Helping Hands, Healing Hearts...Goat or Sheep?
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.
Matthew 25:40
Jesus' disciples questioned him about eternal life and the end of the world. Jesus answered their questions with a series of parables, concluding with one about a herd of sheep and goats. In it, the Son of Man condemned the goats for not meeting his needs: leaving him hungry, thirsty, naked, and lonely when he needed their help most. The sheep were commended for doing what the goats did not - and were surprised by their reward. They didn't remember serving the Son of Man. The words of Matthew 25:40 set the record straight.
Any time people reach out to help on of God's Children in need, they actually minister to God himself.
This parable is a dialogue between Jesus and the nations of the world, not those who already followed him. That's why the sheep were so amazed. They didn't recognize Jesus or the significance of their actions. They weren't acting out of a desire for reward. They were simply living out God's image in their lives by exhibiting sacrificial love- without even recognizing what they were doing. That truth is why the sheep had a lesson to teach those who already knew God personally.
Selah people' and friends this parable assumes that those who follow God will be benevolent and that they will automatically treat others as they would treat Jesus. Experience my friends teaches, however, that isn't always the case. When you notice someone in need, recall Jesus' parable. Be a sheep, not only saved, but motivated by God's love and grace.
OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:
"Heavenly Father, we know the parable of the sheep and goats is a reminder of how eternally significant is every act of love. Allow it to help you to more clearly see Jesus in every person you meet."
I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.
Matthew 25:40
Jesus' disciples questioned him about eternal life and the end of the world. Jesus answered their questions with a series of parables, concluding with one about a herd of sheep and goats. In it, the Son of Man condemned the goats for not meeting his needs: leaving him hungry, thirsty, naked, and lonely when he needed their help most. The sheep were commended for doing what the goats did not - and were surprised by their reward. They didn't remember serving the Son of Man. The words of Matthew 25:40 set the record straight.
Any time people reach out to help on of God's Children in need, they actually minister to God himself.
This parable is a dialogue between Jesus and the nations of the world, not those who already followed him. That's why the sheep were so amazed. They didn't recognize Jesus or the significance of their actions. They weren't acting out of a desire for reward. They were simply living out God's image in their lives by exhibiting sacrificial love- without even recognizing what they were doing. That truth is why the sheep had a lesson to teach those who already knew God personally.
Selah people' and friends this parable assumes that those who follow God will be benevolent and that they will automatically treat others as they would treat Jesus. Experience my friends teaches, however, that isn't always the case. When you notice someone in need, recall Jesus' parable. Be a sheep, not only saved, but motivated by God's love and grace.
OUR PRAYER FOR TODAY:
"Heavenly Father, we know the parable of the sheep and goats is a reminder of how eternally significant is every act of love. Allow it to help you to more clearly see Jesus in every person you meet."
In Christ service,
Rev Patrick Muston
Selah Christian Church Disciples of Christ,
Four Oaks, NC
Selah Christian Church
Four Oaks, NC
http://selahchurch.com
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