Reflecting His Love
In Mathew 25:31–32, we encounter a powerful picture of Jesus’ return. He will come in glory, with all the angels, seated on His throne, and He will separate people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. This scene is not just about a future event—it calls us to examine our lives today.
The shepherd imagery is significant. In biblical times, sheep and goats often grazed together, but they had different natures. Sheep followed their shepherd’s voice, trusting and depending on him. Goats, however, were more independent. Jesus uses this imagery to remind us that it’s not enough to appear good on the outside—what matters is whether we are following Him in our hearts.
As Jesus calls us to reflect His love, we must ask: are we living as his sheep, obedient to His voice and showing love to others as He has shown to us? Serving others, especially those in need, is a way to follow Jesus and honor Him. Our actions toward the least of these are ultimately acts of service to Jesus Himself.
Grace and Truth in Jesus
For centuries, the nation of Israel awaited the coming Messiah who would bring the Kingdom of God and make things right in the world. Despite pain, persecution, and setbacks, they persevered because their hope was grounded in the promises of God.
Israel’s wait was finally over when the Messiah, Jesus, arrived. However, Jesus did not come as many expected—in a grand procession or with a large army behind Him. Instead, He arrived quietly in the stillness of the night, as a baby, in a little town called Bethlehem.
But in a surprise twist, this newborn was not only the Messiah who would free God’s people from their sins, but God Himself. John tells us that “the Word was God” (John 1:1). The Word exists eternally, but for a time took on human form and lived among people.
Jesus began His earthly ministry in the most humble way—by coming as a baby. But it’s through the person of Jesus that we see the glory of God. Paul says in Colossians, “For in Christ all ...