Illustrations from John
1085 illustrations referencing John
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 2:1-11
We read this passage as a significant marker in the redemptive history, where Jesus begins to reveal his glory and inaugurates the New Covenant through the first of his signs. The transformation of water into wine at the wedding in Cana prefigures the abundant blessings of the New Covenant, contrast
Heart Religion and Social Transformation - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration 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 that enables individuals to respond to God, and stresses that genuine faith must lead to transformed communities through acts of love and justice.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 2:1-11
We read John 2:1-11 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing the miracle at Cana as a revelation of Christ's glory and an embodiment of the Gospel's promise. This passage reveals Christ as the one who provides abundantly and graciously, pointing to the eschatological wedding feast and the ful
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....
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: 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
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
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
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...
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
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: John 21:1-14
In the Roman Catholic tradition, we read John 21:1-14 as a profound encounter with the risen Christ, emphasizing the sacramental nature of this revelation. The passage is not merely about a miraculous catch of fish but a demonstration of Christ's ongoing presence with his Church, particularly throug
Real-World Self-control - Contemporary Example
Consider the moment when you’re standing in line at your favorite coffee shop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee swirling around you. You’ve had a long day, and perhaps your patience is wearing thin. You overhear a conversation, a friend...
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...
Applying Wisdom - Contemporary Example
As we reflect on the profound truth of John 3:16—where we see the heart of God revealed in His love for the world—let us consider how this divine love calls us into practical wisdom, service, and community. When we understand...
Shrek: Confess with Your Mouth (Romans 10:9-10)
In Shrek, the ogre lives behind walls of cynicism and solitude. Donkey keeps talking until the walls crack. Fiona hides her true self until Shrek sees and accepts her anyway. Both must confess what th
Lutheran Lens Commentary: John 21:1-14
We read John 21:1-14 through the Lutheran Lens as a narrative that highlights both the Law and the Gospel. The Law is evident in the disciples' fruitless night of fishing, symbolizing human inability and the futility of effort apart from Christ. The Gospel shines forth in Christ's provision of an ab
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 21:1-14
We read John 21:1-14 as a profound demonstration of Christ's sovereign grace and his ongoing commitment to his covenant people. In this passage, the risen Christ appears to his disciples, providing a miraculous catch of fish, which signifies his provision and his authority over creation. This event
Living Out Hope - Contemporary Example
When Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (*John 14:6*), He was not just affirming His identity; He was offering us a lifeline in our moments of doubt and uncertainty. Imagine a young woman named Sarah,...
When Wisdom - Story
There was a small village nestled in the foothills of a great mountain. It was known for its breathtaking views, but also for the thick fog that rolled in each morning, obscuring everything in sight. The villagers lived in a...
Lessons from Mercy - Story
A few months ago, I found myself in a café, the kind with large windows that frame the busy street outside. I watched as a young mother gently cradled her newborn in one arm while expertly balancing a cup of...
The Shining: A Light the Darkness Cannot Overcome (Matthew 5:14-16)
In The Shining, the Overlook Hotel's evil threatens to consume Danny and his mother. But Danny has "the shine"—a psychic gift that calls for help across miles. His light is literally his salvation. "A