December 11 - Righteousness

December 11 - Righteousness

Matthew 25:31-46

Though we often look at this passage as a parable, Jesus doesn't necessarily treat it as one. The previous parables were told to teach the disciples (and us) about the responsibility that comes with knowing Him personally. Now it's time to discuss what will happen when judgment comes.

There are some exciting messages in this passage. The first is that Jesus declares Himself to be the judge of mankind. This is new information to His disciples. Traditional Jewish thinking saw God as the judge. But, now it is told to us that the Messiah will be on his throne acting as the final judge between righteous and unrighteous.

In the previous parable - the Parable of the Talents, those who used their talents were praised and given greater responsibility. Now we find out what the full weight of that responsibility is. We are to care for the hungry, the thirsty and the stranger. We are to clothe those in need, care for the sick and visit the prisoners. It occurs to me that nowhere in this discourse is there any mention of things that we tend to place great emphasis on within our churches.

Jesus has always known how difficult it is for us to reach out to the poor and needy. So many times we see ourselves as needing so much help that we can't afford to do things for others. He knows our selfishness, He recognizes the bleak lives that we live.

When the "What Would Jesus Do?" rage hit, we were all struck by the fact that Jesus was all around us, watching the things that we said and did. But what if we were to recognize that in every person whom we encounter, Jesus is there? When a coworker is making you insane, look behind the eyes to see Jesus standing there or when a driver is an idiot, Jesus is there with them. Every single person we encounter, whether they are Christians, Hindus, Wiccans, atheists, or Muslims should receive treatment that we give to Jesus.

He tells us in this passage that these are the actions He expects from us. He doesn't make a distinction. The only thing we should know is that whatever we do to others, we are doing to Jesus. It doesn't matter whether or not we feel justified. Jesus is always on the receiving end of our behavior. When we care for others, we care for Him. When we refuse to help or love others, we refuse to help or love Him.

We can not show our commitment to a relationship with Jesus if we can't care for and love those around us, no matter who or what they are. This is the behavior of righteousness that Jesus calls us to. This righteousness is what He offers to us.