Illustrations from Matthew
1153 illustrations referencing Matthew
Warren Wiersbe on Rest Now and Coming - Dispensational (Matthew 11:28-30)
"Christ offers rest NOW—present salvation rest for the weary. But ultimate rest awaits: the millennial kingdom, the eternal state, when all burdens cease forever. We taste rest now; we will feast on r
John Wesley on Rest Through Surrender - Wesleyan (Matthew 11:28-30)
"'Come unto me'—this is the invitation of prevenient grace, calling all. 'Take my yoke'—this is responsive obedience, learning from Him. 'Find rest'—this is the fruit of sanctification, rest deepening
Barbara Brown Taylor on Rest from Heavy Burdens - Progressive (Matthew 11:28-30)
"Jesus speaks to those 'heavy laden'—burdened by systems that crush: economic anxiety, impossible standards, religious legalism. His rest is not escape but liberation. The yoke of empire is heavy; His
Billy Graham on Personal Priority - Baptist (Matthew 6:33)
"Is God first in YOUR life? Before career, before family, before comfort—is His kingdom your priority? When you put Him first, He promises to take care of everything else. This is personal: YOUR seeki
Stanley Hauerwas on Kingdom Community - Anabaptist (Matthew 6:33)
"Seek first the kingdom—and the kingdom is visible in the community that lives by Jesus' teaching. The church that practices Sermon-on-the-Mount ethics IS seeking the kingdom. When community is priori
Oscar Romero on Rest for the Oppressed - Liberation (Matthew 11:28-30)
"Jesus speaks to the 'heavy laden'—the campesinos crushed by unjust labor, the poor burdened by systems that exploit. His rest is not opiate but strength: rest to continue the fight, rest that declare
John Calvin on Providence and Peace - Reformed (Matthew 6:25-27)
"God's providence extends to sparrows and lilies—how much more to His covenant children! Worry doubts providence; trust honors it. The God who numbers your days and hairs will not abandon you. Rest in
Matthew 28:19-20: A Pentecostal Theological Reflection
This theological reflection on Matthew 28:19-20 emphasizes the call to discipleship and mission within the Pentecostal tradition, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It encourages believers to engage deeply with God's Word and to embody the gifts of the Spirit in their daily lives, fostering a deeper communion with God and a commitment to living out their faith.
Morning Prayer: For Healthcare Workers
God of compassion, I enter spaces of pain today, carrying others' suffering, trying to bring healing. Give me steady hands, clear mind, compassionate heart. Help me see each person as whole— not jus
Prayer for Missionaries
God of all nations, for those who left home to share Your love— Living in foreign cultures. Learning new languages. Sacrificing comfort for calling. Sustain them. Provide for their needs. Protect t
Prayer for Persecuted Church
God who stands with the suffering, we remember today our brothers and sisters who follow You at great cost. Those imprisoned for faith. Those beaten for belief. Those martyred for witness. Be their
Evening Prayer: Intercession for the World
God who loves the world, tonight I pray for those I'll never meet, in places I'll never go, facing struggles I cannot imagine. For refugees seeking safety— be their shelter. For those imprisoned unj
Evening Prayer: After Conflict
God of reconciliation, the tension from today's conflict is still sitting heavy on my chest. I don't know if I was right or wrong. I don't know if they'll forgive me. I don't know if I can forgive th
Evening Prayer: After Difficult Day
God who does not leave, today was hard. I'm tired in ways that sleep won't fix. I don't need You to explain why it was difficult. I just need You to be near. Meet me in this exhaustion. Speak into t
Morning Prayer: Kingdom Work
God of justice and mercy, open my eyes today to see as You see: the overlooked, the forgotten, the pushed aside. Make me an instrument— not of my own ambition, but of Your reconciling love. Where th
Morning Prayer: Anxiety and Peace
God of peace, my mind is already racing with today's worries, and the day hasn't even started. You said, "Do not be anxious." I hear it. I want to obey it. But I need Your help. Teach me to bring ea
Morning Prayer: Sabbath Rest
God who rested on the seventh day, teach me to stop. Not because everything is finished—it never is— but because You declared rest holy, and I need to trust that holy rhythm. Today, help me cease st
Scripture Meditation: Augustine on Delighting in Scripture
Teaching on Scripture Meditation from Augustine of Hippo: Augustine on Delighting in Scripture
Community and Fellowship: Clement of Rome on Harmony in Community
Teaching on Community and Fellowship from Clement of Rome: Clement of Rome on Harmony in Community
Fasting: The Didache on Fasting
Teaching on Fasting from Unknown: The Didache on Fasting
Prayer: John Chrysostom on Prayer as Conversation
Teaching on Prayer from John Chrysostom: John Chrysostom on Prayer as Conversation
Service and Hospitality: The Rule of Benedict on Serving the Sick
Teaching on Service and Hospitality from Benedict of Nursia: The Rule of Benedict on Serving the Sick
Service and Hospitality: Lactantius on Justice and Service
Teaching on Service and Hospitality from Lactantius: Lactantius on Justice and Service
Simplicity: The Didache on Generosity and Simplicity
Teaching on Simplicity from Unknown: The Didache on Generosity and Simplicity