Illustrations from John
1085 illustrations referencing John
Biblical Truth: Faithfulness - Application
John 3:16 reveals a profound truth about God’s faithfulness: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son.” The Greek word for love here is *agape*, which signifies an unconditional, sacrificial love. It’s a love...
The Example of Hope - Contemporary Example
A few months ago, a friend of mine named Sarah faced a challenge that would test her faith like never before. She had been diagnosed with a serious illness, one that sent shockwaves through her life. As the news sank...
Putting Into Practice: Understanding - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on John 14:6, where Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” we are invited into a profound understanding of how to live out our faith in practical ways. Imagine a young mother, facing...
Understanding Understanding - Application
As we delve into John 3:16, we encounter the profound truth of God’s love: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” This verse is not merely a theological statement; it pulsates with the...
The Meaning of Gentleness - Reflection
As we reflect on John 14:6, where Jesus boldly declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” we encounter a profound invitation to transformation. This verse speaks not just to the path of salvation but to the essence...
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
Morning Meditation: Peace - Story
Imagine a tranquil morning, sunlight filtering through the leaves of an ancient oak tree in your backyard. As the dew glistens on the grass, you settle into a familiar chair with your cup of coffee, inhaling the rich aroma of...
Quiet Time: Redemption - Biblical Insight
Consider a moment from your own life—a time when you felt utterly lost, perhaps wandering through a forest where the trees towered high, blocking the sunlight. Each step felt heavy, every path seemed to lead to a dead end. In...
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
Practical Faithfulness - Teaching Material
As we reflect on the profound truth of John 3:16, which tells us that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,” we are reminded that faithfulness begins with understanding the nature of God's love....
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
Understanding Faith - Application
As we delve into the profound truth of John 3:16, we encounter the heart of our faith: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” This simple yet profound verse captures the essence of...
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
Spiritual Insight: Justice - Story
Picture a small, flickering candle held in a child's hands. The light dances and wavers, yet it defies the surrounding darkness, illuminating just enough to reveal the faces of those nearby—faces filled with hope, longing, and a quest for meaning....
Scriptural Insight: Perseverance - Application
As we reflect on John 14:6, where Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” we encounter profound implications for our journey of faith. This statement is not just a proclamation of identity; it’s an invitation to...
Morning Meditation: Patience - Story
As the sun began to rise, casting a golden hue over the quiet village, there was a young father named Elias who sat on his porch, watching his daughter, Sofia, attempt to plant her first garden. With a heart full...
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.
A Story of Redemption - Contemporary Example
There was a young man named Alex, who grew up in a neighborhood thick with shadows. As a child, he felt the weight of expectations, but life’s harsh realities quickly taught him to rely on his own strength. He embraced...
Quiet Time: Salvation - Prayer
Picture a late afternoon, the sun casting a golden hue over the horizon as you sit on a weathered porch swing. The gentle creaking of the swing mirrors the rhythm of your heartbeat, a reminder of life’s ebbs and flows....
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
When Faith - Contemporary Example
In a small town, there was a woman named Miriam who had always felt a deep longing for purpose. She worked at a local bakery, crafting pastries that brought sweetness to the mornings of her neighbors. Yet, beneath the flour...
Biblical Truth: Self-control - Application
God's profound love, as declared in John 3:16, reveals the heart of our faith: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” This verse not only speaks of divine love but also invites us...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 17:1-5
In John 17:1-5, we read Jesus' prayer to the Father as a profound expression of the unity between the divine persons of the Trinity and the salvific mission of Christ. This passage highlights the glorification of the Son through His obedience and sacrificial love, culminating in His passion, death,
Putting Into Practice: Gentleness - Illustration
Imagine a parent guiding a child who is learning to ride a bike for the first time. The child wobbles, fear gripping their heart, and they look back for reassurance. The parent, with patience and gentleness, runs alongside, whispering encouragement....