Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas

Sermon Illustrations

Roman Soldier Shares Coat with a Beggar

Martin of Tours was a Roman soldier and a Christian. One cold winter day, as he was entering a city, a beggar stopped him and asked for alms. Martin had no money; but the beggar was blue and shivering with cold and Martin gave what he had. He took off his soldier’s coat, worn and frayed as it was; he cut it in two and gave half of it to the beggar man. That night he had a dream. In it he saw the heavenly places and all the angels and Jesus in the midst of them; and Jesus was wearing half of a Roman soldier’s cloak. One of the angels said to him, "Master, why are you wearing that battered old cloak? Who gave it to you?" And Jesus answered softly, "My servant Martin gave it to me" (Barclay, The Gospel of Matthew, Vol. 2, 326).

From a sermon by Mark Schaeufele, A Messiah Who Serves, 5/27/2010

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons

  • The Power Of Forgiveness

    Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Oct 30, 2021
    based on 4 ratings
     | 52,636 views

    God forgives us our sins, and He commands us to always forgive those that offend us in any way of the other. When we do, we have a lot of blessings to enjoy.

  • Every Step Of The Way Series

    Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Dec 29, 2013
    based on 7 ratings
     | 40,268 views

    Jeremiah points out that God will be faithful to you every step of the way. Each day when you rise, God will already be taking care of you. His grace, strength and love will be as much a daily part of you life as is breathing.

  • Compassionate Giving

    Contributed by Bruce Ball on Nov 23, 2014
    based on 7 ratings
     | 37,964 views

    This message explains the necessity of giving to a compassionate ministry so others might be helped. The parable of the Good Samaritan in LUKE 10 is used as the example.

  • The Food Sign Series

    Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 20, 2017
    based on 14 ratings
     | 35,451 views

    Jesus did many miracles but only 2 are told about in all four Gospels. One is the miracle of Jesus' resurrection... and the other is the miracle of the feeding of the 5000. The question is "Why are these 2 the only miracles listed that in all 4?"

  • Mantengan El Enfoque

    Contributed by Abraham Marsach on Apr 13, 2007
    based on 3 ratings
     | 31,794 views

    MAntenga el enfoque en Cristo, y como Cristo enfrento con amor a la gente escojidad de El