Daring to Care

Helping those in need is sometimes an individual responsibility. Often we’re tempted to think, "That’s not my job. There are all kinds of organizations and government programs. They’re not my responsibility!" This may be true in some cases but not all.

”whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:31-40

Do you think maybe at times God puts individuals before us and expects us to help them? And when those opportunities come, we must be ready to help.
There are many reasons to help people in need, but for the Christian, none is higher than this: when we love those in need, we are loving Jesus. It is a mystery beyond science, a truth beyond statistics. But it is a message that Jesus made crystal clear: when we love them, we love him.
This is the theme of his final sermon. (Matthew 25:31-40). The message he saved until last. He must want this point imprinted on our conscience. He depicted the final judgment scene. The last day, the great Day of Judgment. On that day Jesus will issue an irresistible command. All will come. From sunken ships and forgotten cemeteries, they will come. From royal tombs and grassy battlefields, they will come. From Abel, the first to die, to the person being buried at the moment Jesus calls, every human in history will be present.
In this sermon Jesus says “…he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Matthew 25:32-33.
How can one envision this moment without thinking: What determines his choice? How does Jesus separate the people?
Jesus gives the answer in Matthew 25:34-36 ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. Those on the right, the sheep, will be those who fed him when he was hungry, brought him water when he was thirsty, gave him lodging when he was lonely, clothing when he was naked, and comfort when he was sick or imprisoned. The sign of the saved is their concern for those in need. Compassion does not save them—or us. Salvation is the work of Christ. Compassion is one of the results of salvation.
Then the “sheep” will react with a sincere question: when? When did we feed, visit, clothe, or comfort you? And Jesus gave the answer: ”whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Jesus will recount, one by one, all the acts of kindness. Every deed done to improve the lot of another person. Even the small ones. In fact, they all seem small. Giving water. Offering food. Sharing clothing. The works of mercy are simple deeds. And yet, in these simple deeds we serve Jesus. Astounding this truth: we serve Christ by serving needy people.
When you look closely at the history of the first church there in Jerusalem, you see an exciting and growing church. And as they grew, they became more and more concerned about helping those in need. Let’s look at one way in which they ministered to the people’s their material needs:

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was with them all." Acts 4:32-33

This is the attitude the church in Jerusalem had. When they realized what God had done for them, and that everything they had came from Him, they became unselfish and generous.

"There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need." Acts 4:34

Now notice: First of all, the people were giving sacrificial gifts. They didn’t have a bazaar or bingo or a bake sale. They didn’t raffle off a camel. They just brought their gifts, and it was strictly voluntary. No one was telling them to do it.

But because of what God had done for them, and because they saw fellow Christians in need, they brought their gifts.

Secondly, the church didn’t keep the money. The church didn’t become wealthy, but distributed it among the people as they had need.

Do you think maybe it’s dangerous for a church to become rich? Is it unhealthy to have large bank balances? Don’t you think that God provides money to the church to be used in the building of His kingdom, not to draw interest?

As the church grows and people give generously, then the church has a responsibility to make sure that those funds are used wisely to fulfill the purpose of the church. And one result in the first church was that there weren’t any needy people among them whose needs weren’t being met.

Now the Bible does not teach that there has to be equal distribution of wealth. Nor does the Bible advocate a socialistic or communistic system. There have always been rich people and poor people, both in Bible times and today. Jesus said “You will always have the poor among you.” Matthew 26:11 and John 12:8

But If our brothers or sisters are in need, then we must take pity on them and do something in the name of Jesus Christ to help them in their need.

And as the church continued to grow in Jerusalem, we find out how they did that. “.. as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. Acts 6:1

Since the church in Jerusalem was growing rapidly some widows were being overlooked. So there was a murmuring (hey, it was a church!), and the apostles recognized that there was a problem.

”So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men (can we say Deacons?) who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.” Acts 1:2-4

“Everyone liked this idea” (  )……. "So God’s message continued to spread”. Acts 1:5, 7
When you’re taking care of your own, that is something tangible that the world can see. It’s one thing to sit around and talk about what a great faith we have, and what a great church we are, and all the things we’re going to do.

But when you roll up your sleeves and do something, the world sits up and takes notice and sees that it is not just talk. It’s a way to express our faith. And when we do, many will notice and be attracted to Jesus.

But now before we all quit our jobs and start hanging around the church, there is another passages that we need to examine:

The Apostle Paul writes says, "Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”” 2 Thessalonians 3:10. This is a principle in scripture that we should not violate. If a person is physically able to work, and if the opportunity is there, and he or she refuses to work, we should not feel obligated to give them anything.

Galatians 6:10 says, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Now that teaches that we ought to be concerned about everybody, especially those who are a part of the church. We’re a family, and we need to watch out for each other.

You would be amazed to know how many people come by the church asking for help, and how often some dip into their pockets to help. All because they recognize that God has called us to minister to those in need.

There are people all over this world who are hurting. Maybe not quite that desperately, but many are waiting for someone to reach out and to touch.

None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus. Who would want to miss a chance to do that?