Be. Become. Do. - Day 22
Day 22 - Tuesday, October 10
Read Matthew 25
Highlight
Jesus’ description of the Final Judgment is a text that has been debated for centuries. The biggest area of debate is regarding the identity of who Jesus refers to as “my brothers” and “the least of these.” Some interpret Jesus to be referring to the poor and needy and downtrodden, which seems to fit the fact that they are clearly in dire need. However, the most likely identity is connected to Jesus’ first term - “my brothers.” It’s likely that Jesus is referring to his followers and the main idea of the teaching is Jesus saying that our treatment of his followers is no different than our treatment of him.
It is a beautiful thing to remember how closely Jesus connects himself to his bride, the Church. In Jesus’ own words throughout Scripture, to treat a Christian poorly is to treat Jesus poorly. Paul learned this on the road to Damascus, where he was traveling to persecute Christians. Yet when he is confronted by Jesus, Jesus doesn’t complain that Paul is on his way to mistreat his followers. Instead, Jesus said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:5) That is how closely Jesus associates himself with his church.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Matthew 25
Highlight
Jesus’ description of the Final Judgment is a text that has been debated for centuries. The biggest area of debate is regarding the identity of who Jesus refers to as “my brothers” and “the least of these.” Some interpret Jesus to be referring to the poor and needy and downtrodden, which seems to fit the fact that they are clearly in dire need. However, the most likely identity is connected to Jesus’ first term - “my brothers.” It’s likely that Jesus is referring to his followers and the main idea of the teaching is Jesus saying that our treatment of his followers is no different than our treatment of him.
It is a beautiful thing to remember how closely Jesus connects himself to his bride, the Church. In Jesus’ own words throughout Scripture, to treat a Christian poorly is to treat Jesus poorly. Paul learned this on the road to Damascus, where he was traveling to persecute Christians. Yet when he is confronted by Jesus, Jesus doesn’t complain that Paul is on his way to mistreat his followers. Instead, Jesus said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:5) That is how closely Jesus associates himself with his church.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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