TODAY IN THE WORD
Luke and Doris Musumba thumbed through the Schneider family guestbook, where the pages revealed their German hosts’ constant care for visitors. The Musumbas are Kenyan missionaries, and the Schneiders are friends who built a small apartment in their home to host Christian workers and allow them to restore their energies. Today we turn our attention toward the New Testament’s teaching on how generosity includes care for the vulnerable, a principle embodied in the Schneider family.

Jesus referred to Himself in our text today as “the Son of Man” (see Dan. 7:13-14). The connection with Daniel 7 is intentional: Jesus’ glory is mentioned twice; “all the nations” are gathered before Him; He sits on His throne as sovereign King with all authority as final judge (vv. 31-34).

As the King and Judge, Jesus separates the crowd into two groups. The first is called blessed by the Father, heirs of God, and righteous (vv. 34, 37). Jesus invites them to receive the kingdom prepared for them. “For” indicates the reason for this particular judgment: they provided food, drink, shelter, and clothing for Him, they cared for Him when He was sick, and they visited Him in prison (vv. 35-36). The people are perplexed (vv. 37-39), so Jesus explains clearly: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (v. 40).

Bible scholars suggest Jesus is not referring to care of the poor, sick, and imprisoned generally (though that care is consistent with broader biblical values). Rather, the “brothers” are Jesus’ disciples, messengers of His gospel (cf. Matt. 12:50; 28:10). His disciples faced great need for hospitality as they traveled to spread the good news. They experienced sickness (Phil. 2:27-30) and even imprisonment.

Gospel messengers are Jesus’ representatives. How they are received illustrates how Jesus is embraced (cf. 10:40). Jesus continued this logic toward those on His left (v. 45). Those who ignore or reject His messengers on this side of the Day of Judgment reject Him, with eternal consequences.

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus’ messengers today include vocational ministers and missionaries. Many vocational “messengers” still depend on the hospitality and care of others. This month, learn more about the local and global missionaries that your church partners through prayer and financial support. Consider how you might serve them. Some ideas include hosting missionaries on furlough, meeting practical needs for their family or ministry, and sending them notes or e-mails of encouragement.

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