Illustrations from Matthew
1153 illustrations referencing Matthew
Biblical Truth: Humility - Commentary
As we reflect on Matthew 28:19-20, we find ourselves standing before the awe-inspiring commission of Jesus: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” This great commandment, often referred to as the Great Commission, invites us into a sacred mystery—one...
Quiet Time: Goodness - Biblical Insight
As we gather in this sacred space, consider the quiet moments when you sit with your Bible, perhaps a steaming cup of coffee beside you, the aroma filling the room with warmth. It is in these moments of stillness that...
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...
The Power of Peace - Story
Sister Mary sat on her front porch, sipping sweet tea as the sun dipped low in the sky, painting the horizon in hues of orange and purple. It was her sacred time, a moment of peace amid the chaos of...
When Forgiveness - Contemporary Example
On a crisp autumn morning, a young woman named Emily stood before a vibrant maple tree, its leaves blazing with hues of orange and gold. This tree had a special significance; it was planted in her childhood yard, where she...
The Beatitudes: Kingdom Values in an Upside-Down World - Contemporary Example
The Beatitudes illustrate a radical inversion of societal values, emphasizing that those deemed cursed by the world are actually blessed in God's kingdom. This teaching highlights the importance of recognizing spiritual poverty, mourning over sin, and embracing humility as essential stages of transformation. Ultimately, living by these kingdom values may invite opposition, but it also aligns believers with God's promises and rewards.
The Power of Humility - Story
In a small village nestled between rolling hills, there lived a humble potter named Eli. Known for his exquisite craftsmanship, Eli poured his heart into each piece he shaped. Yet, despite his talent, he never sought recognition. Instead, he often...
Spiritual Insight: Grace - Story
Picture a small, sunlit room filled with the soft sound of pages turning. It’s a sanctuary for the soul, where a weary traveler has come to rest. This traveler, much like many of us, carries the weight of the world...
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
A Story of Hope - Story
Once, there was a young man named Jamal who grew up in a neighborhood bustling with both dreams and despair. He watched as his friends slipped into lives that seemed destined to repeat cycles of struggle. But Jamal held onto...
The Power of Grace - Contemporary Example
A young woman named Sarah stood at the edge of a vast field, the remnants of a summer harvest scattered among the rows of browning corn. This season of change was not just about the crops; it mirrored her life....
Putting Into Practice: Salvation - Teaching Material
Imagine a young woman named Sarah who, after years of searching for meaning, finally experiences the profound love of God and accepts Christ into her heart. For Sarah, salvation wasn’t just a life-altering event; it became the beginning of a...
Evening Prayer: Forgiveness - Biblical Insight
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting golden hues across the landscape, we find ourselves in a sacred moment of reflection. Matthew 28:19-20 reminds us of Christ's command: to go forth, making disciples and teaching them to observe all...
Spiritual Insight: Compassion - Biblical Insight
Imagine a quiet afternoon, perhaps a sunny Sunday, where the world seems to slow down just for a moment. You sit with a warm cup of coffee, the steam rising like prayers toward heaven. It’s in this sacred stillness that...
Lessons from Righteousness - Story
There was a small-town pastor named David, a man of deep faith who embodied righteousness in his everyday life. One day, he received a call from a young woman named Sarah, who was struggling to make sense of her path....
Theological Perspective: Forgiveness - Commentary
Forgiveness is not merely a passive act; it is a dynamic force woven into the fabric of our faith. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions us to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations." This call is rooted in the...
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 Doctrine of Self-control - Commentary
As we reflect on Matthew 28:19-20, we encounter the Great Commission—Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations. This call is not merely a directive; it is an invitation into a transformative journey that requires self-control, a fruit of the...
Living Out Hope - Illustration
As we reflect on the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, we are reminded of Christ’s command to go forth and make disciples, yet this call is intertwined with the profound promise of His presence: "I am with you always." This...
Thinking About Redemption - Church Context
The call of Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, often referred to as the Great Commission, isn't just a directive; it’s a divine invitation to engage in the transformative act of redemption. When Jesus instructs us to "make disciples of all nations,"...
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
The Example of Peace - Contemporary Example
During a particularly difficult season in her life, a dear friend of mine, Emily, found herself overwhelmed by the weight of uncertainty. Just weeks after losing her job, she faced a sudden health scare. You could see the worry etched...
Living Out Redemption - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Matthew 28:19-20, often referred to as the Great Commission, we find Jesus urging us to go forth and make disciples of all nations. This command is not merely a call to evangelism, but a profound invitation...
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