Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. We gather here today, not merely as individuals, but as a collective body of believers, united by the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We assemble not just within the four walls of this church, but in the vast expanse of God's creation, under the canopy of His grace.

Today, we find ourselves on the cusp of a profound exploration of God's Word. We will be turning our hearts and minds to Matthew 25:31-46. This passage, rich in imagery and profound in its implications, is a testament to the depth of God's love for us and His call for us to reflect His love to those around us.

Discipleship in a Damaged Domain

In the world we live in, it's clear to see that things are not as they should be. There's pain, there's suffering, there's injustice. It's a world that's been marred and scarred by sin. Yet, it's in this very world that we are called to follow Jesus, to be His disciples. It's not an easy task, but it's one that we've been entrusted with. We look at the passage from Matthew, and we see Jesus talking about the end times, about His return. He speaks of separating the sheep from the goats, the righteous from the unrighteous. And what's the criteria for this separation? It's how we treat "the least of these." It's how we respond to the needs of those around us.

Seeing the needs of others and responding in love: It's about feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting the prisoner. These are not just good deeds to be done, but they are the very essence of what it means to follow Jesus. They are the tangible expressions of His love in a world that so desperately needs it.

The heart behind those deeds: It's about seeing people, really seeing them, in the same way that Jesus does. It's about recognizing the inherent worth and dignity in every person, no matter their circumstances. It's about understanding that every person is made in the image of God, and therefore deserving of love, respect, and care.

A change of heart: It's about allowing the love of Jesus to transform us from the inside out. It's about letting that love shape our thoughts, our attitudes, our actions. It's about letting that love drive us to serve others, not out of obligation, but out of genuine love and compassion.

Perseverance: It's about continuing to follow Jesus, even when it's hard, even when it's uncomfortable, even when it's inconvenient. It's about choosing to love, even when it's easier to turn a blind eye. It's about choosing to serve, even when it's easier to serve ourselves. It's about choosing to persevere, even when it's easier to give up.

Hope: It's about believing in the promises of Jesus, even in the midst of a broken world. It's about holding onto the hope of His return, the hope of a world made new. It's about living in the light of that hope, allowing it to guide us, to sustain us, to inspire us.

Divine Anticipation of Christ's Return

As we continue to immerse ourselves in the richness of Matthew 25:31-46, we are confronted with the vivid imagery of the Son of Man's return ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO