Matthew 25:34-46
Matthew 25:34-46 is not about good works, somehow earning our way to heaven. Rather, this section of scripture is about discovering the heart and will of God. In verses 35 and 36 Jesus answers two fundamental questions: First, what does God expect of me as a believer? Second, if I become a believer will I still struggle and sometimes suffer?
Question 1: What does God expect of me as a believer?
Answers:
1. Feed the hungry. (Verse 35)
2. Give drink to the thirsty. (Verse 35)
3. Give shelter to the stranger in need. (Verse 35)
4. Clothe the naked. (Verse 36)
5. Visit those in prison. (Verse 36)
Too many of us waste our time "seeking" and "discovering" what God's will is. Our "discovery" process is oftentimes an elaborate way to cover over our unwillingness to respond to what God has called us to do in his Holy Scriptures. The desires of God for his people are clearly stated in his Word. We must simply act. You ask, "God, what would you have me to do?" His Word declares, "Feed the hungry." You ask again, "Lord, what is your desire for my life?" His Word responds, "Give drink to the thirsty, give shelter to the stranger in need, clothe the naked, and visit those in prison." Many of us pause at such a response, hang our heads in sadness, (we wanted something more exciting) and walk away.
Does all of this mean that you and I must quit everything and become missionaries? For some of us, maybe. For most of us, no. It does mean that we should at least partner with those Christians who minister to those faced with such situations. Scripture validates such partnerships. (See 1 Corinthians 3:6, Romans 15:25-29)How should we partner with them? There are many ways, but the most obvious is, of course, through faithful financial giving.
Who are the people being ministered to in this section of scripture? Jesus clarifies the situation in verse 40: "You've done it to these my brethren, you've done it to me." Jesus' statement "My Brethren" clarifies that those suffering in this particular section of Matthew's Gospel are Christians. In spite of what popular culture declares, the Bible teaches that every human being is a creation of God, but not every human being is a child of God. (See John 1:10-13, Hebrews 2:11-13, and Mark 3:31-35)
Question 2: If I become a believer will I still struggle and sometimes suffer?
Answer: Yes, you may suffer hunger, thirst, homelessness, nakedness, and imprisonment as this section of scripture references. The Bible never promises that the sanctified life will be a trouble-free life, but rather, Jesus clearly states: "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, because I have overcome the world."(John 16:33, NLT)
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Author: maxinfluence
Location: Taylor Michigan USA
Gender: Male
Age: 36
Blog Entries: 4 (archive)
Blog Comments: 1
i am a 33 y/o christian male, husband, and father of six wonderful children. i attend a large, nondenominational church in the detroit area. my hobbies include reading and spending time with my family. i work for a large automotive supplier in the detroit area, own and run a website...
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