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
