The PassionSample

Do you ever feel like serving Jesus seems abstract? Or too intangible to be properly meaningful? This passage in Matthew reminds us that Jesus is very much still alive, and serving others is a way we can actively love and serve Him.

The Bible repeatedly calls us to care for those less fortunate than us. And here we see the beautiful picture of how loving the “least of these” is an enactment of how Jesus loves us. Jesus meets all our deepest needs. We can be servant-hearted like Jesus when we care for others and are also actively serving Him in the process.

Note that there is no mention that doing these things earns you a place in heaven. The King did not say, “because you clothed, fed, and visited these people, I will send you to eternal life.” Rather, these actions are the outworking of the righteous - those who had already been invited to eternal life.

I also love how practical these examples of love and care are. Meeting people’s physical needs is an important call on the Christian life and a way we actively serve Jesus. It is something that we can freely do, knowing our invitation and place in heaven is already secure.

Today, ponder this: Who in your life is burdened or weary, and has a need that you can help fill? Can you cook a meal for someone, or send an encouraging message? Find a way to practically share Jesus' love with someone today.