Faith and Works and the Indonesian children

I was studying Matthew 25:31 and following this morning. Here are a few quotes I saved.

In this passage Jesus is talking about separating the sheep from the goats at the last day. Those rewarded were the ones who fed the hungry, took care of the needs of the sick and those in prison, and sheltered and clothed the needy. In doing these things they were doing them to Jesus himself.

“Matthew is not telling us that people who do good things will go to heaven; rather, he is telling us that good things are an evidence of true discipleship and genuine faith. Those who are saved by faith are judged by their works, since their works show how much they were willing to deny themselves in the service of others.” ^[1]

“For there are many passages of Scripture where it is shown that our works, in the business of salvation, are regarded as indispensably requisite, or as a primary condition, to which the reward of eternal life is inseparably connected.”^[2]

“We can all best serve Christ by ministering to his brethren. This is what he most cares for.”^[3]

“We cannot minister to Jesus himself; will we minister to him vicariously, through his suffering brethren?” ^[4]

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^[1] Campbell, I. D. (2008). Opening up Matthew (153). Leominster: Day One Publications.

^[2] The Pulpit Commentary: St. Matthew Vol. II. 2004 (H. D. M. Spence-Jones, Ed.) (483). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[3] The Pulpit Commentary: St. Matthew Vol. II. 2004 (H. D. M. Spence-Jones, Ed.) (497). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[4] The Pulpit Commentary: St. Matthew Vol. II. 2004 (H. D. M. Spence-Jones, Ed.) (512–513). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.