Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas

Sermon Illustrations

Shepherding in Israel

H.V. Morton gives an account of this sort of thing: "Early one morning I saw an extraordinary sight not far from Bethlehem. Two shepherds had evidently spent the night with their flocks in a cave. The sheep were all mixed together and the time had come for the shepherds to go in different directions. One of the shepherds stood some distance from the sheep and began to call. First one, then another, then four or five animals ran towards him; and so on until he had counted his whole flock" (In the Steps of the Master, London 1935, pg. 155). George Adam Smith similarly tells of three or four shepherds separating out their flocks solely by their peculiar calls (The Historical Geography of the Holy Land, London, 1931, pp. 311f).

From a sermon by Michael McCartney, I am the Good Shepherd, 6/3/2010

Related Sermon Illustrations

  • A Simple Story Told By James Pleitz Illustrates ...  PRO

    Contributed by Ed Wood on Jun 10, 2005
    based on 2 ratings
     | 7,394 views

    A simple story told by James Pleitz illustrates how easily we forget how blessed we are. Two children dressed in ragged and outgrown clothes, huddled inside the storm door. “Any old papers, lady?” The woman was busy and wanted to say so— until she looked down on their feet and saw their sandals ...read more

  • William Carey, The "Father Of Modern Missions," ...

    Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Apr 6, 2005
    based on 1 rating
     | 4,609 views

    William Carey, the “father of modern missions,” wanted to translate the Bible into as many Indian languages as possible. He established a large print-shop in Serampore where translation work was continually being done. Carey spent hours each day translating Scripture, often while his insane wife ...read more

  • Finding Nemo

    Contributed by Darrin Hunt on Feb 5, 2007
    based on 1 rating
     | 4,458 views

    Many of you have seen the movie, “Finding Nemo”. •It’s a powerful story of the love and determination of a caring father. •It’s the story of being lost, and then found. •It’s a story that can help us understand our Heavenly Father and His love for us. In the movie, Nemo’s father Marlin loved ...read more

  • Always, Love Is A Choice. You Come Up Against ...

    Contributed by Mark Ferrante on Feb 10, 2007
    based on 1 rating
     | 1,957 views

    Always, love is a choice. You come up against scores of opportunities every day to love or not to love. You encounter hundreds of small chances to please your friends, delight your Lord and encourage your family. That’s why love and obedience are intimately linked--you can’t have one without the ...read more

  • The Impact Of Jesus On History Is Eloquently ...

    Contributed by Doug Lyon on Feb 10, 2007
    based on 1 rating
     | 1,732 views

    The impact of Jesus on history is eloquently captured in a short literary piece entitled One Solitary Life. Perhaps you’ve heard it before. It reads this way: “Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the Child of a peasant woman. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty, ...read more

Related Sermons

Browse All Media

Related Media


Come To The Table
Church Fuel
Video Illustration