Illustrations from Matthew
407 illustrations referencing Matthew
The Moravians' 100-Year Prayer - Missional (Matthew 28:18-20)
In 1727, the Moravian community at Herrnhut began a prayer meeting that continued 24/7 for over 100 years. From that prayer came missionaries—the first Protestant missionaries to slaves in the Caribbe...
Cyril and Methodius: Apostles to the Slavs - Orthodox (Matthew 28:18-20)
In the 9th century, brothers Cyril and Methodius were sent to evangelize the Slavic peoples. They didn't just preach—they created an alphabet (Cyrillic) so the Slavs could read Scripture in their own ...
Amanda Berry Smith: Evangelist to the World - Black Church (Matthew 28:18-20)
Amanda Berry Smith was born into slavery, became a washerwoman, and then—against every social expectation—became an international evangelist. She preached in India, Africa, and across America. White c...
The Commission That Includes Justice - Progressive (Matthew 28:18-20)
In 1980, four American churchwomen were murdered in El Salvador while serving the poor. They weren't just preaching; they were feeding, healing, advocating. The military saw their work as subversive—b...
Adoniram Judson's Six-Year Wait - Baptist (Matthew 28:18-20)
Adoniram Judson arrived in Burma in 1813. He labored for SIX YEARS before seeing a single convert. Six years of language study, cultural adjustment, discouragement. Then one convert, then another, the...
All Authority Already Given - Reformed (Matthew 28:18-20)
When a new president takes office, the transfer of power happens at a specific moment. Before inauguration, they have no authority; after, they have all of it. Jesus' statement is even more sweeping: ...
The Hospitality Challenge
In our modern world, Hospitality presents both challenges and opportunities for people of faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate t...
When Science and Faith Meets Real Life
In our modern world, Science and Faith presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we ...
Lessons from Politics
In our modern world, Politics presents both challenges and opportunities for people of faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate thes...
Modern Examples of Interfaith Dialogue
In our modern world, Interfaith Dialogue presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, w...
A Modern Story of Technology and Human Connection
In our modern world, Technology and Human Connection presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in t...
A Contemporary Dismantling Tyrannical Leadership Story
In our modern world, Dismantling Tyrannical Leadership presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in...
Lessons from Women and Church Leadership
In our modern world, the question of women in church leadership continues to challenge traditional structures. Consider the story of Sarah, a young woman who felt called to ministry but was told by he...
Finding Creation in Everyday Moments
In our modern world, Creation presents both challenges and opportunities for people of faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate thes...
Lessons from Climate Change & Stewardship
The climate crisis is perhaps the greatest moral challenge of our generation. Like the parable of the talents, we have been entrusted with a precious gift - our planet - and we will be held accountabl...
The The Bible is Not a Sex Manual Challenge
In our modern world, The Bible is Not a Sex Manual presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in the...
Lessons from A Better Political Imagination
In our modern world, A Better Political Imagination presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in th...
A Contemporary Women and Church Leadership Story
In our modern world, the question of women in church leadership continues to challenge traditional structures. Consider the story of Sarah, a young woman who felt called to ministry but was told by he...
Real-World Science and Faith
In our modern world, Science and Faith presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we ...
Real-World Mental Health and Spirituality
In our modern world, Mental Health and Spirituality presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in th...
The Money Challenge
In our modern world, Money presents both challenges and opportunities for people of faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we too are called to navigate these w...
The Science and Faith Challenge
In our modern world, Science and Faith presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in their time, we ...
Finding The Peculiar Politics of Christ in Everyday Moments
In our modern world, The Peculiar Politics of Christ presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in t...
Finding Clobbering the Clobber Texts in Everyday Moments
In our modern world, Clobbering the Clobber Texts presents both challenges and opportunities for people of progressive Christian faith. Like the biblical characters who faced similar struggles in thei...