Which Old Testament teachings align with Matthew 25:39's call to serve others? Opening verse Matthew 25:39 — “And when did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?” The Torah: foundational commands to love and relieve suffering • Leviticus 19:18 — “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” • Leviticus 19:34 — “Love him [the foreigner] as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” • Deuteronomy 15:7-8 — Open your hand wide and freely lend to the poor brother in need. • Deuteronomy 24:19-22 — Leave gleanings for the stranger, fatherless, and widow so “the LORD your God may bless you.” • Exodus 23:4-5 — Help even an enemy’s donkey under its burden. The Prophets: clarion calls to tangible mercy • Isaiah 58:6-7 — True fasting breaks chains, shares bread, shelters the homeless, and clothes the naked. • Isaiah 61:1 — Proclaim “liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners.” • Zechariah 7:9-10 — “Show loving devotion and compassion… do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.” • Micah 6:8 — “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” • Psalm 146:7-9 — The LORD feeds the hungry, frees prisoners, and safeguards the vulnerable. Wisdom literature: practical counsel for everyday service • Proverbs 19:17 — “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay.” • Proverbs 31:8-9 — Speak for those with no voice; defend the poor and needy. • Proverbs 14:31 — Honor God by kindness to the needy; oppressing them insults their Maker. • Psalm 82:3-4 — Defend, uphold, and rescue the weak and needy. Living portraits of compassionate action • Job 29:12-16 — Job rescued the poor, became eyes to the blind, feet to the lame, and father to the needy. • 2 Chronicles 28:15 — Samaritans clothed, fed, anointed, and escorted Judah’s captives home. Threads tying Old and New together • Same heart: love expressed in action toward the weak. • Same audience: neighbors, strangers, and even enemies. • Same motive: gratitude to the LORD who first showed mercy (Deuteronomy 24:18). • Same promise: God remembers and rewards compassionate service (Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 25:40). |
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