The Unknowing
Scripture Reading — Matthew 25:31-40
“The King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’”
In this parable we see a picture of the end times. We listen as the King, Jesus himself, returns and gathers all the nations before him. Then he separates people individually as a shepherd would do with sheep and goats.
And we wonder, of course, “Am I a sheep or a goat?”
Jesus says to the sheep, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” Notice that the sheep are astounded by the reason they are given this great reward. They fed the hungry, clothed the naked, invited the stranger, comforted the sick and imprisoned, and it seems they didn’t even realize they were living out Jesus’ kingdom values as they did those things. Perhaps showing Christ’s love everywhere had become so natural that they didn’t realize they were doing it.
This parable also shows that Jesus isn’t fooled by false people who only call him “Lord” and do not live by his values.
Here we are reminded that when we truly believe in Jesus as Savior, his Spirit, who gives us that belief and faith, motivates us to share his love also. With the Spirit at work in us, doing good becomes almost second nature—and this is all by God’s grace!
Jesus, you came from heaven to earth to show us the way. Guide us each day, we pray, to serve you by showing your love to others—all by the power of your Spirit in us. Amen.
About the author — Dale Melenberg
Dale Melenberg is a second-career pastor. He received a theology degree through Calvin Theological Seminary and a doctorate of ministry degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is married to Gloria, and together they have raised three sons and are enjoying their four grandchildren. Growing up in an immigrant community shaped Dale’s view of family, church, and community in a profound way that continues to inform his life-view toward kingdom living with God, neighbors, and the creation.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!