The largest free collection of sermon illustrations, organized by topic, scripture, and theological tradition.

Stay updated

New illustrations, features & occasional discounts

The Butterfly's Numidian Gown - Illustration on Sermon | IllustrateTheWord

poetry illustration

The Butterfly's Numidian Gown

By Emily DickinsonSource: Emily Dickinson - PoetryDB (Public Domain)29 words

With spots of Burnish roasted on

Is proof against the Sun

Yet prone to shut its spotted Fan

Join 2,000+ pastors who prep smarter — free account, no credit card.

introductionillustrationconclusion

IllustrateTheWord is part of the ChurchWiseAI family — AI tools built for pastors, churches, and ministry leaders.

Find Your Church Home

The most complete church directory in the US and Canada. 100,000+ churches searchable by location, denomination, and tradition.

Voice Agent & Church Chatbot

24/7 AI phone receptionist and website chatbot for churches — answers calls, handles questions, and follows up with visitors automatically.

See AI Tools

AI voice agent & chatbot for your church — from $14.95/mo.