Illustrations from Matthew
1153 illustrations referencing Matthew
The Power of Peace - Contemporary Example
A contemporary example of this content Just as a tree rooted deep, peace teaches us that obedience leads to blessing.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Matthew 22:1-14
We read Matthew 22:1-14 as a profound illustration of God's sovereign grace in the covenant of grace. The parable of the wedding feast reveals the kingdom of heaven initiated by God's gracious invitation, which is effectual and irresistible for the elect. This passage underscores the doctrines of un
Traditional Lens Commentary: Matthew 22:1-14
We read this passage as a parable of the kingdom of heaven, illustrating God's invitation to salvation through Jesus Christ. The original audience would have understood the wedding feast as a symbol of the messianic banquet, with the king representing God. The rejection of the invitation by the init
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Matthew 5:43-48
We read Matthew 5:43-48 as a call to radical love that echoes God's deliverance and justice. This is a love that extends even to our enemies, reflecting the unconditional love God has shown us. In the Black Church Tradition, this passage is not a call to passive acceptance of injustice but a powerfu
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 5:43-48
In Matthew 5:43-48, we read this passage as a profound call to Christian perfection, rooted in the divine call to love as God loves. This commandment to love even our enemies reflects the universal love of God, who 'makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good.' The call to perfection ('be perfect
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 5:43-48
We read Matthew 5:43-48 through the Lutheran Lens as Law exposing our inability to fulfill God's command to love our enemies perfectly. This passage reveals the depth of our sin, for it demands a love that mirrors God's perfect love, which we, in our sinful nature, cannot achieve. The Law here drive
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Matthew 4:1-11
We read Matthew 4:1-11 as a powerful narrative of Jesus' solidarity with the oppressed. Jesus, led by the Spirit into the wilderness, embodies our own journey through trials and temptations. His refusal to bow to Satan's offers is a declaration of liberation: true power is not found in domination or
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 4:1-11
We read Matthew 4:1-11 as a profound revelation of Christ's divinity and His role as the New Adam, overcoming where the first Adam fell. This passage underscores the reality of Jesus' human nature as He faces genuine temptations, yet His divine nature prevails, teaching us that grace empowers us to
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 4:1-11
We read Matthew 4:1-11 through the lens of Law and Gospel, viewing Jesus' temptation as both the Law exposing the reality of human sin and weakness, and the Gospel revealing Christ's victory over these very temptations on our behalf. This passage is not merely an example of moral fortitude but a rev
Applying Love - Teaching Material
Teaching material for this application To live out love, we must love in times of celebration by {method}.
Putting Into Practice: Salvation - Illustration
An illustration of this application The real-world implications of salvation call us to serve that demonstrates faith.
Practical Humility - Contemporary Example
A contemporary example of this application The challenge of humility is to trust while maintaining hope in challenges.
Cyril and Methodius: Apostles to the Slavs - Orthodox (Matthew 28:18-20)
In the 9th century, brothers Cyril and Methodius were sent to evangelize the Slavic peoples. They didn't just preach—they created an alphabet (Cyrillic) so the Slavs could read Scripture in their own
The Commission That Includes Justice - Progressive (Matthew 28:18-20)
In 1980, four American churchwomen were murdered in El Salvador while serving the poor. They weren't just preaching; they were feeding, healing, advocating. The military saw their work as subversive—b
All Authority Already Given - Reformed (Matthew 28:18-20)
When a new president takes office, the transfer of power happens at a specific moment. Before inauguration, they have no authority; after, they have all of it. Jesus' statement is even more sweeping:
Adoniram Judson's Six-Year Wait - Baptist (Matthew 28:18-20)
Adoniram Judson arrived in Burma in 1813. He labored for SIX YEARS before seeing a single convert. Six years of language study, cultural adjustment, discouragement. Then one convert, then another, the
Hacksaw Ridge: One More Lord (Matthew 5:9)
Desmond Doss in Hacksaw Ridge refused to carry a weapon into World War II combat. His prayer through the night on Hacksaw Ridge was simply Help me get one more. He rescued 75 wounded men while under f
Amanda Berry Smith: Evangelist to the World - Black Church (Matthew 28:18-20)
Amanda Berry Smith was born into slavery, became a washerwoman, and then—against every social expectation—became an international evangelist. She preached in India, Africa, and across America. White c
Real-World Peace - Illustration
An illustration of this application In our daily life, peace means growing in faith through worship.
Living Out Understanding - Contemporary Example
A contemporary example of this application The challenge of understanding is to find while maintaining faith in ministry.
Real-World Peace - Teaching Material
Teaching material for this application In our daily life, peace means growing in faith through worship.
Living Out Righteousness - Contemporary Example
A contemporary example of this application The real-world implications of righteousness call us to forgive that demonstrates hope.
Practical Humility - Illustration
An illustration of this application The challenge of humility is to trust while maintaining hope in challenges.
Living Out Understanding - Illustration
An illustration of this application The challenge of understanding is to find while maintaining faith in ministry.