Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 (NIV)

The Second Coming of Jesus

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Matthew 24:3 (NIV)

Be Prepared — The 10 Virgins.

Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13 (NIV)

Be Faithful — The 3 Servants.

Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21 (NIV)

Be Compassionate — The Sheep And Goats

When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on His left. Matthew 25:31-33 (NIV)

The basis of God’s judgement is not theological but relational.

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37–39 (NIV)

The King Of Compassion

“The King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 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 25:34–40 (NIV)

Both the One who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. Hebrews 2:11 (NIV)

Those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 11:29–30 (NIV)

1. Recognising Christ

Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? Matthew 25:35–37 (NIV)

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 25:40 (NIV)

He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. Acts 9:4–5 (NIV)

In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4–6 (NIV)

2. Moved With Compassion

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:35–36 (NIV)

Compassion costs. It is easy enough to argue, criticise, and condemn, but redemption is costly, and comfort draws from the deep. Brains can argue, but it takes heart to comfort. Samuel Chadwick

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 1 John 3:14 (NIV)

Pay Attention To Your Heart!

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.’ Matthew 25:35–36 (NIV)

When did we ever see You? Matthew 25:39 (NIV)

How are you engaging with the Body of Christ, whom Jesus calls His brothers and sisters?

When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. Matthew 25:31 (NIV)

Judgment awaits everyone.

People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. Hebrews 9:27 (NIV)

Pluralism is a lie.

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 (NIV)

How will you respond to Jesus?