Matthew 25:37-40 - “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Jesus took every opportunity to teach valuable lessons to anyone that was listening. This day He combined three stories into a mini lesson of how to live a rich Christian life. He used bridesmaids to illustrate how we all need to be responsible for our own spiritually….ready at a moment’s notice for His return. He used an owner’s money to illustrate the need to use the resources He gives us to increase the number of people that know Him. Then He finished up with a story of how sheep and goats are separated to help us understand that servitude is a huge part of how He expects us to live for Him each day.
If you combine all three you will be ready to use what you have been given to help others …every time God allows someone in need to cross your path. Jesus said that we are not just helping them…you are helping Christ. I admit that it is hard to think about helping every person that crosses your path. I sure don’t have millions stored away in the bank to help every person that might ask….but I hear that scripture resounding in my head from Luke 6…29-3. It goes like this… "Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. "Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. "Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.…
Let’s expand that thought to include more than just the people we know. There’s this scripture from Hebrews 13:2…. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. That tells me that angels do appear on Earth for reasons unexplained. And let’s not forget the wonderful experience that the two disciples had on the Emmaus road. They were some of the first to talk with Jesus after His resurrection.
There is one more reason to share…it is a powerful tool to heal the hurt or pain you have encountered in your own life. Listen to Isaiah 58:7-9 ….which by the way resembles Jesus’ words here in Matthew quite closely…. “Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” That is powerful stuff right there.
Father…thank you for the reminder that my commitment to you transfers to others in every way. Forgive me for the times that I have shirked off the chance to help someone…and disappointed an angel or even you with my selfishness. Help me to discern every opportunity to help someone else…to bless them with what you have given me….not just in material things…but in love and compassion as well. Amen.
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