for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” vss. 35-36
Matthew 25:31-46
Matthew concludes his account of the teaching ministry of Jesus with a parable depicting the last judgment. All nations are gathered before the throne of glory and the king separates them into two sections. With these words Jesus spelled out the basis for the separation as clearly as he possibly could. Everything depends on giving food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, taking care of the sick, and visiting those in prison. We’ve spent a lot of time in our denominations building churches, developing complex theologies, and figuring out the secret of eternal life. And what Jesus tells us is that NONE OF THOSE THINGS MATTER! All that really counts is taking care of the poor and needy, what some folks call the social gospel. Amazingly enough there are some pious people who disparage the social gospel and who say that it distracts believers from true faith in Jesus. Obviously, faith in Jesus is important, but so are the words of this text. To have true faith in Jesus is to do exactly what he directs in his final words to his disciples. His intention cannot be mistaken!
Thought for the Day: What is the Social Gospel?
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