Illustrations from Matthew
1153 illustrations referencing Matthew
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Matthew 17:1-13
We read Matthew 17:1-13 through the lens of redemptive history, recognizing the Transfiguration as a moment where the glory of Christ, the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, is revealed. This passage highlights the ongoing covenantal relationship between God and His people, as Moses and Elijah
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 17:1-13
We read Matthew 17:1-13 through the Lutheran Lens as a revelation of both Law and Gospel. The transfiguration of Christ is a profound display of His divine glory, which terrifies the disciples, revealing their sinful inability to stand in His holy presence (Law). Yet, in the midst of this, the Gospe
Traditional Lens Commentary: Matthew 17:1-13
We read this passage as the Transfiguration of Christ, which reveals His divine nature and prefigures His resurrection glory. It underscores the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, with Moses and Elijah representing the Law and the Prophets, both of which find their fulfillment in Christ.
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 17:1-13
In the Roman Catholic Lens, we read Matthew 17:1-13 as a profound revelation of Christ’s divine nature and the foreshadowing of His Resurrection. This passage, the Transfiguration, unveils Jesus’ glory to Peter, James, and John, affirming His identity as the Son of God. We see this event as a pivota
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Matthew 23:1-12
We read this passage as a clear call to humble service and a rejection of oppressive religious authority. Jesus critiques the Pharisees for their performative piety and their burdening of the people. In the Black Church Tradition, we see this as a warning against any religious system that prioritize
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 23:1-12
We read this passage as a profound call to humility and service within the Church. Jesus critiques the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and love of honor, urging His disciples instead to embrace a spirit of humility that reflects the servant leadership of Christ Himself. This passage challenges us to l
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 23:1-12
We read Matthew 23:1-12 as a profound illustration of the tension between Law and Gospel. Jesus' words expose the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, emphasizing how the Law reveals human inability to achieve righteousness through outward actions. This passage reinforces our understanding of the
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Matthew 23:1-12
We read this passage as a stern warning against hypocrisy and the perils of external religiosity disconnected from genuine faith and humility. Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for their pride and ostentation, pointing us to the deeper reality of the covenant of grace, where true righteousness
Traditional Lens Commentary: Matthew 23:1-12
We read this passage as a powerful critique by Jesus of religious hypocrisy and the elevation of human traditions over the Word of God. Jesus exposes the Pharisees for their love of honor and authority while neglecting the heart of the law — justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This passage underscores
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Matthew 25:1-13
We read this passage as a clarion call to stay vigilant in the work of liberation and justice. The ten virgins, waiting for the bridegroom, represent the faithful community anticipating God's deliverance. The wise virgins, prepared and ready, symbolize those of us who live in active hope, keeping ou
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 25:1-13
We read this passage as a profound allegory of the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance and readiness for the coming of Christ, which is central to our eschatological hope. The parable of the ten virgins, with its focus on the bridegroom, speaks to us of Christ as the
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 25:1-13
We read Matthew 25:1-13 through the Lutheran Lens as a parable that starkly distinguishes between Law and Gospel. The parable of the ten virgins is a powerful Law text, exposing the futility of human preparedness in spiritual matters apart from Christ. The shutting of the door signifies the Law's fi
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Matthew 25:1-13
We read this passage as a vivid portrayal of the eschatological reality that awaits all humanity, underscoring the necessity of being prepared for Christ's return. The parable of the ten virgins emphasizes the covenantal distinction between those who are truly in Christ and the nominal believers who
Traditional Lens Commentary: Matthew 25:1-13
We read the parable of the ten virgins as an eschatological teaching from our Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of being prepared for His return. This passage starkly contrasts those who are wise and prepared with those who are foolish and unprepared, highlighting the theme of
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Matthew 24:1-14
We read this passage as a powerful affirmation that God is present in the midst of turmoil and upheaval. Jesus speaks to the reality of suffering, persecution, and the trials that will come, yet He also assures us that these are not signs of God's absence but rather moments where God's deliverance i
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 24:1-14
We read Matthew 24:1-14 as a profound reminder of the eschatological nature of our Christian faith, which is deeply rooted in the Catholic understanding of the Church's mission in the world. This passage, with its apocalyptic imagery and warnings, resonates with the Church's teaching on the four las
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 24:1-14
We read Matthew 24:1-14 as a profound interplay of Law and Gospel. The Law is vividly present as Jesus describes the impending destruction and turmoil, reminding us of our human frailty and the world's brokenness. Yet, the Gospel shines through in Christ's assurance that 'the one who endures to the
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Matthew 24:1-14
We read Matthew 24:1-14 as Christ's prophetic discourse that situates the destruction of the temple within the larger framework of God's redemptive history. This passage is viewed through the lens of covenant theology, where Christ, the mediator of the New Covenant, foretells events that signify the
Traditional Lens Commentary: Matthew 24:1-14
In Matthew 24:1-14, we read this passage as Jesus' prophetic discourse on the end times, affirming the certainty of His return and the signs preceding it. We understand this text through a premillennial eschatological lens, emphasizing the literal and bodily return of Christ. Jesus' warnings about f
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Matthew 22:1-14
We read this passage as a parable of God's inclusive invitation to the beloved community, where the marginalized and outcast are invited to the feast of the Kingdom. The King, representing God, sends out invitations that are rejected by the original invitees, symbolizing those who cling to privilege
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 22:1-14
We read this parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22:1-14 as a profound reflection on the invitation to the heavenly banquet of the Eucharist. The king represents God the Father, who invites all of humanity to the feast of His Son, Jesus Christ. The rejection by the initial invitees signifies the
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 22:1-14
We read this passage through the distinct lens of Law and Gospel. The parable of the wedding feast illustrates the Law in the rejection of the king’s invitation, exposing the stubbornness and sinfulness of the human heart — the old Adam. Yet, the Gospel breaks through in the king’s insistence on fil
Twister: Anchored in the Storm (Matthew 7:24-27)
In Twister, storm chasers learn that the tornadoes destroy everything poorly anchored. Mobile homes explode; rooted farmhouses sometimes survive. At the climax, Jo and Bill strap themselves to pipes d
The Example of Self-control - Story
A story that demonstrates the same truth The example of Mark shows that self-control is not about perfection but about love.