Illustrations from John
1085 illustrations referencing John
Morning Meditation: Understanding - Prayer
As the sun rises each morning, it brings with it a fresh canvas of possibility, a reminder of God's mercies that are new every day. In this quiet hour, you may find yourself sipping coffee, feeling the warmth of the...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 5:10-18
We read this passage as a profound demonstration of Christ’s divine authority and the unfolding revelation of the New Covenant. In confronting the Pharisees' legalism and their misunderstanding of the Sabbath, Jesus is not merely performing a miracle but asserting His identity as the Son of God, sov
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: 1 John 1:5-10
In 1 John 1:5-10, we read this as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering light that penetrates the darkness of oppression and sin. This passage speaks directly to our communal experience, affirming that God's light exposes injustice and calls us into the liberating truth. We see the call to walk in
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: 1 John 1:5-10
In the Roman Catholic tradition, we read 1 John 1:5-10 as a call to live in the light of Christ, who is the Light of the world. This passage emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging and confessing our sins to remain in communion with the Lord. Through the sacrament of Reconciliation, we are restore
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 5:10-18
We read John 5:10-18 through the Lutheran Lens as a powerful illustration of the tension between Law and Gospel. The Law is evident in the Pharisees' legalistic adherence to Sabbath regulations, exposing human sinfulness and our tendency to prioritize rules over mercy. The Gospel, however, shines th
When Wisdom - Story
There was a man named Samuel who lived in a small town, a place where everyone knew one another. Samuel had a gentle spirit, always offering a warm smile and a listening ear. Yet, he struggled with a sense of...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 John 1:5-10
We read 1 John 1:5-10 as a vivid illustration of the Law and Gospel distinction. The passage begins with the Law: 'God is light, and in him is no darkness at all,' exposing our sin and inability to stand in that light by our own merits. The confession of sin is the acknowledgment of our total deprav
Traditional Lens Commentary: John 5:10-18
In John 5:10-18, we read this passage as a clear demonstration of Christ's divine authority and identity. Jesus heals on the Sabbath, revealing His lordship over the law, which foreshadows the redemptive work of the cross. The Jews' reaction underscores the conflict between human tradition and divin
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 5:10-18
We read John 5:10-18 as a profound testimony to the divinity of Christ and His authority over the Sabbath. The passage reveals Jesus's divine prerogative to heal and give life, asserting His equality with the Father, an essential truth within our Trinitarian doctrine. This text challenges us to see
The Example of Gentleness - Contemporary Example
Maria had always been a fiery spirit, quick to speak her mind and defend her convictions. But after a difficult season in her life, full of loss and heartache, she found herself struggling to maintain that same fervor. One evening,...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 John 1:5-10
We read 1 John 1:5-10 as an affirmation of God's transcendence and moral purity, emphasizing the absolute holiness of God ('God is light') and the pervasive need for the cleansing blood of Christ in our lives. This passage underscores the doctrine of total depravity, as it frankly acknowledges the s
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 5:10-18
We read this passage as a profound encounter between Jesus and the religious authorities of his day, who sought to bind the people with legalism rather than liberate them through grace. This scripture speaks to us of Jesus' radical act of healing on the Sabbath, which we interpret as a divine assert
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 4:1-4
We read this passage as part of the redemptive-historical narrative showing the unfolding of God's sovereign plan. Jesus' journey through Samaria is not incidental but part of the divine decree, demonstrating the inclusion of the Gentiles in the covenant of grace. The necessity of passing through Sa
Putting Into Practice: Faith - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on John 3:16, which tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,” we find profound hope in the nature of faith. This verse invites us into a relationship that's...
Traditional Lens Commentary: 1 John 1:5-10
We read this passage as a clear and authoritative teaching on the nature of God and the reality of sin. The Apostle John, under divine inspiration, communicates that God is light, meaning He is completely holy and without sin. This passage confronts us with the truth that if we claim to have fellows
Reflecting on Love - Teaching Material
As we reflect on John 3:16, we are confronted with one of the most profound declarations of love in all of scripture: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” Here, love is not...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 4:1-4
In John 4:1-4, we read this passage as preparatory groundwork for the profound Gospel encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. It is through the lens of Law and Gospel that we discern this narrative movement. The Law is present in the historical division and animosity between Jews and Samari
The Example of Hope - Biblical Analogy
Picture a small, weathered lighthouse standing strong against the relentless waves of a raging storm. Its light, flickering but unwavering, cuts through the darkness, guiding lost ships safely to shore. For the sailors battling the turbulent seas, that beacon is...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 4:1-4
In the Roman Catholic Lens tradition, we read John 4:1-4 as an example of Jesus' intentional and purposeful mission. The passage shows Christ's movement through various regions, underscoring His universal mission to all people, not limited by ethnic or cultural barriers. This aligns with our underst
Living Out Hope - Teaching Material
Jesus boldly proclaims in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” This declaration isn’t just a comforting truth; it’s a lifeline for those grappling with doubt and uncertainty. So often, we find ourselves standing at the...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 4:1-4
We read John 4:1-4 as a testament to Jesus' intentional crossing of societal boundaries, embodying liberation and reconciliation. Jesus' journey through Samaria, a region despised by the Jews, signifies God's movement toward breaking down entrenched barriers of race, ethnicity, and social division.
The Meaning of Gentleness - Application
In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” This profound statement outlines not only the path to salvation but also the character we are called to embody as followers of Christ. Central to this...
Real-World Self-control - Illustration
Imagine waking up one morning, sunlight spilling into your room, casting warmth across the floor. As you stretch and breathe in the new day, you remember the words of Jesus from John 14:6, where He lovingly declares, “I am the...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: John 21:1-14
We read this passage as a powerful revelation of Jesus who meets His disciples in their ordinary struggles and transforms their reality. This is a story of divine provision and communal restoration. The disciples, weary from fruitless labor, experience the liberating presence of Jesus who fills thei