Read: Matt. 25:31-46; John 13:1-15; Luke 10:38-42
Lord of Our Service. Is it possible to be serving God without ever knowing the one we are serving?
- Essence of Christianity: Matthew 25: 31-46. Of all the things which one might be held accountable for in the judgment, what did Jesus say was most important?Ellen White’s striking comments about salvation for the heathen who have never heard the name of Jesus are found in her commentary on the parable of the judgment of the sheep and goats.
“Christ on the Mount of Olives pictured to His disciples the scene of the great judgment day. And He represented its decision as turning upon one point. When the nations are gathered before Him, there will be but two classes, and their eternal destiny will be determined by what they have done or have neglected to do for Him in the person of the poor and suffering.” (Desire of Ages, 637)
“Those whom Christ commends in the judgment may have known little of theology, but they have cherished His principles. Through the influence of the divine Spirit they have been a blessing to those about them. Even among the heathen are those who have cherished the spirit of kindness; before the words of life had fallen upon their ears, they have befriended the missionaries, even ministering to them at the peril of their own lives. Among the heathen are those who worship God ignorantly, those to whom the light is never brought by human instrumentality, yet they will not perish. Though ignorant of the written law of God, they have heard His voice speaking to them in nature, and have done the things that the law required. Their works are evidence that the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are recognized as the children of God.” (Desire of Ages, 638)
- Jesus’ example: John 13:1-15 . How is it possible to be fully committed to the concept of service without slipping into an arrogant humility?
- Varieties of service: 1 Corinthians 12:28. Paul ranks the gifts of the Spirit in a particular order. Does that mean that some gifts of service are more important, more valued than others?
- Misguided service: Mary vs. Martha: Luke 10:38-42. Is it clear in the Bible why Jesus praised Mary and rebuked Martha? What lessons can be drawn from this story for our day? Should we place more emphasis on service, or less?
