L O V E

Matthew 25:40

What kind of things do you do for people you love?  How do you express your love for your family, friends, teammates and others?  How do we express a love for God?

Jesus gives us an answer as to what He sees as loving action, in Matthew chapter 25 and verse 40.  He says, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”  There are two big ideas in this text.  Who are Jesus’ brothers and what can we do for them?

Who are these Jesus calls the least of His brothers?  In the context of this parable, they’re people in jail, the sick, strangers, the hungry, the thirsty and the homeless.  Jesus says that acts of love and mercy toward these people are equal to loving acts toward Him.

What can we do for people like these?  What would you do for anyone whom you encounter daily?  Show respect, compassion, mercy and love.  If you encounter the least, as in the list above, love God through loving them.  If you encounter your teammates, coaches, classmates, even professors; love God through loving them.  Show them respect, compassion, mercy and love.

In today’s game you have a marvelous opportunity to express love for God by treating people as you would Him.  Imagine how you’d treat Him if He showed up here and you were face to face.  Treat everyone that way tonight.  Even the officials! Have a great game and thereby honor the Lord Jesus.

Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 12:13-21
II Thessalonians 2:13-17
Psalms 147
II Chronicles 25-27