Good Work - Day 20
Day 20 - Friday, October 11
Read Matthew 25:31-46
Highlight
Jesus’ words are not always easy to hear. Not all of his parables or teachings were liked back then, and the same is true of today. This teaching in particular is tough because Jesus plainly tells us that there are people who will spend eternity with Him, and there are people who will spend eternity apart from Him.
The sheep on His right, who will receive their inheritance of the kingdom (v. 34), are those who show God’s love, mercy and kindness to the least of these. Then the goats on His left, He will say “depart from me, I never knew you” (v. 41), are those who ignored, passed over, or belittled the least of these.
This is a difficult passage, because none of us do this well. Jesus knows we will not do this perfectly, but that does not mean He will let it pass. In fact, He admits that His followers will be known by the way they love one another and those around them (John 13:34-35). Therefore, we must allow the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - Galatians 5) in us. He shows us these traits daily. Why would we not share the same mercies shown to us by a loving God to those around us?
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 25:31-46
Highlight
Jesus’ words are not always easy to hear. Not all of his parables or teachings were liked back then, and the same is true of today. This teaching in particular is tough because Jesus plainly tells us that there are people who will spend eternity with Him, and there are people who will spend eternity apart from Him.
The sheep on His right, who will receive their inheritance of the kingdom (v. 34), are those who show God’s love, mercy and kindness to the least of these. Then the goats on His left, He will say “depart from me, I never knew you” (v. 41), are those who ignored, passed over, or belittled the least of these.
This is a difficult passage, because none of us do this well. Jesus knows we will not do this perfectly, but that does not mean He will let it pass. In fact, He admits that His followers will be known by the way they love one another and those around them (John 13:34-35). Therefore, we must allow the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - Galatians 5) in us. He shows us these traits daily. Why would we not share the same mercies shown to us by a loving God to those around us?
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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