Christ the King- Matthew 25 v31ff

by Anne Linington⁽²⁰⁴⁾ Red Star

In a few weeks time we remember the king born as a helpless baby in Bethlehem, and the wise men who followed a star in search of the one born to be King of the Jews.

We recall his entry into Jerusalem fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy “Behold your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey. This is the popular preacher and healer that the populace had come to love, who had challenged the self-righteousness of the Pharisees who placed the people under intolerable religious burdens. “My yoke is easy, my burden is light, come to me and you will find rest for your soul” Jesus had told them.

Days later we recall Jesus wearing a purple robe and having a crown of thorns placed on his head as Roman soldiers mocked him, saluting him and saying “Hail, king of the Jews!”.

Above his cross hung the crime he was charged “the king of the Jews” according to Mark and Luke; John adds “Jesus of Nazareth..king of the Jews” and that the charge appeared in three languages- Aramaic for the Jews; Latin for the Romans and Greek so that all visiting Jerusalem from the Eastern Mediterranean for Passover would be able to read the charge.

Matthew 25:31

This passage points to a future unknown time when Christ will be revealed as King- also described as “Son of Man”, the Son of His Father God.

At that time there will be a gathering of nations before him, and a separating of peoples according to how they have behaved towards the most vulnerable of society.

Jesus says, tellingly, that these individuals, the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, those in prison are his family.. “these brothers of mine”.. he identifies with those in need in such a way, that to show kindness to one such person is as if we were doing it to Christ.

To give drink and food to the thirsty and hungry

to welcome the stranger

to cloth the naked

to care for the sick

to visit the prisoner

“In as much as you did it to one of the least of these “members of my family” (NRSV) you did it to me”

Conversely when we have failed to do these things to people like this, we have failed to do it to Christ.

And there is praise for those who do, and a welcome to share the king's eternal inheritance.

And there is separation for those who have failed to show such acts of mercy.

Problem

Taken alone, this passage could appear to show a salvation by works alone- eternal security because of actions carried out.

We have to balance this with other verses in the Bible which tell us that salvation is a a gift, by the grace of God, because we are all sinners.

It seems to me that this passage is saying that acts of compassion and mercy will characterise those people who are children of God- it will be a natural overflow of the love of God which the Holy Spirit has poured into our hearts.

Mother Theresa

Was probably one of the best examples of loving people in this way;

She said that when she lifted someone from the gutter, she lifted Christ.

I count myself fortunate in the past few years to have worked with children with Special Needs, Adults with Learning Difficulties, and currently elderly people in residentail homes, often with Altzheimer's/Dementia.

I have found one of the most important things is to look people in the eye, something I learned as a Hospital receptionist in Devon- not staring so that it is uncomfortable, but being willing to meet another's eye..

This helps when situations are really demanding, when part of you would like an easier option..

also helpful is a sense of humour!

Another section of our community are the children, and when I worked at the Co-op I would never let anyone push in front of a child, leaving them with the impression “You're young, you don't count, you don't matter”

Jesus says these are my family:this is me in them... and to show them love in practical ways is to demonstrate love for Christ- a sobering thought.

Article submitted Monday, November 21, 2011 & read 67 times.

Please log in to leave your comments.

» left by Marijo Phelps⁽¹⁷⁹⁾ (180 days 20 hours ago.)

AMEN - so glad to see your posts here today! Prayers appreciated - getting ready for major work on my book before sending it to my editor! Love this door the Lord has opened....

We appreciate your comments!

0-0-0-0-0-ADSO

Most Recent