Introduction

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus gives a clear mandate to His followers: care for the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. Throughout history, many Christian men and women have taken this command to heart, dedicating their lives to serving the poor, the marginalized, and the suffering. Their lives serve as powerful examples of faith in action.

1. Mother Teresa (1910-1997):

"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."

Mother Teresa, the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, devoted her life to caring for the destitute and dying in the slums of Calcutta, India. She lived out Jesus' command by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for the sick. Her work continues today through her religious order, which serves the poorest of the poor worldwide.

Matthew 25 Connection:

- Fed the hungry and gave drink to the thirsty.

- Cared for the sick and dying, treating them with dignity.

2. St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226):

"For it is in giving that we receive."

St. Francis of Assisi renounced his wealthy background to live a life of poverty, humility, and service to others. He dedicated himself to helping lepers, feeding the hungry, and preaching the Gospel to the marginalized. His radical devotion to serving the poor mirrors Christ’s call in Matthew 25.

Matthew 25 Connection:

- Served lepers, treating them as Christ Himself.

- Lived among the poor and provided for their needs.

3. William Booth (1829-1912):

"You cannot warm the hearts of people with God's love if they have an empty stomach and cold feet."

William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, saw faith as something that must be lived out through action. His ministry provided food, clothing, shelter, and employment opportunities to the homeless and destitute in England, embodying Christ’s teaching in Matthew 25.

Matthew 25 Connection:

- Established shelters, soup kitchens, and rehabilitation centers for the needy.

- Provided spiritual guidance alongside practical aid.

4. Desmond Tutu (1931-2021):

"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."

Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa fought against apartheid while advocating for justice, reconciliation, and care for the oppressed. He believed in serving Christ through social justice, ensuring dignity for those marginalized by society.

Matthew 25 Connection:

- Defended the oppressed and sought justice for the vulnerable.

- Worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation.

5. George Müller (1805-1898):

"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply."

George Müller founded orphanages in England and cared for over 10,000 orphans without ever asking for financial assistance. He relied solely on prayer and faith, trusting God to provide for the needs of the children.

Matthew 25 Connection:

- Provided homes, food, and education for orphans.

- Trusted in God to meet the needs of the destitute.

6. Dorothy Day (1897-1980):

"The Gospel takes away our right forever to discriminate between the deserving and the undeserving poor."

Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, dedicated her life to helping the homeless, laborers, and marginalized people in America. Her work continues through Catholic Worker communities worldwide.

Matthew 25 Connection:

- Created shelters and soup kitchens for the homeless.

- Advocated for justice and workers' rights.

7. Jim Elliot (1927-1956):

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."

Jim Elliot was a missionary who gave his life while evangelizing an unreached tribe in Ecuador. His commitment to serving and sharing Christ’s love with those who had never heard the Gospel demonstrated his willingness to give all for the sake of Christ.

Matthew 25 Connection:**

- Ministered to strangers, seeking to bring them to Christ.

- Gave his life in service of the Gospel.

8. Pope Francis (Born 1936)

"A faith without works, a faith that doesn’t get us involved, isn’t faith. It is words and nothing more than words."

Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the importance of helping the poor, refugees, and the marginalized. He has championed care for the sick, prisoners, and the homeless, encouraging Christians to live out their faith actively.

Matthew 25 Connection:

- Advocates for the poor and displaced.

- Calls for social justice and mercy.

Conclusion: Answering the Call of Matthew 25

The lives of these Christian personalities demonstrate that the call of Jesus in Matthew 25:31-46 is not merely a suggestion—it is a command to actively care for those in need. Whether through feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, housing the homeless, or advocating for justice, they exemplified what it means to truly follow Christ.

Challenge to Believers:

1. How are we personally responding to Jesus’ call in Matthew 25:31-46?

2. Are we serving the poor consistently, not just occasionally?

3. Can we follow the examples of these great men and women of faith?

May we all seek to live out the words of Jesus with faithfulness and compassion, knowing that when we serve others, we serve Christ Himself. Amen.

CONCLUDED

Introduction

In our exploration of Matthew 25:31-46, we’ve seen how Jesus emphasizes the importance of caring for those in need, portraying such acts as integral to our faith and eternal destiny. This call to generosity is not only a spiritual mandate but also brings profound benefits to the giver. Today, we’ll delve into the blessings that come from giving, supported by both Scripture and secular research.

