May 15, 2026
Friday, May 15
When we read the four parables Jesus told in Matthew 24-25, we see what it means to be ready for the most important event in world history: The Return of the King. Most important is what we talked about yesterday: Making sure you’re one of His children. But there are other things we need to do before that trumpet blows, including these two:
Do your job. Scripture is clear that salvation is free to all who want it. Ephesians 2:9 says it’s “the gift of God, not as a result of works.” When the thief dying next to Christ asked forgiveness, Jesus told Him “Today, you’ll be with me in paradise,” even though that guy would never do one good deed for the Kingdom. Still, if you belong to Jesus, you have a job to do. In Ephesians 2:10, we’re told that all of us were created in Christ for good works that He prepared ahead of time for us to do. In all four of the parables we looked at Wednesday, the people had a job: Feed my servants. Escort the bridegroom. Take care of my money. Love the least of my children.
Have you ever asked yourself, “What is my job in the Lord’s Kingdom?” We highlight people who can preach or sing or teach Bible studies, but every believer has a job to do, and every church member is important to the mission. I can’t tell you what your job is, but I can tell you this: People are at the center of it. If you want to find your job, ask God to show you the people around you that He wants you to invest in. Then love them, and let the Holy Spirit take it from there.
Be compassionate. In the story of the sheep and the goats, Jesus points to the defining characteristic that will set redeemed people apart, and it’s not religiosity or moral strictness. Those are good, but the hypocrites who opposed Him had those in spades. No, it’s compassion. In our church, there are people who do prison ministry, and others who work with foster kids, or mentor kids in local schools, or feed the homeless, or sit with someone who has dementia so that their caregiver can have a couple hours to themselves. We look at people like that and think, “Wow, those are super Christians.” No, that’s the kind of thing we all should be doing.
We have all sorts of excuses:
“I’m afraid I’ll be taken advantage of.” Yeah, you might. But you could also trust God to teach you wisdom.
“I tithe and support other charities.” That’s wonderful. But you need the growth that comes with helping someone in a hands-on way.
“I’m not an empathetic person by nature.” Are you proud of that? Repent, and let the Spirit of God change you.
“My plate is already way too full.” Jesus was running an entire universe when He chose to come and rescue you.
There are no excuses. Since Heaven is real, we have one chance—right now—to help those who are hurting. Don’t spend all of eternity wishing you had loved the least of God’s children.
“Lord, by your grace, I know I am saved. But please don’t let me waste the life I have right here, right now. Help me to love the people you’ve placed in my life, and glorify you. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Conroe
More from Pastor Jeff at his website: jeffbergerwriting.com
