Dear Explorer,
Yesterday, we talked about Jesus dividing the sheep from the goats at the Day of Judgment. This, by the way, is called the Great White Throne Judgement where Jesus divides all people into two groups. One group is for those who have invited Jesus into their core and the other group is the empty-on-the-inside people who have rejected Jesus.
We've talked about the division being made based on Jesus' intimate familiarity with each individual person. Let's see what else Jesus tells us about this division.
Read Matthew 25:34-40
So, Jesus addresses which group?
Summarize what Jesus told them.
First, He blessed them and told them their reward was to live in the Kingdom He's prepared for all eternity. And He thanked them for feeding Him and clothing Him and caring for Him.
What was the response from this group?
They were surprised because they didn't remember seeing Jesus as they served and loved other people.
What was Jesus' explanation?
Isn't that neat. Now, what I want you to see is that when you become “transformed” into a new creation with the Holy Spirit living inside of you and controlling your SELF, then you will accomplish things on earth that will be rewarded in Heaven without even knowing it. When you are kind to someone -- Jesus says you are being kind to Him! When you play fairly or stand up for what is right, when you are honoring to your parents, when you show respect to your boss or teacher, etc. etc. etc. you will be rewarded as if you did it to Jesus. In other words, when you are letting Jesus control your life, you will be kind to people and care about them and love them. Jesus says you will be rewarded as if you were doing it for Him.
We'll continue this discussion tomorrow.
In His service, dale
Next study