Matthew 25:31-46
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In today’s passage, Jesus illustrates what it looks like to be prepared for his return. Read Matthew 25:31-46 noting anything that stands out as you read.
Waiting for Jesus is not a passive activity, and our relationship with Jesus is not simply private and personal. If our time spent with Jesus in solitude doesn’t result in our lives becoming channels of blessing to others, we’re missing the point.
In this parable, the sheep are people who have developed a habit of acting towards others with compassion. They aren’t trying to rack up points with God – they don’t even realize that their acts of mercy, generosity, and hospitality are directly impacting the heart of Jesus. In contrast to the selfish and self-absorbed “goats”, they are alert to the needs of others and have a habitual desire to be a blessing.
Stop to contemplate your own stage of growth in compassion. Are you consciously making an effort to really see people and understand their challenges? Or have you become so accustomed to noticing people and their needs that you are naturally drawn to compassion and action?
Talk openly with Jesus about this.
Read Matthew 25:31-46 again noting anything different that stands out as you read.
The goats in this parable are equally as unconscious as the sheep, but rather than developing habitual compassion, they have developed an ability to look past the suffering of others. With all our current access to news and information, we, too, can easily move past much of the sad and tragic in the world and simply focus elsewhere. But if we allow ourselves to become numb to the pain of others, we are actually becoming numb to the heart of God.
Take a moment to consider the prayer that formed the basis of a movement of compassion: “Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.” - Bob Pierce, Founder of World Vision
Because of the immense mercy of God, we have been spared the consequences of our own rebellion, and because of God’s extravagant grace, we have been given the riches of God’s Kingdom. We are blessed to be a blessing. And when we live out the mission of Jesus and become part of the fulfillment of God’s call to Abraham, we are actually blessing Jesus through our acts of mercy and grace.
Get still and let all your thoughts settle. Simply be in the presence of Jesus listening to him.
What might Jesus be calling you to change or do in order to develop a habit of compassion?
What will you do in response?
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
