Feeding Jesus

Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Date: August 20, 2024

Scripture:  “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

“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 25:35-40 (NIV)

Devotional Thoughts:

Have you ever stopped to think about what it means to "feed Jesus"? On the surface, this seems like a strange concept. But as we dig deeper into Matthew 25, we realize that serving others is not just an act of kindness; it's a way of loving and serving God Himself.

Jesus isn't looking for people who check boxes on a list or merely attend church services. He wants people who will show compassion to the vulnerable, care for those in need, and demonstrate love in tangible ways. In this passage, Jesus points out that we have opportunities every day to "feed" Him by feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and being present with those in prison.

Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, was a disciple known for her good works and acts of charity. She was full of compassion, making clothes for the poor in her community. When she died, the people she had helped mourned deeply, and Peter was called to her side. Through God’s power, Peter raised her from the dead, a testament to how much her acts of kindness mattered to God. (Acts 9:36-42).

In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, where a man is beaten and left for dead on the road. While others passed by, a Samaritan stopped, cared for the man’s wounds, and provided for his needs. The Samaritan’s compassion is a vivid illustration of what it means to love our neighbour, a love that mirrors our love for Jesus.

These examples demonstrate that serving others is not just a one-time act; it's an ongoing way of life. When we "feed Jesus" through our service to others, we become part of God's grand plan to restore hope, justice, and love on earth.

Practical Reflections

Consider your daily interactions and the opportunities you have to feed Jesus through your actions. Are there people in your community who are in need of physical or emotional support? Perhaps a neighbour who is lonely, a colleague going through a tough time, or someone in your church who could use a helping hand. Each of these is an opportunity to serve Jesus by serving others.

Reflect on how you can make serving others a regular part of your life. It might be as simple as preparing an extra meal for someone who is struggling or volunteering your time to support a local shelter. Remember, these actions are not just charitable—they are sacred acts of worship.

Closing Thoughts

Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:35-40 challenge us to look beyond ourselves and recognize the divine in every person we meet. When we serve others, we serve Jesus. This truth invites us to live with greater compassion and intentionality, knowing that our love for others is a direct reflection of our love for Christ.

Let us seek to live out this calling each day, looking for Jesus in the faces of those we meet, and responding with hearts full of love and hands ready to serve.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to serve You by serving others. Open our eyes to see those who are in need around us and give us the courage and compassion to reach out. Help us to remember that every act of kindness is an offering to You. May our lives reflect Your love and grace in all that we do. Teach us to feed Jesus in every person we encounter. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.