How does serving others fulfill Jesus' commandment in Matthew 25:37? Key Verse “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink?’ ” (Matthew 25:37) Setting the Scene • Jesus is describing the final judgment (Matthew 25:31–46). • The “righteous” are surprised; they did not realize their simple acts of kindness were counted as ministry to Christ Himself. • The Lord identifies personally with “the least of these brothers” (v. 40). How Serving Others Fulfills the Command • Recognizing Christ’s Presence – When we meet another’s need, we are, in Jesus’ words, doing it “to Me” (v. 40). – Our service becomes direct worship because the Savior receives it as though rendered to Him. • Obedience in Action – Jesus’ command is implicit: see a need, meet it (cf. Luke 10:37). – Love proves itself by deeds, not merely sentiment (1 John 3:18). • Evidence of Saving Faith – Works do not earn salvation but reveal genuine belief (James 2:17). – The righteous in Matthew 25 act naturally out of transformed hearts; their service is proof they belong to the Shepherd (v. 34). • Manifesting Kingdom Values – The Kingdom honors the humble, helpless, and overlooked (Matthew 5:3–7). – Serving the needy aligns our priorities with Christ’s reign now and foreshadows His coming glory. Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 19:17 — “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.” • Isaiah 58:7 — “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry…” • Galatians 6:10 — “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the household of faith.” • Hebrews 13:2 — “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” • Acts 20:35 — “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Practical Expressions Today • Providing meals, water, clothing, shelter, or transportation. • Visiting the sick, shut-ins, prisoners, or widows. • Supporting missionaries and workers who spread the gospel yet live with limited resources. • Practicing hospitality—welcoming newcomers, refugees, students, or neighbors into daily life. Why It Matters Eternally • Each act is recorded by the Judge (Matthew 25:36, 40). • Rewards are promised: “Come, you who are blessed by My Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you” (v. 34). • Our service echoes Christ’s own example—He “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Takeaway Serve those in need with joyful readiness; in doing so, you quietly fulfill the Lord’s command, minister to Christ Himself, and display the reality of His Kingdom to a watching world. |
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