Illustrations from Matthew
1153 illustrations referencing Matthew
Putting Into Practice: Forgiveness - Teaching Material
As we embrace the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, we are reminded of the profound responsibility to go out and make disciples, teaching them to obey all that Christ has commanded. Central to this is the command to forgive—an...
The Day of Judgment: Justice and Mercy United - Story
The final judgment serves as a sobering reminder of accountability while also providing comfort through the assurance of God's perfect justice and mercy. It emphasizes that genuine faith manifests in compassionate actions toward others, and believers can face judgment with hope, knowing they are covered by Christ's righteousness. Ultimately, the doctrine highlights the balance between God's justice and love, allowing for human autonomy in the face of eternal consequences.
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission)
We read Matthew 28:19-20 as the call to embody the liberating and transformative mission of Jesus. This Great Commission is not merely about converting individuals but about making disciples who live out the justice and freedom that Jesus proclaimed. We see this as a mandate to bring holistic salvat
Biblical Truth: Faithfulness - Application
Faithfulness is not merely a duty; it is a deeply transformative journey. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions His disciples with a profound sense of purpose: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the...
Traditional Lens Commentary: Matthew 6:25-34
We read this passage as a clear call to trust in the Lord's providence and care. Jesus teaches that anxiety over material needs is unnecessary for those who belong to the Kingdom of God. The focus on seeking 'first the kingdom of God and his righteousness' aligns with our commitment to living a life
Fasting from More Than Food - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes that fasting during Lent is a spiritual discipline aimed at redirecting our hearts toward God and recognizing our true dependence on Him. By fasting from various distractions, we create space to hear God's voice and experience true satisfaction, akin to the homecoming of the prodigal son. Ultimately, the practice of fasting is about spiritual growth and cultivating compassion for others.
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.
The Day of Judgment: Justice and Mercy United - Contemporary Example
The final judgment serves as a profound reminder of both the seriousness of human choices and the comforting assurance of God's justice and mercy. While believers are vindicated through Christ's righteousness, the doctrine emphasizes the importance of compassionate action as evidence of genuine faith. Ultimately, it highlights the balance between God's love and the necessity of justice in the face of sin.
When Love - Story
Sheila, a retired teacher in our parish, has always been a beacon of warmth. One chilly Sunday morning, she noticed a new family sitting alone in the back. They seemed lost in a sea of unfamiliar faces, huddled together like...
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
A Story of Self-control - Story
A story related to this content In moments of crisis, we see how self-control provides freedom to those who act.
Biblical Truth: Grace - Application
As we delve into the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, we encounter a profound invitation wrapped in grace. Here, Jesus commands us not only to go and make disciples but also to baptize them in the name of the...
Applying Love - Illustration
As we gather today, let’s center our hearts on Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20, where He tells us to go and make disciples of all nations. This is not just a charge for missionaries or pastors; it is a call...
Living Faith: Black Church Tradition Lens Principles for Daily Life
As we reflect on Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations, promising His presence as we do so. This powerful commissioning can often feel overwhelming, yet it’s vital to remember that the path to discipleship is...
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
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
Lessons from Peace - Contemporary Example
On a warm Saturday morning, I found myself in a bustling community center, where a group of young men were gathered for a workshop on conflict resolution. As they exchanged stories, I noticed one young man, Jamal, sitting quietly at...
Real-World Justice - Contemporary Example
As we contemplate the call of Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations, we are reminded that this mission is not merely about evangelism; it demands a holistic approach to justice and love. When we...
When Forgiveness - Story
A story related to this content Just as a river flowing to the sea, forgiveness teaches us that perseverance leads to growth.
Real-World Goodness - Teaching Material
When we look at Matthew 28:19-20, we find Jesus commissioning His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, reminding us that our faith is not meant to be kept to ourselves. This passage calls us to embody *koinonia*,...
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 11:28-30 (Come to Me All Who Are Weary)
We read Matthew 11:28-30 as a profound invitation from Christ to enter into the rest that He provides through His grace and the sacramental life of the Church. This passage is a call to receive the peace that comes from union with Christ, which is made present to us in a special way through the Euch
Real-World Goodness - Contemporary Example
Jesus commands us in Matthew 28:19-20 to go and make disciples, to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and to teach them to obey everything He has commanded. This Great Commission is not...
Evening Prayer: Peace - Story
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the neighborhood, I think of a young mother in our community. She rises each day before dawn, not just to prepare meals for her children, but to gather...
Daily Reflection: Perseverance - Story
When I think about perseverance, I am reminded of a woman in our parish, Anna. Every Sunday, she would sit in the same pew, her hands weathered yet strong, holding the Bible she had read cover to cover countless times....