Illustrations from Matthew
1153 illustrations referencing Matthew
The Healthcare & Healing Ministry Challenge
In our fast-paced world, the intersection of healthcare and faith can feel like a turbulent sea, full of challenges and opportunities. Much like the early Christians who faced persecution yet clung to their faith, we too are called to navigate...
Science Illustration: Limits of Human Knowledge
Years ago, a brilliant scientist named Dr. Emily Lawson stood on the cusp of a groundbreaking discovery. She was studying the complexity of the universe, grappling with questions about the origins of life and the intricate design of nature. One...
The Letters: Daily Work as Daily Mass - Catholic (Colossians 3:23-24)
In the heart of Calcutta, amid the sweltering heat and the cacophony of bustling streets, Mother Teresa and her dedicated sisters found themselves in the midst of one of life’s most profound realities: the dying. Each day, they gathered in...
It's a Wonderful Life: A Life of Hidden Service Revealed - Traditional (Matthew 25:31-46)
Imagine for a moment the bustling streets of Bedford Falls, where we meet George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart—a man whose life seems to be an endless series of small, overlooked moments. Picture George standing in the glare of the...
Amish Grace: Forgive Us As We Forgive - Anabaptist (Matthew 6:9-13)
In the quiet hills of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, lies the small Amish community of Nickel Mines, a place forever marked by tragedy. In October 2006, a gunman entered their school, shattering the peace of their lives and taking the lives...
Chariots of Fire: Ordered Beatitude Living - Anglican (Matthew 5:3-12)
Imagine a cool, crisp morning at the Edinburgh Olympic trials in 1924. The air vibrates with anticipation, and the bleachers are packed with spectators, eyes glistening with excitement. Among them stands Eric Liddell, a Scottish runner, his heart pounding not...
Witness: Rest in Simple Community - Anabaptist (Matthew 11:28-30)
In the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, there is a small Amish community where time seems to stand still. Picture a sun-drenched afternoon, the sound of horse-drawn buggies clopping down unpaved roads, and the smell of fresh hay wafting through...
Left Behind: End-Times Beatitude Faithfulness - Dispensational (Matthew 5:3-12)
Imagine a scene set in a dimly lit church basement, the air heavy with the scent of old wood and faint whispers of prayer. A group of weary believers huddles together, their faces etched with concern and determination. They are...
Of Gods and Men: The Prayer of the Church - Catholic (Matthew 6:9-13)
In the poignant film *Of Gods and Men*, we are drawn into the quiet yet powerful lives of Trappist monks nestled in the serene hills of Algeria. Picture, if you will, this humble monastery—a place where the air is thick...
Amazing Grace: Thy Kingdom Come in All Spheres - Reformed (Matthew 6:9-13)
Imagine a dimly lit hall in the heart of London, filled with the murmurs of men and women who had gathered not merely to discuss commerce or politics but to pursue a divine vision. This was the world of William...
Amish Grace: Enemy Love Reveals God - Anabaptist (1 John 4:7-8)
In the autumn of 2006, a small Amish community in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, was shattered by unspeakable tragedy. A man named Charles Roberts entered the local schoolhouse, taking the lives of five young girls before turning the gun on himself....
The Chosen: Healing Through the Servant's Stripes - Pentecostal (Isaiah 53)
In a recent episode of *The Chosen*, we see an unforgettable scene unfold by the shores of the Sea of Galilee. The sun casts a golden hue over the water as Jesus approaches a man, paralyzed and desperate. His friends,...
War Room: Spirit-Produced Beatitude Character - Pentecostal (Matthew 5:3-12)
In the film "War Room," we meet Miss Clara, a seasoned woman of faith whose home is a literal and spiritual sanctuary. Imagine the warm, sunlit kitchen where she brews her morning coffee, the aroma mingling with the gentle hum...
When Crisis & Hope Meets Faith
In our modern world, the intersection of crisis and hope often feels like walking through a storm. Imagine a father standing on a windswept beach, clutching his child’s hand, the waves crashing violently against the shore. The sky darkens with...
The Color Purple: Liberation Proclaimed to All - Black Church (Great Commission)
In *The Color Purple*, we witness a profound journey of transformation embodied by Celie, a woman who begins her life shackled by oppression, her voice silenced and her spirit dimmed. Yet, through the trials she endures, we see a fierce...
Finding God in Economic Inequality & Generosity
In our modern world, we find ourselves grappling with the stark realities of economic inequality, a challenge that can feel overwhelming. Just look at the bustling streets of our cities—on one corner, a gleaming high-rise filled with luxury apartments, and...
Jesus Revolution: Rest in the Spirit's Presence - Charismatic (Matthew 11:28-30)
In the heart of the 1970s, the sun-drenched beaches of California became a sanctuary for those searching for something more than what the world offered. Among the throngs of young people—battered by the weight of drugs, rejection, and disillusionment—there emerged...
Amish Grace: Community Beatitudes - Anabaptist (Matthew 5:3-12)
In the small, tight-knit community of Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, a tragedy unfolded that turned the world’s gaze toward the Amish way of life. On a fateful day in 2006, a gunman entered an Amish schoolhouse, taking the lives of five...
Babette's Feast: Daily Bread and More - Lutheran (Matthew 6:9-13)
Imagine for a moment that we are gathered in a quaint, dimly lit restaurant on the shores of a picturesque French village. The air is thick with the aroma of fresh bread, simmering cassoulet, and rich, savory sauces. This is...
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*,...
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
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
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
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...