This week we focus on how loving the true God is connected with loving others.

Matthew, the tax collector, knew about accounts payable. Knowing Jesus paid the penalty for our sins Matthew records His words concerning how we treat others.

Read Matthew 25:31-40 slowly and prayerfully.

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.
34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. ’
37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?
39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? ’
40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. ’ (ESV)

1. What does Jesus say about those blessed by the Father (verse 34)?

2. What needs were being met (verses 35-36)?

3. Why doesn’t the righteous recognize who they served (verses 37-39)?

4. What is the connection between people and Jesus (verse 40)?

5. What one phrase from this passage will you think about throughout today?