Serve Jesus by Serving Others
By Rick Warren
“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 a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe 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.’” Matthew 25:37-40 (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.
Wouldn’t you like to have been there to be able to give water to Jesus for his thirst? In fact, you’d probably have considered it a privilege and blessing to serve him in that moment.
But that moment is long past, and you can’t help Jesus in that way. On the other hand, you can help those around you 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 you serve others, you’re serving him. So, when you want to do something for Jesus, look for people around you 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 you give a drink to someone who is thirsty, you are giving it to Jesus. The same is true when you lead those who are spiritually thirsty to Jesus.
Love in action is when you 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 you. The only way you can serve God is by serving people and helping others in his name.
Who are the people around you who appear to be spiritually thirsty? Ask God to show you who they are and the best way to lead them to Jesus.
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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