Are You a Sheep, Or a Goat?

 Matthew 25:40

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

When is the last time you helped out a stranger in need?  Have you ever helped a stranger?

This is an interesting section of Scripture for me to look at today, because I helped out a total stranger just yesterday.  I will probably never see that guy again, but I did what I could to help him out in a time of need.  As Jesus points out in this parable, it's irrelevant if I ever see him again.

One of the points Jesus makes in this parable is that we are supposed to help out those who can't do anything for us.  You're not being selfless if you only help people who can somehow pay you back or return the favor.  

Serving people in the way that Jesus is talking about here is to serve with no expectations.  It is serving others as a way to say, "Thank you," to Jesus for the free gift of salvation that he has given to all who believe in him- "the sheep".  Just as Jesus has freely given to us, we are to give freely to those God has placed in our lives.

Jesus gave all of himself on the cross to give us the greatest gift we could ever receive: Eternal salvation and forgiveness for all of our sins.  He gave this gift to us in our greatest hour of need.  He has never demanded that we pay for that gift or that we return the favor, but he has taught us how we can show our appreciation:

• Feed the hungry.
• Give something to drink to those who are thirsty.
• Show hospitality to strangers.
• Clothe those who need clothes.
• Look after the sick.
• Visit those who are in prison. --Matthew 25:35-36

Jesus wants us to show love to the people of this world.  He wants us to show love to each other.  Loving the unlovable is one of the greatest ways to share Jesus with the world.  There was a time in all of our lives when we were unlovable, and unloving, to God, yet he still chose to love us and redeem us from our sins.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.--Romans 5:8 

This is what Jesus told his disciples on the night he was betrayed:

"A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."--John 13:34-35

God bless 

Jason Fredrick