It Affects Eternity
Recognizing Jesus – Part 2
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
The picture that Jesus is painting of the final judgment is righteous people, standing before Him, being commended for meeting all of Jesus’ needs. The righteous people standing before Him are admitting they didn’t recognize Jesus in the midst of living a life of service to others.
Today, the question will be, will you recognize Jesus when you serve Him? It is really important that you do. Jesus, of course, gives them the secret to it all in Matthew 25:40: “And the king will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”
Wouldn’t it be great if somehow our physical eyes could actually perceive this eternal truth; as we give to people who need food, we could see Jesus’ face! What joy that would put in our service! What energy that would put in our lives to serve the needs of people around us! This brings us back to the scripture: “The just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). We must go about our lives today looking for Jesus in the face of hurting people! We must cling to the facts of the Bible: When we do anything to help another human being, it serves Jesus! God loves every single person you encounter today; serve them and recognize it is Jesus that you just served!
Father, I will look for you today. I will serve the hurting as you direct me! In Jesus’ name, amen.