Be Sacrificial

Be Sacrificial

Read: Matthew 25:31-46

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25:40

“To go to people and say ’Jesus loves you!’ and yet do nothing to help change their circumstances is not a complete message.”

—John Wimber

IN WORD The third picture of the Second Coming in Matthew 25 is perhaps the best known. It has been used to urge us to ministries of mercy for all who are in need around the world. Some scholars say it commands us to care for the “brothers” of Jesus—the Jews—during the Tribulation. Others say that faith during the Tribulation will be defined as taking care of a different set of “brothers” of Jesus—suffering believers. Still others say that the parable commands all Christians everywhere to care for the needs of a needy world.

Whatever the interpretation, the Lord who blesses those who give a cup of cold water in His name means for us to care deeply about those who suffer. As the lead Sufferer, He takes it personally when we don’t. James says pure religion is looking after “orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27). John says that if anyone has material possessions, sees a brother in need, and does nothing, he does not have the love of God in him (1 John 3:17). The God of healing, deliverance, and providence cannot be any more clear: Those who are not deeply concerned for those who suffer are not like Him at all. The return of Jesus will expose us. We either care for people in His name or we don’t. The difference from this side of eternity is noticeable. The difference on the other side is just staggering.

IN DEED We live in an age of global communication. There is therefore no escape clause for us in 1 John 3:17; we always are able to see a brother in need. The question for us, once we’ve seen the desperation of this world, is whether we will be like God or not. Will we recognize that suffering grieves the heart of the Rescuer God? Will we let the Savior save through us? Will the body of Christ reflect the mind of Christ? We will have to answer these things at His coming. How will you answer them today?