Illustrations from Matthew
1153 illustrations referencing Matthew
Biblical Truth: Humility - Application
As we dive into Matthew 28:19-20, we find the Great Commissionβa sacred moment where Jesus entrusts His followers with the mission to βmake disciples of all nations.β This calling does not come with a sense of grandeur or self-importance; instead,...
The Way of Jesus: Peace, Simplicity, and Discipleship - Contemporary Example
The Anabaptist tradition emphasizes the practical application of Jesus' teachings, particularly regarding non-resistance and peacemaking. By following the example set in the Sermon on the Mount, believers are called to engage in active discipleship, fostering community and mutual aid while adhering to the principles of love and justice.
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...
The Meaning of Understanding - Application
Understanding is more than just grasping concepts; it is a transformative experience that beckons us to engage deeply with Godβs eternal truth. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions His disciples to go forth and make disciples of all nations, promising His...
Traditional Lens Commentary: Matthew 5:3-12 (The Beatitudes)
We read the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 as a declaration of the values of the Kingdom of God, spoken by Jesus to His disciples and the crowd. This passage shows us the radical nature of the gospel, where the blessedness is found not in worldly success but in spiritual poverty, mourning over sin, an
The Way of Jesus: Peace, Simplicity, and Discipleship - Story
The Anabaptist tradition emphasizes the practical application of Jesus' teachings, particularly in the areas of non-resistance and peacemaking. By following the example of Jesus, believers engage in active discipleship that fosters community, mutual aid, and a commitment to justice. This approach highlights the importance of mature faith and the responsibility of all believers in ministry and community life.
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....
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 5:3-12 (The Beatitudes)
We read the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 as a profound illustration of the theology of the cross. Christ here declares blessings not on those who achieve or succeed, but on those who are poor in spirit, mourning, and meek β positions of weakness where God's grace and mercy are most profoundly needed
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 5:3-12 (The Beatitudes)
We read the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 as a profound expression of the Kingdom values that Jesus inaugurates. In our Catholic tradition, these declarations are not merely ethical ideals but realities made possible through the grace of God, particularly through the sacraments. The Beatitudes are se
Evening Prayer: Forgiveness - Story
The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden hue over the familiar front porch where I often sat with my grandmother. It was her favorite spot, a creaky old swing gently swaying with the evening breeze. I remember...
Quiet Time: Goodness - Story
Imagine for a moment a small, sun-drenched garden, vibrant with life. Each morning, a gardener steps into this sacred space, hands gently tending to each plant. As she prunes the roses, she hears the rustle of leaves in the breeze...
Evening Prayer: Compassion - Story
As the sun begins to set, casting a warm golden hue over the neighborhood, let's pause for a moment and consider what it means to live out the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20. Jesus calls us to go and...
Theology of Peace - Application
As we reflect on the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, we encounter a profound invitation into a life of peace and purpose. Jesus commands us to go and make disciples, promising His presence with us "to the end of the...
The Power of Hope - Story
There was a young man named Marcus, raised in a neighborhood that seemed to swallow hope like a storm drains the rain. His childhood was painted with the hues of struggle β a single mother working two jobs, a father...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Matthew 11:2-11 (John's Question from Prison)
We read this passage as a profound moment in the redemptive-historical narrative where John the Baptist, even from prison, points us to the Messiahship of Jesus. John's question, 'Are you the one who is to come?' reflects the eschatological expectation rooted in the covenant of grace. This passage u
Practical Courage - Illustration
Imagine a young woman named Sarah, who recently completed her degree in social work. She carries a deep desire to help those in her community, but each time she thinks about starting her own outreach program, fear wraps around her...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 11:2-11 (John's Question from Prison)
We read this passage as a profound interplay of Law and Gospel. John's question from prison reveals human doubt and the Law's work in exposing our inability to recognize God's work apart from revelation. Jesus' response, however, is pure Gospel β proclaiming the fulfillment of messianic prophecy, po
Daily Reflection: Kindness - Story
Imagine a young boy in our neighborhood, a bright smile lighting up his face as he runs to the corner store with his mother's last few coins. Every Saturday, he buys a candy bar for himself, but on this particular...
Quiet Time: Faith - Biblical Insight
As we gather today, let's turn our hearts toward a profound moment of divine connection that unfolds in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus gives the Great Commission: βGo therefore and make disciples of all nationsβ¦β This call invites us to a...
Evening Prayer: Righteousness - Prayer
As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of crimson and gold, we find ourselves at a sacred juncture, a moment to pause and reflect on righteousness, humility, and prayer. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands us...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Matthew 11:2-11 (John's Question from Prison)
We read this passage as a powerful testament to the persistent hope and trust in a God who delivers. John the Baptist's question from prison echoes the cries of our ancestors who, even in chains, believed in a God who is faithful to His promises. We see Jesus' response as a declaration of liberation
When Humility - Story
There was a beloved elder in our community named Sister Mary. Every Sunday, she would arrive at church with a smile that seemed to chase away the shadows of the week. She didnβt just come to worship; she came to...
Spiritual Insight: Gentleness - Prayer
As we reflect on the essence of gentleness and humility in our spiritual journey, let us consider the quiet power of prayerβa place where our hearts can unfurl like the petals of a flower under the warm sun. In Matthew...
Living Out Understanding - Contemporary Example
When Jesus commissioned His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, He instructed them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that He had commanded. This directive is not merely historical; it is a...