Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:31-40
When Did We See You?
Intro.
1. Matt. 25:31-46: Judgment scene of the nations before the Son of Man.
2. One question is asked by both the righteous and the cursed: “When did we see You?” 25:37, 44 Neither looked for the Lord, but He was there.
a. eidō: “to see, to perceive, notice, discern, discover...to turn the eyes, the mind, the attention to anything” (Thayer).
b. The righteous: Humbly practiced love for their brethren without seeking glory, honor or renown from the Lord or men. Busy in the kingdom following the example and will of the Master, cf. 24:45-46.
c. The cursed: Eyes were fixed on sin and self, not others. Thus, they do not see their brethren’s needs and help them. Therefore, they fail to see the Lord. cf. Matt. 24:48-51
3. We will never see Jesus on this earth with our eyes. But, unless we “see” Him we will not be saved!
a. Must see and believe for everlasting life, Jno. 6:40.
b. Blessed are those who have not seen, yet believed, Jno. 20:29.
c. Faith in the unseen; Love Him whom we have not seen, 1 Pet. 1:8-9.
I. FIRST, WE MUST SEE JESUS FOR WHO HE IS, Heb. 2:9 (Jno. 6:40).
-This is about faith in Him as the Christ, Matt. 16:16.
A. See His Humility, Death and Exaltation to Save Us, Heb. 2:5-9; Phil. 2:5-11. Great sacrifice and service; Love and mercy.
B. See His Works, which Testify of Him, Matt. 11:4-6; Mk. 16:6.
C. See Jesus as Your Only Source of Salvation, Acts 4:12.
1. Philip, Jno. 1:43-46; 12:20-21; Jno. 14:8-9 (show us...).
2. Zacchaeus, Lk. 19:2-4.
D. See Jesus as the Only Way to the Father in Heaven, Jno. 14:6; Matt. 7:21-23.
II. SEEING JESUS IN THOSE AROUND US.
A. Not that Jesus is Literally in People, but in Life’s Circumstances.
1. As disciples, we are to respond like Jesus responded (Lk. 6:40).
2. We cannot claim His name and refuse His way of life (Eph. 5:1).
3. “See” (eido, perceive): Discernment, empathy that responds in action; Compassionate responses to the needs of others.
B. We See Jesus When We Accept and Do His Will Toward Others, Phil. 2:5. Begins in the heart...
1. In the hungry and impoverished, Matt. 25:35-36; Mk. 14:7.
a. Open your hand wide, Deut. 15:11 (freely, generously); Jas. 2:15-16; 1 Jno. 3:17-18.
b. What about the soul that is hungry for God? Feed the gospel, Acts 8:30-35.
2. In the sick, Matt. 25:36; Jas. 5:13-14; 1 Tim. 5:23.
-Much more the one whose soul is sick and dying! Gal. 6:1-2; Jas. 5:19-20
3. In the lonely (stranger) and forgotten (prison), Matt. 25:35-36.
a. Hospitality, Heb. 13:2 (Rom. 12:13); Lk. 10:27-29.
b. More so, love souls that are estranged from God, Lk. 14:23.
III. LET BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE, Heb. 13:1.
A. The Self-Absorbed Person does not See Jesus, Rom. 12:16; 2 Tim. 3:2.
1. Lovers of self and of money pursue self-interests instead of considering others and helping them in their time of need, 1 Tim. 6:17-19.
2. Charity becomes a self-promoting enterprise, not a selfless act of love.
3. Solution: Deny self, Lk. 9:23.
B. The Self-Righteous Person does not See Jesus, Lk. 18:9-12.
1. Consumed by his own importance and spirituality, this person is blind to his own spiritual needs, much less the spiritual (or physical) needs of others.
2. This person measures others by a false view he has of himself, 2 Cor. 10:12.
3. Solution: Humble yourself, Jas. 4:10.
C. The Casual Christian does not See Jesus, Heb. 10:23-24.
1. Insufficient zeal to consider God, much less others.
2. This person does not grow in Christ; content with mediocrity, Rom. 12:11.
3. Solution: Prioritize your life, Matt. 6:33.
Conclusion
1. “If only I had known it was you, Lord, I would have served You!” Matt. 25:44
2. We cannot plead ignorance now, or on the Judgment Day.
3. Serve others daily, and be a servant of Christ.
4. The selfish life forfeits the blessings of grace now, as well as eternal life, Matt. 25:46.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: August 13, 2013