Rediscovering the Christmas Season 8 of 25

Day 8

Today's lesson is very close to my heart and reminds me again that my priorities need to be changed for God's purposes to be achieved. Blessings, friends!

The Least of These

Exposure: Read Jesus' teachings about the final judgment. Think of someone you know of that probably falls into the category of "the least of these." You may have to think outside your normal circles. Invite them to a meal with you. Learn their story. Pray for them.

Exploration: How would you treat people differently if you really saw Jesus in their face? What are some changes you could make in your lifestyle that would fall into the sheep category?

Expression: Post a sticky note with the person's name on it somewhere you'll see it every day. Begin to pray for them regularly. Be open to how God may ask you to help them further.

Experience: What did you learn from your experience? How would your life be different if you were purposeful about spending time with those who are struggling?

Matthew 25:21-46
 
31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?" 40 And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

41 "Then he will say to those on his left, "Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me." 44 Then they also will answer, saying, "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?" 45 Then he will answer them, saying, "Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me." 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

We'd like to thank LifeChurch.tv for their generosity in providing the structure for the "Rediscovering the Christmas Season" reading plan. To learn more about LifeChurch.tv, visit their website at http://lifechurch.tv.