Biblical Foundation: The Rewards of Helping the Needy

The Bible consistently highlights the blessings associated with generosity:

• Psalm 41:1-3: “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them—they are counted among the blessed in the land—he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”

This passage underscores that those who help the needy receive divine protection, deliverance, and restoration. This found fulfillment in the case of Docas in Acts 9: 36-43

• Proverbs 11:25: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Here, generosity is directly linked to personal prosperity and rejuvenation.

Scientific Insights: The Health Benefits of Giving

Modern research corroborates these ancient truths, revealing that acts of generosity positively impact our physical and mental well-being:

• Enhanced Mental Health: Engaging in altruistic behaviors activates the brain’s reward centers, releasing “feel-good” chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. This neurochemical response fosters feelings of joy and connection, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety (see: https://dsh.re/b7824)

• Improved Physical Health: Studies have found that regular acts of kindness, such as volunteering, are associated with lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease. The act of giving appears to buffer stress and enhance overall cardiovascular health (see:  https://dsh.re/6a8e64).

• Increased Longevity: Research indicates that individuals who regularly volunteer or support others tend to live longer than those who don’t. This increased lifespan is attributed to the combined mental and physical health benefits derived from generous behaviors (see:  https://dsh.re/416469).

The Joy of Selfless Giving

It’s essential to recognize that the motive behind our generosity matters. Giving selflessly, without expecting anything in return, amplifies the benefits:

• Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

This teaching aligns with findings that genuine, altruistic giving enhances personal joy and life satisfaction.

• Luke 6:35: “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great.”

Jesus emphasizes that unconditional generosity reflects God’s character and brings profound rewards.

Conclusion

Embracing a lifestyle of generosity fulfills Christ’s command in Matthew 25:31-46 and enriches our lives in unexpected ways. By sharing our resources, time, and love, we not only obey God’s Word but also experience enhanced well-being and joy. Let us, therefore, commit to acts of kindness, knowing that in giving, we truly receive.

Reflective Questions:

1. How can you incorporate regular acts of generosity into your daily routine?
2. In what ways have you experienced personal growth or joy through giving?
3. How does understanding the benefits of generosity motivate you to help others more?                                          May we all strive to embody the love and generosity that Christ exemplified, bringing light to the lives of others and enriching our own in the process.

TO BE CONCLUDED NEXT SUNDAY

Introduction

Many people believe that their wealth is the result of their hard work and intelligence. While effort and diligence are commendable, Scripture reminds us that all resources ultimately belong to God. In Deuteronomy 8:18, we are told, "But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth." Likewise, Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." This perspective challenges us to see giving not as an act of personal sacrifice but as the simple sharing of what God has entrusted to us.

1. The Illusion of Ownership

Many struggle to give because they believe that what they own is entirely theirs. However, Scripture teaches that everything we have comes from God. When we refuse to be generous, we act as though we are the sole owners of our possessions, rather than stewards. The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 illustrates the danger of this mindset. Instead of sharing his abundant harvest, the rich man hoarded it, only to die suddenly, leaving his wealth behind. Jesus concludes, "This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21).

Application: We must view our wealth—whether large or small—as a tool for fulfilling God’s purposes, not just our personal comfort.

2. Responding to Generosity with Generosity

(see Our Daily Bread, February 25, 2025)

“When Lydia was gifted $10,000 by anonymous donors, she spent little of it on herself. Instead, she gave generous gifts to coworkers, family, flood victims, and charities. Lydia, unbeknownst to her, was part of a study following how two hundred people responded to a no-strings-attached gift of $10,000 through a bank transfer. That study found that more than two-thirds of that gifted money was given away. Sharing this story, Chris Anderson, head of the TED nonprofit media organization, reflected, “‘It turns out that . . . we human beings are wired to respond to generosity with generosity.’”

The story from Our Daily Bread about Lydia and other research participants who gave generously after receiving $10,000 highlights an important truth: people are often more willing to give when they perceive the money as "extra" or "unexpected." But shouldn’t we always view our resources this way? Every breath, every opportunity, and every material blessing is a gift from God.

Jesus emphasizes this in Luke 6:35: "Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High." True generosity reflects the heart of God, who "is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35).

Application: When we give, we acknowledge that all we have is from God. We should not wait for an "extra" blessing before giving—we should give consistently, knowing that God provides for our needs.

