Illustrations from Matthew
1153 illustrations referencing Matthew
Practical Steps for Mental Health and Spirituality - Illustration
The content emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health and spirituality through personal reflection, community engagement, and prayerful action. It encourages individuals to take meaningful steps towards addressing mental health issues within their communities, while also advocating for systemic change and supporting organizations that promote justice in this area.
The Mental Health and Spirituality Perspective - Commentary
This biblical commentary highlights the intersection of Mental Health and Spirituality within the framework of progressive Christianity. It emphasizes the importance of love, justice, and inclusion as transformative forces in society, urging individuals to embody these values in their actions and attitudes.
Howard Thurman on Rest for the Heavy Laden - Black Church (Matthew 11:28-30)
"Jesus speaks to the heavy laden—and who has been more burdened than Black folk in America? The burdens of racism, poverty, violence. But Jesus says: Come. Rest. Not escapism, but soul-rest that susta
Martin Luther on Rest from Works-Righteousness - Lutheran (Matthew 11:28-30)
"The heavy burden is the law we cannot keep, the righteousness we cannot achieve. Christ says: Stop. Rest. Receive. His yoke is easy because it is the yoke of grace, not works. We rest when we stop tr
Stanley Hauerwas on Learning from Jesus - Anabaptist (Matthew 11:28-30)
"'Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.' Rest comes through apprenticeship to Jesus—learning His way of nonviolence, His pattern of service, His posture of humility. The yoke is shared d
Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Christ as Rest - Christocentric (Matthew 11:28-30)
"'Come to ME.' Jesus does not point to rest; He IS rest. The destination is not a state but a Person. We don't find rest and then Jesus; we find Jesus and discover He is rest. Everything is located in
Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Christ Going Before - Christocentric (Deuteronomy 31:8)
"Christ is the Lord who goes before—into death and through it. He is with us—Emmanuel, God with us. He will never leave—'I am with you always.' The promise to Joshua finds fulfillment in Jesus. Where
John Calvin on Rest in God's Sovereignty - Reformed (Matthew 11:28-30)
"True rest comes when we cease striving to save ourselves and trust in God's sovereign grace. The weary soul laboring under the impossible weight of self-righteousness finds rest in Christ alone. His
St. Isaac of Nineveh on Divine Rest - Orthodox (Matthew 11:28-30)
"The soul finds rest in communion with God—this is hesychia, sacred stillness. As we draw near to Christ in prayer, our inner turbulence calms. The yoke becomes light when we are joined to Him who car
What Scripture Says About Beauty - Commentary
This biblical commentary explores the concept of Beauty in the context of faith, drawing from Matthew 28:19-20 to highlight its relevance in today's world. It encourages believers to reflect on their attitudes and actions towards Beauty, promoting a life of integrity and compassion amidst contemporary challenges.
Gustavo Gutiérrez on Kingdom and Liberation - Liberation (Matthew 6:33)
"God's kingdom is liberation—from sin, from death, from oppression. To seek first the kingdom is to seek liberation for the poor. His righteousness is justice for the marginalized. When we prioritize
Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Christ as Kingdom - Christocentric (Matthew 6:33)
"The kingdom is not an idea but a Person: Jesus Christ. To seek first the kingdom is to seek first Christ. His righteousness becomes ours; His reign is what we pursue. Follow Christ—single-mindedly, c
John Howard Yoder on Nonviolent Courage - Anabaptist (Joshua 1:9)
"The courage God calls for is not military might but the strength to love enemies, to suffer rather than inflict suffering. Joshua's context was war; Christ's context transforms it. 'Be strong'—strong
Bill Johnson on Supernatural Rest - Charismatic (Matthew 11:28-30)
"Jesus offers SUPERNATURAL rest—not just a vacation but divine renewal! His rest goes deeper than exhaustion; it touches the soul. When you come into His presence, burdens lift, anxiety breaks, peace
Real-World Nonviolent Resistance - Contemporary Example
The content emphasizes the importance of Nonviolent Resistance as a means to foster personal and community transformation through faith. It encourages individuals to reflect on their actions, engage with their communities, and seek God's guidance in addressing issues of justice. By committing to small acts of faithfulness, believers can contribute to a larger movement for God's kingdom of justice and peace.
Charles Spurgeon on Fatherly Care - Traditional (Matthew 6:25-27)
"Do not worry—your heavenly Father knows what you need. If He feeds the birds and clothes the lilies, will He not much more care for you? Worry is practical atheism; it acts as if God does not exist.
N.T. Wright on Kingdom Present and Future - Anglican (Matthew 6:33)
"The kingdom is both present and coming—already and not yet. We seek what is already breaking in. God's righteousness is His setting-things-right project, culminating in new creation. Seek this first,
Pope Benedict XVI on Kingdom and Church - Catholic (Matthew 6:33)
"The kingdom Jesus proclaims is present in the Church—imperfectly, but really. To seek first the kingdom is to participate in the Church's life: sacraments, prayer, service. Here we find God's righteo
St. John Climacus on Purified Heart - Orthodox (Psalm 51:10)
"The clean heart sees God—this is theosis. Through repentance, through the Jesus Prayer, through ascetic struggle, the heart is purified. 'Create' is ongoing: God continually cleanses those who contin
Scripture and The Bible is Not a Sex Manual - Commentary
The commentary emphasizes the importance of a progressive Christian interpretation of Scripture, focusing on themes of love, justice, and inclusion. It encourages individuals to reflect on their attitudes and actions in light of biblical teachings, promoting a transformative approach to faith that fosters a more just and compassionate society.
Martin Luther on Temptation and the Word - Lutheran (1 Corinthians 10:13)
"When the devil tempts, I flee to Christ. The way of escape is often the Word itself—Scripture spoken against temptation. 'It is written!' God is faithful; He has given us the armor of His Word. Tempt
Charles Spurgeon on Christ's Invitation - Traditional (Matthew 11:28-30)
"'Come unto ME'—not to a creed, not to a church, not to a ceremony, but to ME. Christ Himself is the rest. His yoke is easy because He bears the heavy end. His burden is light because He carries it wi
Bill Johnson on Kingdom Atmosphere - Charismatic (Matthew 6:33)
"The kingdom isn't just a future hope—it's a present ATMOSPHERE! Seek first to host His presence, to carry His kingdom wherever you go. When the King is your priority, provision becomes supernatural.
Applying Racial Reconciliation - Contemporary Example
The content emphasizes the importance of Racial Reconciliation as a vital aspect of faith and community transformation. It encourages personal reflection, community engagement, and prayerful action, highlighting that small acts can lead to significant change in addressing injustice and fostering a kingdom of justice and peace.