Jesus’ disciples were just like us in many ways, and curiosity about the end times was one of them. So over two entire chapters in Matthew’s historic account, Jesus told them what to expect, including this verbal exchange, which will happen at the appointed time.
“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 25:37-40 NIV
Did you notice? Jesus did not say serving others will be “as if” we were serving Him; rather, “whatever you did for [others], you did for me.” This declares a oneness beyond closeness. It expresses, as well, a divine desire fulfilled, for Jesus petitioned to the Father that we would be restored to unity with Himself — “that I myself may be in them,”1 — and with each other, as well: “that they may be one as we are one.”2 Relational restoration glorifies God: It declares His power and love. So, in our remaining space today, let’s absorb three Scriptures and let them guide us as one in the glory of God.
“I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth — everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” — Isaiah 43:6-7 NIV God calls forth from around the globe one body of believers, with Christ as its head, to fulfill His purpose for us: to glorify God.
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 15:5-6 ESV In mutual submission to each other and collective submission to Christ, we glorify God in common confession.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. . . Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14-16 NIV Our obedience to God stirs others to glorify Him.
Why unity? God’s glory.
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.”3 Amen.
1 John 17:26 NIV
2 John 17:22 NIV
3 1 Chronicles 29:11 ESV
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Paul Nordman—Author 