Matthew 25:35-40 New International Version
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “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.’ Wed. October 14 Every time I read this parable I am completely amazed at how it is turned into a “to-do” list or a “ladder theology.” There is absolutely NOTHING you can do to “get up” to heaven. NOTHING! I’ll prove it. Look at verses 37-39 again. What does the text actually say? It says that the righteous had NO CLUE they were serving the Lord! No idea. They were completely and utterly mystified because, as so many of the parables that Jesus told have already shown, the Kingdom of God is a mystery. Salvation is a gift given freely by God and received by faith. So, what is up with all the “good works” that the sheep do? They are the results of faith in Jesus. Following Jesus creates good works. It will happen without you realizing it. Like Paul says in Galatians 5:22-24, the good we do is the fruit of the Holy Spirit working in us. Surprise, surprise! Faith again! Faith that God will work in us and use us for good.