As we continue consider the parable found in Matthew 25, we are reminded that God will judge us based on our loving service (Matthew 25:32-34). Understand, our service is an indication of our relationship. Jesus used the images of sheep and goats to describe two different groups of people based on how well they served those who were in need around them. Notice the surprise of the sheep, who could not recall ever having helped the King in His moment of distress. All they saw was either the suffering who needed help and acted compassionately toward them or the “rabble” just looking for a handout and turned the other way, surmising that their plight was what they deserved. We are reminded that we have a responsibility to be personally and intimately involved in our giving. In this process we need to remember that it is our loving service, not the gift giving that we are called to do. We are reminded that we have no excuse to neglect those who have deep needs, and we cannot hand over this responsibility to the church or government. Jesus Demands our personal involvement. What we do may look different for each person, but … READ MORE

In Matthew 25:31-36, Jesus shares a parable that challenges the hearers to service. In verses 31-32a he challenges us to Loving Service, then in verses 35-36 He calls us to simple service. All of the things he talks about in this passage can be done by anyone, at any time, at any age. Jesus is not telling us to fix all the world’s problems in one shot; rather He invites us to make a difference in a simple fashion: one person at a time. Jesus equates our acts of kindness on behalf of those in need around us as acts of kindness given to Him. Deitrich Bonhoeffer correctly interprets this saying of Christ as, “I Jesus, the service of God and the service of the least of the brethren were one.” While it is true that the type of service we are called by God to engage in is simple, that is not to say that it is without cost to us. The acts which Christ mentions in this passage all have a ring of personal compassion, and requires more than simply writing a check to charity. It is a call to become personally involved in the lives of those … READ MORE

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells His disciples a parable with a simple and clear point: God will judge us based on our caring service in the face of human need. This parable teaches us four basic truths concerning God’s call to service which He places upon the life of every believer. The first is that God calls us to Loving Service in Matthew 25:31-32a. God’s love is a demonstrative love, and he expects us, as his children, to be loving as well. On commentator points out that the real evidence of our belief is the way we act. We are expected to live as His children and act out our faith in Him. What we do for others demonstrates what we really think about Jesus’ words. How well and how lovingly we spend ourselves on behalf of others is the only true evidence of our faith and in Him and His words. 1 John 5:3 says, “this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. What are the other three points? quickly they are: God calls us to simple service (Matthew 25:35-36), God will judge us based on our loving service (Matthew 25:32-34), and God will bless our … READ MORE