3. Giving as an Investment in Eternity

Jesus teaches that giving is not just a good deed but an eternal investment. Luke 6:38 states, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap." This is not a prosperity gospel promise but a spiritual principle: generosity invites God’s provision, not only materially but in joy, peace, and purpose.

Paul reinforces this in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Application: Giving is not a loss but a divine transaction. When we give, we store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21) and deepen our dependence on God rather than our material possessions.

4. The Heart of Giving: Love and Obedience

Ultimately, giving is an act of love and obedience to God. Jesus tells us in Matthew 25:40, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." This means that every act of generosity—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick—counts as service to Christ Himself.

In contrast, those who neglect the needy demonstrate a heart distant from God’s will. This is why Jesus warns in Matthew 25:45, "Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." Giving is not just about helping others—it is a test of our faith and love for God.

Application: Our generosity should not be occasional or conditional. It should be a way of life, reflecting God’s mercy and provision.

Conclusion: A Challenge to Believers

Giving to the needy is not a favour we do for others—it is a simple requirement of stewardship. God has entrusted us with resources, and He calls us to share them freely.

Reflect:

- Do you see your possessions as yours or as God’s entrusted resources?

- Are you generous only when you receive unexpected blessings, or is generosity part of your lifestyle?

- How can you grow in obedience to God’s command to care for the poor and needy?

As we embrace a mindset of stewardship, let us give freely, trusting that God, the true owner of all things, will continue to provide for us. Amen.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT SUNDAY

Introduction

In our previous message, we explored the Final Judgment in Matthew 25:31-46 through the lens of necessary and sufficient conditions. We established that faith in Christ is necessary for salvation, and that good works serve as the evidence of true faith. However, one critical question remains: How often should we care for the poor and needy?

Many Christians engage in charitable giving only on special occasions—Christmas, birthdays, or anniversaries. While these acts are commendable, they fall short of Christ’s command to “love our neighbor as ourselves” (Mark 12:31). True Christian charity must be as frequent and consistent as our own personal care for ourselves.

1. The Biblical Mandate for Continuous Care

Jesus makes it clear that caring for the poor and needy is not optional. It is a defining characteristic of true discipleship.

- Matthew 25:40 – “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

- Proverbs 3:27 – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”

- James 2:15-16 – “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

These scriptures emphasize that our help should not be occasional but CONTINUOUS. The need of the poor does not disappear after Christmas, and hunger does not take a break until someone’s next birthday. If we feed ourselves daily, we must consider the hungry daily.

2. Loving Our Neighbor as Ourselves: A Practical Challenge

Jesus commands us to “love our neighbor as ourselves” (Mark 12:31). What does this mean in practical terms?

- We feed ourselves daily—should we not ensure that others eat daily too?

- We clothe ourselves when we need to— should we not provide clothing for those who lack?

- We take care of our health—should we not help those who are sick?

To love others as we love ourselves means we must care for the needy with the same urgency and frequency with which we meet our own needs.

3. The Danger of Occasional Charity

While occasional acts of charity are better than none, they can create a false sense of righteousness. Many give once a year and feel satisfied, believing they have fulfilled Christ’s command. But scripture warns against such a mindset:

- 1 John 3:17 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”

- Luke 16:19-31 (The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus) – The rich man did not actively harm Lazarus, but his failure to provide for him daily resulted in eternal separation from God.

Charity should not be a performance for special days—it should be a lifestyle that reflects God’s love daily.

4. How Can We Practice Continuous Giving?

Instead of limiting our charity to special occasions, we must develop consistent ways of helping those in need. Here are some practical steps:

1. Set aside a portion of your income for the needy. Just as we budget for food, rent, and other expenses, we should budget for giving.

2. Identify local needs. Are there orphanages, widows, or struggling families in your community? Can you support a child’s education, medical bills, or daily meals?

3. Join or start a regular outreach program. Partner with your church or community groups to establish long-term support for the poor.

4. Share meals and resources. If you have extra food, clothing, or supplies, make it a habit to give regularly.

5. Pray for the needy and take action. Prayer should inspire action, not replace it (James 2:14-17).

5. The Eternal Reward for True Charity

Jesus assures us that those who continuously care for the needy will inherit eternal life:

- Matthew 25:34 – “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”

- Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.”

