I’ll never forget this text and a teachable moment I had with my kids when they were little. We had just gone through a drive-thru. The aroma of french fries was filling the car, and then I saw him. A man in tattered clothes who was begging. I rolled down my window, and handed him our bag of food. I told him we’d be praying for God’s blessing on him. His face lit up with joy, and my kids were about to panic. What had their mother just done?
We drove back around and through the drive-thru again. As we were waiting for our food a second time, I explained how I understood this passage. We are to be giving to those less fortunate. Our faith calls us to look beyond our own needs and desires and be willing to help the needy, those who are hungry, who need warm clothes for winter. We are called to serve in this way. When we serve others in this way, we are serving Jesus.
As Jesus said in this passage, ‘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!’ When we look at the beggar on the street, and believe me in Mexico I see so many, we need to see Jesus’ face. It makes it a whole lot easier to hand over a couple coins or a bag of food.
Are we so closed minded that we blame these poor people? I have to admit I have. I have probably muttered under my breath, “why don’t they just get a job.” Or “why do they think they can get something for nothing?” How can we know their situation? We can’t. Do we want to be a sheep or a goat?
Jesus goes beyond helping those who are hungry or thirsty. When have we cared for the naked, those in prison, or the sick? There are so many opportunities to serve around us. When we can bring some light into these people’s lives, we end up shining a little brighter ourselves. When we look around at the needs of others and help fill them, we are filled with blessings, too.
I’m not suggesting we act out as Jesus is suggesting only for the reward of heaven. That would not be clean heart thinking. We are called to be compassionate to show compassion. We are called to provide food to make sure all bellies are full. We are called to be obedient because we love Jesus that much.
Take some time today to think through whether you’d be a sheep or a goat. What can you be doing differently to be righteous in God’s eyes?
Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me when I am inward focused and not seeing the world as you would want me to see it. Open my eyes so I can see more of what you see. Help me to be more mission focused to bring those less fortunate back into relationship with you. May I be more giving and less judgmental. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
