Illustrations from Matthew
1153 illustrations referencing Matthew
The Example of Self-control - Contemporary Example
A few years ago, I met a man named David at a local community center where we both volunteered. David had once been caught in the throes of addiction, a cycle that seemed unbreakable. But one day, after hitting rock...
When Kindness - Story
In a small town, there lived a young woman named Sarah who had always felt a tug in her heart to reach out to those in need. One chilly evening, she was walking home when she noticed an elderly man...
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...
The Example of Self-control - Biblical Analogy
Picture a young artist, sitting before a blank canvas, her heart full of dreams yet her hands trembling with uncertainty. Each stroke of her brush is a leap of faith, a testament to her desire to create something beautiful. As...
The Example of Justice - Story
In a quiet town, there lived a man named Samuel, known for his unwavering faith and quiet acts of justice. His small bookstore, nestled between a café and a flower shop, became a refuge for those seeking both knowledge and...
When Wisdom - Biblical Analogy
There was once a wise old woodcarver named Eli, who lived in a small village. Eli had a reputation for crafting beautiful sculptures from the roughest pieces of wood. People marveled at his artistry, but little did they know the...
Black Church Tradition Lens Commentary: Matthew 17:1-13
We read this passage as a revelation of Jesus' divine identity and his commitment to liberation. The transfiguration reveals the glory of the one who stands in solidarity with the oppressed. Just as Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus, representing the Law and the Prophets, we see continuity with the
When Redemption - Biblical Analogy
Elizabeth sat quietly in her small kitchen, the faint aroma of freshly baked bread enveloping her in warmth. Outside, a gentle rain tapped against the window, softening the world into a watercolor of greens and grays. Yet inside, her heart...
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...
When Kindness - Contemporary Example
A few weeks ago, I met a remarkable woman named Clara at a local community center. Clara, a retired nurse, dedicates her time to helping those in need, and I was struck by a story she shared. One cold evening,...
The Power of Compassion - Biblical Analogy
There once lived a woman named Maria, a single mother in a small village, facing struggles that felt insurmountable. Her days were filled with toil, and her nights haunted by worries about her children’s future. One evening, exhausted and on...
When Justice - Contemporary Example
In a small town, a high school teacher named Maria discovered her students were struggling with the concept of justice. They often spoke about fairness in terms of what they could gain or lose, but Maria wanted to shift their...
When Redemption - Story
Elizabeth sat quietly in the back of the church, her fingers nervously tracing the edges of her well-worn Bible. To others, she may have seemed like just another face in the congregation, but her journey had been anything but ordinary....
Quiet Time: Goodness - Prayer
Have you ever found yourself in a quiet place, perhaps your favorite chair in the morning sunlight, or a secluded park bench where the chatter of the day fades away? These moments of solitude can be sacred; they create a...
Digital Disciples: Living Faith Online - Contemporary Example
The sermon illustration emphasizes the importance of our online presence as a form of Christian witness, urging believers to reflect the teachings of Scripture in their social media interactions. It highlights the need for discernment in sharing content that builds others up and glorifies God, while also warning against the potential pitfalls of digital communication.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 17:1-13
We read Matthew 17:1-13 through the Lutheran Lens as a revelation of both Law and Gospel. The transfiguration of Christ is a profound display of His divine glory, which terrifies the disciples, revealing their sinful inability to stand in His holy presence (Law). Yet, in the midst of this, the Gospe
A Story of Patience - Contemporary Example
A few months ago, I visited a small community garden tucked away behind a row of modest homes. It was a patch of land that had once been overrun with weeds, a forgotten space until a few dedicated volunteers decided...
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Matthew 17:1-13
We read Matthew 17:1-13 through the lens of redemptive history, recognizing the Transfiguration as a moment where the glory of Christ, the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, is revealed. This passage highlights the ongoing covenantal relationship between God and His people, as Moses and Elijah
When Peace - Story
There was a time when I found myself wandering through a dense forest, the sun beginning to dip below the horizon. The trees loomed large, shadows stretching ominously, and I felt a deep sense of isolation. With each step, uncertainty...
Traditional Lens Commentary: Matthew 17:1-13
We read this passage as the Transfiguration of Christ, which reveals His divine nature and prefigures His resurrection glory. It underscores the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, with Moses and Elijah representing the Law and the Prophets, both of which find their fulfillment in Christ.
Roman Catholic Lens Commentary: Matthew 17:1-13
In the Roman Catholic Lens, we read Matthew 17:1-13 as a profound revelation of Christ’s divine nature and the foreshadowing of His Resurrection. This passage, the Transfiguration, unveils Jesus’ glory to Peter, James, and John, affirming His identity as the Son of God. We see this event as a pivota
Theology of Peace - Reflection
As we reflect on the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, we encounter the profound call to go and make disciples of all nations, a mandate infused with a promise: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end...
A Story of Justice - Contemporary Example
A few months ago, I came across a story that illuminated the essence of justice and faith in our lives. In a small neighborhood, a local bakery faced a terrible tragedy. The owner, Mrs. Ramirez, had built her business from...
The Gift of Singleness: Wholeness Without a Spouse - Story
The sermon illustration emphasizes the importance of recognizing singleness as a valid and valuable calling within the church, rather than a problem to be solved. It highlights that single individuals have unique contributions to make and should be encouraged to flourish in their ministry and service, reflecting the teachings of Paul and Jesus on the matter.