In contrast, those who neglect this duty face eternal separation from God (Matthew 25:46). The stakes are high, and our response must reflect our understanding of this truth.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Loving our neighbor is not an event but a lifestyle. We must shift from occasional charity to continuous care. Let us:

• Give as regularly as we provide for ourselves.
• Move beyond token charity to real, ongoing commitment.
• Reflect the love of Christ in our daily actions.

May God help us to live out His commandment with faithfulness and compassion. Amen.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT SUNDAY

Introduction

In Matthew 25:31-46, our Lord Jesus Christ gives a powerful description of the Final Judgment, where He separates people into two groups: the righteous (sheep) and the wicked (goats). This passage raises an important question: What does it take to enter heaven or be condemned to hell? Can good works alone guarantee salvation, or is faith also necessary? To answer these questions, we will apply the logical concepts of necessary and sufficient conditions to Jesus' teachings.

1. The Meaning of Necessary and Sufficient Conditions

In logic, a “necessary condition” is something that MUST be present for an outcome to occur. However, by itself, it may not be enough to guarantee that outcome. A “sufficient condition”, on the other hand, is something that, if present, ENSURES the outcome will occur, even if it is not the only way to reach that outcome.

Examples from Everyday Life:

- Oxygen for Fire (Necessary but Not Sufficient): Oxygen is needed for fire to burn, but oxygen alone does not guarantee fire—fuel and heat are also required.

- Scoring 100% on a Test (Sufficient but Not Necessary):

A perfect score guarantees passing, but one can pass with a lower score as well.

Now, let’s apply these principles to Matthew 25:31-46 to better understand Jesus' words.

2. Are Good Works a Necessary Condition for Entering Heaven?

Jesus commends those who fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and visited the sick, saying: "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you..." (Matthew 25:34-35)

Conversely, those who neglected such acts are condemned:

"Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matthew 25:41-42)

This implies that good works are NECESSARY for entering heaven. Without them, Jesus explicitly states that one will be denied entry.

3. Are Good Works a Sufficient Condition for Entering Heaven?

While good works are necessary, are they SUFFICIENT on their own to guarantee salvation? Other parts of Scripture emphasize faith in Christ:

- "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God—not by works." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

- "Jesus answered, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" (John 14:6)

These verses show that while good works are required, they are not sufficient for salvation. Faith in Christ is also necessary.

4. Are Evil Deeds a Necessary and Sufficient Condition for Hell?

Jesus condemns those who failed to help others, showing that neglecting good works is a SUFFICIENT CONDITION for going to hell in this passage. However, Scripture also teaches that rejecting Christ leads to condemnation:

- "Whoever does not believe stands condemned already." (John 3:18)

-"But the cowardly, the unbelieving... their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur." (Revelation 21:8)

Thus, lack of good works can be sufficient for condemnation, but rejection of Christ is also a separate sufficient condition for hell.

5. Application: Balancing Faith and Good Works

- Faith in Christ is the foundation of salvation. Without faith, good works alone do not guarantee heaven.

- Good works are the evidence of true faith. If a person claims to follow Christ but neglects the needy, their faith is questionable (James 2:17).

- Judgment is based on both faith and works. Faith saves, but good works confirm that faith is genuine.

Conclusion: The Call to Action

Jesus' message in Matthew 25:31-46 is a clear warning and encouragement. We are called to:

• Place our faith in Christ for salvation.
• Demonstrate our faith through good works.
• Serve others as if serving Christ Himself.

By understanding the “necessary and sufficient conditions” of salvation, we align our faith and actions with the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us strive to be among the “sheep”, showing love, kindness, and faithfulness until the day we meet our Lord.

May God help us to live out our faith in both belief and action. Amen.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT SUNDAY

A Mexican migrant to the U.S. is five times more productive than one who stays home. Why is that?

The answer is not the obvious one: This country has more machinery or tools or natural resources. Instead, according to some remarkable but largely ignored research -- by the World Bank, of all places -- it is because the average American has access to over $418,000 in intangible wealth, while the stay-at-home Mexican's intangible wealth is just $34,000.

But what is intangible wealth, and how on earth is it measured? And what does it mean for the world's people -- poor and rich? That's where the story gets even more interesting.

Two years ago the World Bank's environmental economics department set out to assess the relative contributions of various kinds of capital to economic development. Its study, "Where is the Wealth of Nations?: Measuring Capital for the 21st Century," began by defining natural capital as the sum of nonrenewable resources (including oil, natural gas, coal and mineral resources), cropland, pasture land, forested areas and protected areas. Produced, or built, capital is what many of us think of when we think of capital: the sum of machinery, equipment, and structures (including infrastructure) and urban land.

