...
Theosis: Becoming Partakers of the Divine Nature - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustrates the Eastern Orthodox understanding of theosis, emphasizing that through the Incarnation, humans are called to partake in the divine nature by grace. This transformation is facilitated by the sacraments, prayer, and spiritual disciplines, leading to a mystical union with God, as articulated by the Church Fathers.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 7:10-13
In John 7:10-13, we read this passage as a vivid depiction of the tension between Law and Gospel. The secrecy of Jesus' journey to the festival and the fear among the people indicate the power of the Law's judgment looming over them. Yet, within this tension, we also recognize the hiddenness of the
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 7:10-13
In John 7:10-13, we read this passage as a demonstration of God's sovereign plan unfolding through Christ's earthly ministry. Despite the opposition and fear among the people, Jesus acts according to the divine timetable, not man's. This text highlights the tension between the unbelief of the world
Practical Perseverance - Illustration
Imagine a father teaching his young daughter how to ride a bicycle. He holds the back of the seat, steadying her, while she wobbles uncertainly. With every push forward, she feels the thrill of possibility mixed with the fear of...
Traditional Lens Commentary: John 7:10-13
We read John 7:10-13 as a demonstration of the tension between Jesus' divine mission and the fear of man. Jesus’ decision to go to the festival 'not publicly, but in secret' reflects His sovereign timing and understanding of His mission's unfolding. The passage underscores the reality of opposition
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 3:16-17 (For God So Loved the World)
We read John 3:16-17 as a declaration of God's radical, liberating love for the world — a love that is active, sacrificial, and inclusive. This passage is a cornerstone of our faith, affirming that divine love is not passive but is embodied in the giving of God's Son. We see the sending of Jesus as
Traditional Lens Commentary: Matthew 11:2-11 (John's Question from Prison)
In Matthew 11:2-11, we read this passage as a profound confirmation of Jesus' messianic identity and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. John the Baptist's question from prison reflects human doubt and the need for reassurance, which Jesus addresses by pointing to His miraculous works as evid
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 18:1-11
We read this passage as a profound demonstration of Jesus' authority and the power of nonviolent resistance. As Judas comes with soldiers to arrest Jesus, we see the Messiah, fully aware of the impending injustice, stepping forward with divine courage. This moment is a testament to Jesus' solidarity
Theology of Compassion - Reflection
Jesus declares in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” This profound statement is not merely a theological assertion; it is an invitation into a transformative relationship that nurtures our spiritual growth. At its heart lies...
Putting Into Practice: Understanding - Illustration
Imagine a child standing at the edge of a vast playground, eyes wide with wonder yet hesitant to take that first step. It's a scene we’re all familiar with, isn’t it? This child has been told that the playground is...