While it is usually best to utilize the strongest illustrations in the introduction and conclusion, illustrations are also needed in the body of the sermon. Within the various points of the message they further explain the point, give the audience time to digest the truth that is being presented, and connect emotionally with them so they begin to adopt a positive attitude toward the teaching of the text. Remember that our goal is always to move from the "what" of textual meaning to the "so what" of contemporary application. Illustrations can promote that development by portraying what obedience to the text looks like. That is precisely the way Jesus used illustrations like the good Samaritan and the prodigal son.

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No matter where you use illustrations, you can exercise the same principles that Jesus used to get to a person's heart. There are five methods you can use to help you make the emotional connection that Jesus demonstrated. Together the five techniques form the acronym SHARP. They hone your message to pierce the armor of resistance and boredom that listeners often wear. By punctuating your message with these five methods, you make your audience want to hear you and to pay attention to your content. You give them a handle for understanding and remembering your content. SHARP stands for Story, Humor, Analogies, References, and Pictures.

The Story

The first technique is to tell a story. Including a story that is interesting, engaging, entertaining, relevant to their lives, and related to the point you are making is one of the most effective ways to generate and hold interest in what you are saying. It is one thing to tell a person that Jesus can save him, but it is much more effective to tell him how he saved you. Anyone can tell a person whose marriage is in trouble that God can deliver him, but he will be much more encouraged if you can tell him a story of when and how he restored a couple's marriage when they were in trouble, too. The story helps people identify with the truth and also to remember it in a context.

Jesus' teaching is full of stories. He loved to tell stories that the simplest people could understand. Jesus' technique was obviously successful because his stories were preserved in an early oral tradition until they were written down by the Gospel writers as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus told stories, he used images and parables that evoked familiar settings. He told the kind of tales that made his listeners have the "aha" of recognition and identification. Be sure that your stories are related to the lives of your hearers. You can use the occasional stories about ancient conquerors and personalities, but mix them in with more contemporary and relevant anecdotes.

Humor

Nothing predisposes people to like you and to listen to you like a good sense of humor. Having the ability to take a light-hearted look at oneself or surrounding events is one of the secrets of great communicators. Humor creates a special bond between you and your listeners. It's virtually impossible to dislike someone who makes us laugh, who helps us enjoy ourselves. A sense of humor — whether sharp and explosive or dry and witty — makes you appear more genial, warmer, more likeable. The strong, pleasurable emotions people associate with good fun and high spirits make your message enjoyable to listen to — and memorable.