The sermon today brings us to a challenging teaching from Jesus in Matthew 25. The context is the Olivet Discourse – a series of lessons and parables on the end times.
There is a day coming that will define the meaning of our lives and our eternal destiny.
On that day, the King of Kings will gather all people for judgment.
Not everyone will be ready.
If we want to be ready, we need to know the answer to this question – what will be the standard of judgment?
We know that the New Testament teaching is crystal clear about salvation – we are made righteous by grace, through faith and not by works. But how do you identify righteousness?
More importantly, how will Jesus identify the righteous?
According to Matthew 25:31-46, the righteous will be identified by their mercy. Our response today to the brothers and sisters of Jesus who are suffering will be the distinguishing mark of our faith on that day.
So how do we prepare for that day? We bend our hearts to mercy today. That starts with filling my mind with the glorious love of Christ who responded to my suffering with mercy. The more that gospel melts my heart, the more bent my heart will be towards works of mercy for others.
Tom Brown is the planting pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Wichita. Tom and his wife, Mandy, have worked together in ministry for over 20 years and have four children. More about Pastor Tom Brown