Matthew 25

"Sacred Family in the Streets" by Kelly Latimore

In 2016, our General Assembly committed our denomination to reaffirming our connection to one of the most central teachings Jesus ever gave. Years later it became a movement - one that Grace intentionally joined, too.

The passage answers the age-old question, if Jesus came back tomorrow, what would he ask us?

In Matthew 25, Jesus actually tells a parable that responds to that very query. It is about the Messiah coming in glory to judge the quick and dead. It says that One will separate them as a shepherd separates sheep and goats.

To one set the Messiah will say welcome to paradise.

To the other, the Messiah will send them to eternal punishment.

What is the qualification?

How did we respond to human need in this life when we saw it?

To hunger. To thirst. To foreigners (that's the word, not strangers). To the naked. To the sick. To prisoners.

Did we share our food? Did we ensure clean water? Did we provide welcome and safety? Did we give clothing and shelter? Did we make sure there was medicine and medical care? Did we visit those in prison, no matter their crimes?

Lately there have been a whole lot of opportunities for us to lean into these commandments that came directly from our Lord's lips.

How well are we living up to them?

Because when Christ returns, these will be the measuring rod. Whatever we do to any we see in need, the very least, the most outsider of the outcast - we do to Jesus's own self. 

Food for thought.

Blessings,

Rev. Janie