Page 152 - Discipleship Ministries Student E-Book

Why Use Illustrations?

1. They open the widows of understanding. If our challenge in preaching centers on our ability to help
people see, then the use of illustrations will greatly aid us. We can be faithful and clear in unpacking the
history, theological themes, and propositions of the text and still have many who don’t quite “get it.”
Like a window in an unfamiliar room the right illustration lets in some natural light to help them see.

2. An illustration piques the interest of the listener. It can be a tool to reset their attention span.

3. You can pack doctrinal truths in an illustration as you deliver the story to the students. It helps them
bridge a truth and delivers it in an emotional and realistic manner.

Some Cautions about Illustration.

1. Don’t use too many illustrations! A text in Scripture can get lost in the abundance of illustrations; the
sermon then becomes the illustrations rather than the text.

2. Make sure the illustration drives the point of the message home in the heart of the youth. The text is
the master, and the illustration is the servant. If you get these mixed up, illustrations will actually harm
rather than help your preaching or teaching.

3. Don’t get more excited about your illustration than your message point. Your hearers will become
passionate about what you are passionate about. You want them to be passionate about applying the
spiritual truth of God’s Word, not about the illustration.

Jesus the Teacher

151