The Living Word: A Daily Devotional with Jeff & Dale from The Jenkins Institute
The Living Word is a daily devotional featuring Scripture and encouragement from Jeff and Dale of The Jenkins Institute. Each episode offers a thoughtful reading to coincide with the daily devotional guides from our annual devotional books. They are designed to help listeners begin or end their day grounded in God’s Word.
The Living Word: A Daily Devotional with Jeff & Dale from The Jenkins Institute
Week 21: Friday, The King and His Brothers
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In this teaching of Jesus in Matthew 25, it is not difficult to see the
connection Jesus makes between Himself and the King. It is the King that
says, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my
brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40, ESV). While Jesus as King is
hardly debated, some raise the question concerning who “my brothers”
references. The phrase, “the least of these my brothers,” could refer to
Christ’s disciples (cf. Matthew 10:40-42). It could also refer more broadly
to the vulnerable, the downtrodden, the marginalized. Regardless, the
important factor is clear: Jesus identifies personally with “the least.”
Welcome to Hearing God's Stories, a daily devotional on the parables presented by the Jekins Institute.
SPEAKER_00Week twenty one, Friday. The King and His Brothers Today's Scripture, Matthew twenty five, thirty one through forty six by Keith Harris and I'm Gavin Beardon. In this teaching of Jesus in Matthew twenty five, it is not difficult to see the connection Jesus makes between himself and the King. It is the King that says, Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers, you did it to me. Matthew twenty five forty. While Jesus as King is hardly debated, some raise a question concerning who my brothers references. The phrase the least of these, my brothers, could refer to Christ's disciples. It could also refer more broadly to the vulnerable, the downtrodden, the marginalized. Regardless, the important factor is clear. Jesus identifies personally with the least. Jesus claims the role of divine king and judge, identifying himself with the least of these. He certainly shares in the suffering of the marginalized, for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses. In the ministry of Jesus, he displayed a great solidarity with the lowly. The reality provides great implications for how we view the church, missions, and our neighbor. Jesus, the king, is among people. Rather than sit comfortably in the ivory palace we call our church buildings, we must be a people who step out into the discomfort of life and serve those around us, those who like ourselves, have been created in the image of God. As followers of Jesus, we should teach regularly how honoring others, especially the marginalized, honors Christ. We should encourage one another to view every person as bearing the image of God and treat them accordingly. We should use this teaching of Jesus to shape how we welcome guests into the assembly, engage the poor, and support struggling brothers and sisters. Finally, from this teaching of Jesus, we must remember that discipleship is tangible. Silent servants are honored, we are accountable for what we ignore, and judgment is real. Let's seek to bring honor and glory to God every day. Today I will serve Christ and others.
SPEAKER_01Thank you for joining us for the Living Word. For more encouragement and ministry resources, visit the Jenkins Institute.com and may God's richest blessings be yours, is our prayer for you.