Illustrations from Matthew
1153 illustrations referencing Matthew
Walter Brueggemann on Anxiety and Empire - Progressive (Matthew 6:25-27)
"Empire produces anxiety—scarcity mentality, competitive striving, fear of not having enough. Jesus counters: 'Do not worry.' This is resistance to the anxiety economy. Trust in God's abundance subver
Warren Wiersbe on Light Until He Comes - Dispensational (Matthew 5:14-16)
"The church shines in the night of this present age—darkness increases as the end approaches. But so must our light! Until Christ returns, we illuminate a dark world. Our good works witness to coming
Applying Reconciliation and Forgiveness - Contemporary Example
The content emphasizes the importance of Reconciliation and Forgiveness as a means of personal and community transformation. It encourages individuals to reflect on their actions, engage with their communities, and work towards systemic change, all rooted in faith and prayer. The message highlights that small acts can lead to significant impacts in fostering justice and peace.
John Wesley on Light and Holiness - Wesleyan (Matthew 5:14-16)
"Light shines from holy lives—personal and social holiness visible to the world. Your good works are fruits of sanctification: feeding hungry, visiting prisoners, loving neighbor. Holiness is not hidd
Jim Wallis on Kingdom as Justice - Progressive (Matthew 6:33)
"Seek first the kingdom—and the kingdom is justice, peace, and joy. This is not privatized piety but public commitment. God's righteousness is social righteousness. When we seek justice first, God pro
What Scripture Says About Social Media and Community - Application
The content emphasizes the relevance of progressive Christian values in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by social media and community. It highlights the importance of love, justice, and inclusion as central themes in Scripture, encouraging individuals to embody these principles in their interactions. Ultimately, it calls for a transformative approach to faith that fosters a more just and compassionate society.
Stanley Hauerwas on Alternative Community - Anabaptist (Matthew 5:14-16)
"The city on a hill is the church—an alternative polis visible to the world. Our communal life IS the light: peacemaking, mutual aid, reconciliation. The church does not have a social ethic; it IS a s
John Wesley on Holy Living First - Wesleyan (Matthew 6:33)
"Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness—and righteousness is holy living. Make holiness your priority; pursue Christlikeness first. When heart-holiness is sought, God supplies all temporal needs
Making Love Real - Teaching Material
The content emphasizes the importance of love as a practical application of faith, encouraging personal reflection and community engagement. It highlights the transformative power of small acts of love and the need for prayerful action and resource sharing to foster growth both individually and within the community.
St. Seraphim of Sarov on Acquiring the Spirit - Orthodox (Matthew 6:33)
"'Acquire the Spirit of Peace, and thousands around you will be saved.' To seek first the kingdom is to seek theosis—union with God through the Holy Spirit. When divine life is our priority, earthly n
Practical Steps for Dismantling Tyrannical Leadership - Illustration
The content emphasizes the importance of actively addressing tyrannical leadership through personal reflection, community engagement, and prayerful action. It encourages individuals to take small yet impactful steps towards justice and systemic change, highlighting the potential for community transformation rooted in faith.
T.D. Jakes on God's Provision Promise - Pentecostal (Matthew 6:33)
"Seek FIRST—before career, before comfort, before security—seek GOD'S kingdom! And watch what happens: ALL these things shall be ADDED! That's supernatural provision! God doesn't just meet needs; He e
John Calvin on God's Glory First - Reformed (Matthew 6:33)
"To seek first the kingdom is to seek first God's glory. His righteousness is His righteous rule. When God's glory is our priority, He provides all we need—for His glory requires sustained servants. S
John Wesley's World Parish - Wesleyan (Matthew 28:18-20)
When John Wesley was criticized for preaching outside his assigned parish, he replied: "The world is my parish." He wasn't being arrogant; he was being obedient. The Great Commission knows no geograph
The Evidence of Conversion - Baptist (Galatians 5:22-23)
Baptist preaching often emphasizes: fruit proves faith. Not that we're saved BY fruit but that genuine conversion PRODUCES fruit. Charles Spurgeon said: "If your religion does not make you holy, it wi
Trusting God, Not Violence - Anabaptist (Proverbs 3:5-6)
When early Anabaptists were persecuted, the world's logic said: fight back, arm yourselves, resist with force. Their own understanding would have justified violence. But they trusted God's way—nonresi
The Sacramental Garden - Catholic (Galatians 5:22-23)
Catholic teaching sees the sacraments as channels of grace that cultivate the Spirit's fruit. Baptism plants the seed; confirmation strengthens the young plant; Eucharist provides ongoing nourishment;
Martin Luther on Vocational Light - Lutheran (Matthew 5:14-16)
"Good works shine in ordinary places—the kitchen, the field, the workshop. The mother caring for children, the farmer tilling soil, the craftsman at work—these ARE lights shining. Vocation is lampstan
Lesslie Newbigin on Kingdom Mission - Missional (Matthew 6:33)
"The kingdom is God's mission—His reign breaking into the world. To seek first the kingdom is to align with the missio Dei. When mission is our priority, provision follows. The sent one trusts the Sen
Martin Luther on Trust Over Worry - Lutheran (Matthew 6:33)
"Worry is practical atheism—living as if God will not provide. 'Seek first' means trust first. The kingdom is God's gracious rule; His righteousness is Christ's righteousness given to us. Trust the Fa
T.D. Jakes on Supernatural Light - Pentecostal (Matthew 5:14-16)
"You ARE the light—not dim and flickering but BRIGHT and BLAZING! The Holy Spirit ignites you! Don't hide—SHINE! Let your good works demonstrate God's POWER! Signs and wonders follow those who believe
Jack Hayford on Spirit-Rest - Pentecostal (Matthew 11:28-30)
"Come and find REST for your souls! The Holy Spirit is our rest—the Comforter who soothes, refreshes, renews. In His presence we find the rest Jesus promises. Soak in worship; linger in prayer; let th
N.T. Wright on Kingdom Visibility - Anglican (Matthew 5:14-16)
"The Sermon on the Mount describes kingdom people—and kingdom people are visible. The city cannot be hidden because the kingdom cannot be hidden. Good works announce the arrival of God's reign. The wo
Howard Thurman on Worry and the Disinherited - Black Church (Matthew 6:25-27)
"The disinherited have much to worry about—real threats, real needs, real dangers. Yet Jesus says 'do not worry.' This is not denial but defiance: refusing to let anxiety rule when oppressors want you