Sermon Illustrations

JESUS LOVES ME THIS I KNOW

KARL BARTH was a German theologian who dominated the theology of the 20th century. In 1962, six years before his death, he made his only visit to the United States. One night he lectured at a seminary in Virginia, and after the lecture he met with students in the coffee shop for some informal dialogue. Someone asked him if there was any way he could summarize his vast theological findings. A student asked, "What in your judgment is the essence of the Christian faith?" Barth paused for a moment. No doubt the others waited for some profound insights from this theological giant. They got their pens and paper out and were poised. Then Barth answered, "Yes, I can summarize in a few words my understanding of the Christian faith. Let me put it this way: "Jesus Loves Me, This I Know, for the Bible Tells Me So."

Needless to say, these students were dumbfounded. They expected some deep theological statement and instead heard that which Barth learned at his mother’s knees.

I believe Barth was right. At the heart of the Christian gospel is this simple affirmation: JESUS LOVES ME!

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons

  • The Gomer In Me

    Contributed by Kraig Pullam on Feb 17, 2014
    based on 4 ratings
     | 37,252 views

    Hosea's love for a promiscuous wife becomes the clearest example of God's love for wayward people.

  • The Greatest Love

    Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Aug 12, 2015
    based on 5 ratings
     | 32,710 views

    The love of God to mankind demonstrated through the person of Jesus Christ is the greatest love ever demonstrated. God gave His only begotten son, and Jesus laid down His life for our sins. No love could be greater.

  • The Blessed Benefits Of God's Love Series

    Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 30, 2014
    based on 5 ratings
     | 31,954 views

    The secret to living the Christian life is not trying to imitate Jesus. The secret to the Christian life is allowing Jesus simply to control every part of your life so his character is just displayed.

  • God’s Inescapable Love Series

    Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 30, 2014
    based on 4 ratings
     | 23,689 views

    The Bible says we have enemies in this world. It is the world, the flesh and the devil. We have enemies, but who’s afraid of the big, bad world? The Bible talks about how our flesh needs to stay crucified.

  • The Goodness Of God Series

    Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Feb 2, 2010
    based on 2 ratings
     | 22,418 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

Browse All Media

Related Media