Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas

Sermon Illustrations

During the war in Vietnam, a young West Point graduate was sent over to lead a group of new recruits into battle. He did his job well, trying his best to keep his from ambush and death. But one night when they had been under attack, he was unable to get just one of his men to safety.

The soldier left behind had been severely wounded. From their trenches, the young lieutenant and his men could hear him in his pain. They all knew any attempt to save him – even if it was successful -- would almost certainly mean death for the would-be rescuer.

Eventually the young lieutenant crawled out of hiding toward the dying man. He got to him safely but was killed before he could save himself.

After the rescued man returned to the States, the lieutenant’s parents heard that he was in their vicinity. Wanting to know this young man whose life was spared at such a great cost to them, they invited him to dinner.

When their honored guest arrived, he was obviously drunk. He was rowdy and obnoxious. He told off-color jokes and showed no gratitude for the sacrifice of the man who died to save him. The grieving parents did the best...

Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons

  • The Prodigal Son's Brother

    Contributed by Sean Harder on Jul 6, 2012
    based on 4 ratings
     | 57,680 views

    Chapter 15 of Luke is the start of a new discussion as Jesus makes his way into Jerusalem to fulfill his ultimate sacrificial mission. It begins with the Scribes and Pharisees grumbling because Jesus always allowed sinners to listen to him and eat with hi

  • The Precious Blood Of Jesus

    Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Feb 20, 2016
    based on 10 ratings
     | 56,753 views

    A sermon examining the mot precious substance in history... The sinless blood of our Savior!

  • The Goodness Of God Series

    Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Feb 2, 2010
    based on 2 ratings
     | 25,048 views

    Today, I want us to consider the goodness of God. The goodness of God is designed to appeal to our better nature and cause us to respond favorably to God. The purpose of God's goodness and forbearance is not to encourage sin, but to appeal to man's better

  • Nothing But The Blood

    Contributed by Horace Wimpey on Sep 30, 2016
    based on 6 ratings
     | 23,628 views

    In preparing for communion, Paul instructs us to look back, look inward and look to the future.

  • Christ In The Garden Of Eden Series

    Contributed by Rick Crandall on Dec 9, 2011
    based on 4 ratings
     | 23,066 views

    Christ was there in the Garden of Eden: 1. Seeking to connect with sinners (vs. 8-9). 2. Seeing through our conniving ways (vs. 7-13). 3. Showing us the consequences of our sin (vs. 14-19). 4. Showing us the cross (vs. 14-15 & 21).

Browse All Media

Related Media