In Matthew 25:37-40 I read, “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and provide for you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (NIV)
Just before Jesus died on the cross, he said, “I am thirsty” (John 19:28 NIV). That moment shows his humanity, that Jesus was God living among us as a man.
The Bible says that the Roman soldiers soaked a sponge in a jar full of wine vinegar and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. The sour wine was meant to relieve his thirst.
It would have been great to have been there and to be able to give water to Jesus for his thirst. It would have been considered a privilege and blessing to serve him in that moment.
But that moment is long past, and I can’t help Jesus in that way. On the other hand, I can help those around me on behalf of Jesus. People everywhere are spiritually thirsty, searching for purpose and significance. They want to know what to do with their lives and if their lives have any meaning.
People need to know that Jesus can quench their thirst, that he is what they are looking for when they hop from one thing to another. They need to know that he meets them in their depression, discouragement, and despair.
Jesus says, when I serve others, I’m serving him. So, when I want to do something for Jesus, look for people around me who are in need. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).
Whenever I give a drink to someone who is thirsty, I am giving it to Jesus. The same is true when I lead those who are spiritually thirsty to Jesus.
Love in action is when I meet the needs of other people in their thirst—physical, emotional, or spiritual—out of love for Christ, who endured thirst on the cross for me. The only way I can serve God is by serving people and helping others in his name.
Who are the people around me who appear to be spiritually thirsty? Ask God to show me who they are and the best way to lead them to Jesus.
In summary, whenever I provide for and care for someone else, I’m doing it for him. I can help those around me on behalf of Jesus. People everywhere are spiritually thirsty, searching for purpose and significance. People need to know that Jesus can quench their thirst, that he is what they are looking for when they hop from one thing to another. They need to know that he meets them in their depression, discouragement, and despair. Jesus says, when I serve others, I’m serving him. So, when I want to do something for Jesus, look for people around me who are in need. Whenever I give a drink to someone who is thirsty, I am giving it to Jesus. The same is true when I lead those who are spiritually thirsty to Jesus. Love in action is when I meet the needs of other people in their thirst, out of love for Christ, who endured thirst on the cross for me. The only way I can serve God is by serving people and helping others in his name.
Today's study describes acts of mercy I can do every day. These acts do not depend on wealth, ability, or intelligence; they are simple acts freely given and freely received. I have no excuse to neglect those who have deep needs, and I cannot hand over this responsibility to someone else. Jesus wants me personal involvement in caring for others' needs. Who are the people around me who appear to be spiritually thirsty? I ask you father to show me who they are and the best way to lead them to Jesus.
Lord, I need you today. Please give me Your strength for today and remind me in little ways that you are for me and I do not need to look anywhere else. I ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, my training for a future job role and learning a small group. I pray these things through you Son Jesus’ name, amen.
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