What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Tell us about a time you practically gave someone “the shirt off your back”—in other words, gave sacrificially—because you were so moved by their need. Was the person a friend or relative stranger?
2. In Matthew, Chapter 25, Jesus tells us three parables. First, there are the Ten Virgins, waiting for the bridegroom. Half of them were prepared for the wait and the festivities. Half of them were not prepared and were humiliated. Then there is the story of the Talents. Some servants were trustworthy and hardworking. One was lazy and did not do the will of the master. He was thrown into prison. How do these parables begin to reveal to us the kingdom of God and our relationship to the kingdom? Our preparation for the kingdom?
3. Read Matthew 25:31-33. What do you notice is the setting for this parable? Who will be there? What emotions do these verses instill? Do they motivate you in any way?
4. Be Obedient: Give, Clothe, Welcome, Visit, and Comfort. Read Matthew 25:34-40. What is the implied command here? How did they (“you who are blessed by my Father”) earn His praise? What does verse 40 make clear?
5. Final Thought: If you only read Matthew 25:31-46, it would be easy to assume that your gifts to the poor, care for the prisoners, and such are the test for whether you make it to heaven or not. How do you think we are saved? Read Ephesians 2:8-9. So, what does this say about salvation? What does the Matthew passage about the sheep and the goats have to do with your salvation? Discuss the message point: How we sacrifice for others displays our understanding of the sacrifice made for us.
Deeper
This week, as we sense God’s call on us to take responsibility for those in need, let’s look in both the Old and New Testament about some specific ways we are called to protect those who need our help.
Please study and enjoy this article called “20 Bible Verse about the Poor.” Notice in this article that those in need are also often in need of justice, or respect, or kindness. Let God speak to you as you study each verse and the accompanying commentary.