And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’” vs. 40
Matthew 25:37-45
There are a growing number of believers around the world who are beginning to refer to themselves as Matthew 25 Christians. For them that closing parable in chapter 25 of Matthew’s gospel is the defining teaching of Jesus’ entire ministry. In their estimation these words can become the unifying dynamic of a world-changing movement that can actually eliminate poverty. They look toward a day when religions will no longer be identified by their separating creeds but by their life-affirming deeds of compassion and love. There’s nothing difficult or complex in what these believers propose. A child can understand the basic principle. Whatever we do to the least of these, we are doing to Christ! That means that when we see the hungry, we will feed them. When people are thirsty, we’ll give them water. We clothe the naked, welcome strangers, and visit those who are in prison. Christ doesn’t exist in some far off realm with pearly gates called heaven. Christ exists here in this world right now–the poor and the needy are his embodied presence. And those who take the words of Jesus to heart will discover that in their actions they receive unparalleled blessings. It will be as though we are entering into the joy of the kingdom of God.
Thought for the Day: Is my faith community a Matthew 25 congregation?
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