But once the value of all these were added up, the economists found something big was still missing: the vast majority of the world's wealth! If one simply adds up the current value of a country's natural resources and produced, or built, capital, there's no way that can account for that country's level of income.

The rest is the result of "intangible" factors -- such as the trust among people in a society, an efficient judicial system, clear property rights and effective government. All this intangible capital also boosts the productivity of labor and results in higher total wealth. In fact, the World Bank finds, "Human capital and the value of institutions (as measured by rule of law) constitute the largest share of wealth in virtually all countries."

Once one takes into account all of the world's natural resources and produced capital, 80% of the wealth of rich countries and 60% of the wealth of poor countries is of this intangible type. The bottom line: "Rich countries are largely rich because of the skills of their populations and the quality of the institutions supporting economic activity."

What the World Bank economists have brilliantly done is quantify the intangible value of education and social institutions. According to their regression analyses, for example, the rule of law explains 57% of countries' intangible capital. Education accounts for 36%.

The rule-of-law index was devised using several hundred individual variables measuring perceptions of governance, drawn from 25 separate data sources constructed by 18 different organizations. The latter include civil society groups (Freedom House), political and business risk-rating agencies (Economist Intelligence Unit) and think tanks (International Budget Project Open Budget Index).

Switzerland scores 99.5 out of 100 on the rule-of-law index and the U.S. hits 91.8. By contrast, Nigeria's score is a pitiful 5.8; Burundi's 4.3; and Ethiopia's 16.4. The members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development -- 30 wealthy developed countries -- have an average score of 90, while sub-Saharan Africa's is a dismal 28.

The natural wealth in rich countries like the U.S. is a tiny proportion of their overall wealth -- typically 1% to 3% -- yet they derive more value from what they have. Cropland, pastures and forests are more valuable in rich countries because they can be combined with other capital like machinery and strong property rights to produce more value. Machinery, buildings, roads and so forth account for 17% of the rich countries' total wealth.

Overall, the average per capita wealth in the rich Organization for Economic Cooperation Development (OECD) countries is $440,000, consisting of $10,000 in natural capital, $76,000 in produced capital, and a whopping $354,000 in intangible capital. (Switzerland has the highest per capita wealth, at $648,000. The U.S. is fourth at $513,000.)

By comparison, the World Bank study finds that total wealth for the low income countries averages $7,216 per person. That consists of $2,075 in natural capital, $1,150 in produced capital and $3,991 in intangible capital. The countries with the lowest per capita wealth are Ethiopia ($1,965), Nigeria ($2,748), and Burundi ($2,859).

In fact, some countries are so badly run, that they actually have negative intangible capital. Through rampant corruption and failing school systems, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are destroying their intangible capital and ensuring that their people will be poorer in the future.

In the U.S., according to the World Bank study, natural capital is $15,000 per person, produced capital is $80,000 and intangible capital is $418,000. And thus, considering common measures used to compare countries, its annual purchasing power parity GDP per capita is $43,800. By contrast, oil-rich Mexico's total natural capital per person is $8,500 ($6,000 due to oil), produced capital is $19,000 and intangible capita is $34,500 -- a total of $62,000 per person. Yet its GDP per capita is $10,700. When a Mexican, or for that matter, a South Asian or African, walks across our border, they gain immediate access to intangible capital worth $418,000 per person. Who wouldn't walk across the border in such circumstances?

The World Bank study bolsters the deep insights of the late development economist Peter Bauer. In his brilliant 1972 book "Dissent on Development," Bauer wrote: "If all conditions for development other than capital are present, capital will soon be generated locally or will be available . . . from abroad. . . . If, however, the conditions for development are not present, then aid . . . will be necessarily unproductive and therefore ineffective. Thus, if the mainsprings of development are present, material progress will occur even without foreign aid. If they are absent, it will not occur even with aid."

The World Bank's pathbreaking "Where is the Wealth of Nations?" convincingly demonstrates that the "mainsprings of development" are the rule of law and a good school system. The big question that its researchers don't answer is: How can the people of the developing world rid themselves of the kleptocrats who loot their countries and keep them poor?

Bailey is Reason magazine's science correspondent.