It Affects Eternity
Recognizing Jesus – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 25:34-39

Key Verse: Matthew 25:35

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in

As we continue to study Matthew 25, Jesus moves into the very practical side of life in Him…serving others.  Jesus uses an interesting approach, He makes it personal to Himself: “I was hungry, and you fed me” (Matthew 25:35).  This approach begs the question, if Jesus Himself was hungry, who wouldn’t feed Him?  Can you imagine knowing Jesus needed food and doing nothing about it?  I think most of us would go to Him with food, no matter what it would take.  Maybe we would need to drive for hours.  Maybe we would buy a plane ticket and fly to another country, but if Jesus needed food, we would go!

Of course, Jesus didn’t stop with food: I was thirsty; I was a stranger; I was naked; I was sick; I was in prison…and you met me at all these points of need.  If Jesus was looking at us when He said these words, I believe you would join me in saying, “Of course, no problem—whatever and whenever you have a need, we will be there for you, Jesus!”

The people listening to Jesus were perplexed not over the thought of serving any need Jesus might have, but over “when did they do that?”  They didn’t remember actually seeing Jesus as they went about their daily lives.  Yes, they did good deeds to people but they surely would have recognized Jesus if they had served Him.  (Continued)

Father, help me recognize you in the midst of my day.  Grant me your eyes.  In Jesus’ name, amen.