Loving God, we thank you for Jesus our Lord, who came in loving service that we might have life. Inspire us this day by the power of your Spirit, that we might recognize Jesus wherever and whenever we encounter him; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The simplistic, and perhaps even popular, understanding of today’s gospel (Mt. 25:31-46) goes something like this: We should be feeding the hungry and clothing the naked and giving drink to the thirsty and welcoming strangers and visiting those who are sick or in prison, because if we don’t, we’ll be cast into the fire. Now, it is, in fact, true that we should be doing these things. However, this conclusion does not reflect a very careful reading of the parable.

For one thing, who is it that is being judged in this parable? Did you notice that it is “the nations”? In the Scriptures, whenever “the nations” are mentioned it usually means the heathen – the godless Gentiles -- the unbelievers. From a Jewish perspective, these are the people who do not believe in or worship God. From a Christian perspective, these are the people who do not believe in Jesus. And so, it is not Christians who are being judged in the parable, but unbelievers.

Another key idea which we often seem to miss is that both the righteous and the unrighteous in the parable had no idea what they were doing! The ones who refused to help had no idea that this person in need was Jesus in disguise. And the same goes for the ones who did help. They saw somebody in need, and they helped. And in doing so, they were ministering to Jesus without even knowing it.

And so, although today’s gospel does have something to say about life as a member of God’s family, it has far more to tell us about Jesus. Today we celebrate Christ as King, and he is, in fact a king. Yet, Jesus is most unlike any other kings. For one thing, his coronation was on the cross. For another thing, he was here as one who serves, and not to be served. And, although he sits upon a heavenly throne, Jesus is right here at the same time. He is the only king that I know of who identifies so completely with the lowest of the low.

When somebody is sick, Jesus feels it. When somebody is abandoned and alone, Jesus feels it. When somebody is hungry and thirsty and homeless, Jesus feels it. When somebody lacks adequate clothing and shelter, Jesus feels it. At the same time, when the hungry are fed, Jesus feels relief. When those who are sick or imprisoned are ministered to, Jesus feels relief. When the lonely are welcomed, and the destitute are clothed and sheltered, Jesus feels relief.

For those who believe in Jesus and acknowledge him as Lord and Saviour, helping people in need is a no-brainer. It is impossible to believe in Jesus while doing nothing about the needs that are all around us. It is impossible to love God and to love Jesus, while showing no love for the people who need it the most (1 Jn. 4:20). When we treat other people poorly, we are treating Jesus poorly. That is how close he is to each one of us!

I have often heard people speak about feeling abandoned by God as soon as they experience illness or hunger or loneliness or loss. There seems to be an unwritten assumption that many people have that those who believe in Jesus will experience only blessings in their life. Yet, the Scriptures have plenty to say about suffering and hunger and persecution and imprisonment and illness. It is made very clear that Christians are not immune from these things.

At the same time, Christians have resources which others do not. If I am sick, I know that Jesus not only has the power to heal me, but also feels my illness. If I am lonely, I know that Jesus is lonely with me. If I am suffering, I know that Jesus is suffering with me and understands my suffering because his was so much greater. If I am hungry, I know that Jesus is hungry with me.

At the same time, God has called us to be part of a Christian community in order to deal with things like this. If I am hungry, my brothers and sisters in Christ will share with me. If I am sick, I have Christian brothers and sisters who will visit me and help me when I am weak. If I am suffering, I have others who will share my sorrow and do what they can to help. If I am lonely, I have Christian brothers or sisters who care about me.

We tend to think that following Jesus is all about serving others. This is true, but it is also about allowing others to serve us when we find ourselves in need. The example of Jesus was, indeed, one of service. Yet, he also allowed others to minister to him – like the women who provided for him & his disciples out of their means (Lk. 8:1-3), or the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume (Mk. 14:3-9). Some of us have learned very well how to give but do not know how to receive. Others know only how to receive, and have not learned how to give. If we are never weak or sick or in need, we never learn how to do both.

In the end, we do not serve a king who demands our allegiance, rules with an iron fist, and takes without giving. Rather, we serve a king who acts out of love for us – who gave himself in order that we might have life. Jesus was - quite rightfully - glorified after his death and resurrection. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Yet, his heart remains with us. He sent his Spirit so that he would continue to be present with us. Meanwhile, he spends his time interceding for us in prayer (Rom. 8:34).

We do not live on our own in this world. God is in us and we are in God when we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit. We also have a Saviour who continues to meet us wherever we go. We meet Christ in others all the time, and by the power of the Spirit, others meet Christ in us. Our Lord and King is not far away and uninvolved, but continues to live and move among us. May we continue to study and watch and worship and pray – ready to meet Jesus wherever we might find him. May we know Jesus well enough to be able to recognize him when we meet him, and may we continue to grow in love for God and for one another. Amen.

Christ the King (A)      Matthew 25:31-46
November 23, 2008
St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church
Pastor Lynne Hutchison

© 2008 Lynne Hutchison  All Rights Reserved