Illustrations from Matthew
1153 illustrations referencing Matthew
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...
The Example of Joy - Story
In a small town, there lived a woman named Ruth, known for her infectious joy. Despite facing hardships—a long battle with illness and the loss of her husband—Ruth radiated a light that drew people in. One afternoon, as I sat...
The Example of Joy - Contemporary Example
At a community outreach event last summer, I met a woman named Maria, a vibrant soul radiating joy despite the challenges she faced. Maria had recently lost her job, and with it, the stability she had fought hard to maintain...
When Forgiveness - Story
One evening, I sat on my porch, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and purple. As I sipped my tea, I remembered a story shared by a dear friend. She had recently reconciled with her estranged...
Practical Salvation - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Matthew 28:19-20, we recognize the profound call to make disciples. This isn't merely a duty; it’s an invitation to engage deeply with the lives of others, rooted in the *agape* love that Christ exemplifies. Imagine for...
A Story of Faithfulness - Contemporary Example
In a small village nestled between rolling hills, there lived a woman named Anna. She was known for her unwavering faithfulness, a light in her community. Every Sunday, Anna would arrive at church early, setting up the altar and preparing...
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...
The Power of Mercy - Story
Thomas stood at the edge of the small, bustling marketplace, his heart heavy with the weight of regret. Years of bad choices had led him to this moment, where the laughter around him only deepened his loneliness. He recalled how...
The Power of Courage - Story
A few years ago, a dear friend of mine, Sarah, faced what seemed like an insurmountable challenge. She had been a vibrant presence in our church community, always eager to serve and share her faith. But when her husband lost...
The Beatitudes: Kingdom Values in an Upside-Down World - Story
The Beatitudes present a radical reversal of worldly values, highlighting that those considered cursed by society are actually blessed in the kingdom of God. This message emphasizes the importance of spiritual poverty, mourning over sin, and humility, which lead to a deeper hunger for righteousness. Despite the world's resistance to these values, Jesus assures believers that their faithfulness will be rewarded in heaven.
Putting Into Practice: Salvation - Illustration
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions us to go and make disciples, a powerful reminder that our faith isn’t meant to be contained within the walls of our church but lived out in the vibrant tapestry of our daily lives. Each...
Applying Mercy - Contemporary Example
Imagine a bustling café where people come to find a moment of respite, each with a story that carries the weight of the world. One day, a barista named Sarah notices a regular customer, an elderly man named Frank, sitting...
Biblical Truth: Humility - Application
As we dive into Matthew 28:19-20, we find the Great Commission—a sacred moment where Jesus entrusts His followers with the mission to “make disciples of all nations.” This calling does not come with a sense of grandeur or self-importance; instead,...
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...
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....
Real-World Peace - Contemporary Example
Imagine a young mother named Sarah, who juggles the demands of work, family, and her faith. Each morning, she rises early for a quiet time of prayer and scripture, seeking guidance before the day unfolds. One particular morning, overwhelmed by...
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...
Thinking About Goodness - Teaching Material
As we reflect on the command of Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, we encounter a profound calling that is rooted in goodness, divine revelation, and our shared purpose. Jesus instructs us to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations," a...
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...
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...
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...
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...