The foundation of the entirety of the Bible is the work and person of Jesus Christ. Everything in Scripture flows to, through, or from His life, death, and resurrection. In Ephesians 2:20 it tells us that our faith is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” All of it is given by inspiration of God and is vital for living the lives God has planned for us. Still, we tend to give special attention to certain passages, allowing our favorites to determine the form and function of our churches and the lives of their members. Two such passages are Matthew 25 and Matthew 28. Somehow, these two texts within the same book from the same author have become the two poles of Christian mission.
The foundation of the entirety of the Bible is the work and person of Jesus Christ. Everything in Scripture flows to, through, or from His life, death, and resurrection.
Matthew 25 is used to focus on the physical. It is used to present imperative for followers of Jesus to care for the needs of “the least of these” in the world. In verses 31-46, Jesus provides a picture of judgment day when God will separate the righteous from the unrighteous. Here is what Jesus says to those He considers righteous: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
Churches and Christians at the Matthew 25 pole tend to be very socially minded. They are most concerned with the plight of the poor, the oppressed, the abused, the used, the marginalized, etc. Their goal is to see people freed, fed, clothed, and otherwise cared for in very physical and practical ways in the here and now. They work diligently to see God’s kingdom come on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Matthew 28, on the other hand, is used to focus on the spiritual. It is often used to present the imperative of leading people to believe in and obey Jesus and as the impetus to send people to all nations to share the hope of salvation by grace through faith. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus says: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Those at the Matthew 28 pole tend to be very eternally minded. They are most concerned with the eternal destinies of the peoples of the world. Their goal is to see people make a profession of faith, be baptized, and join in the life and work of the church. They work diligently to see those on Earth accept their place in Heaven.
As is often the case, the full truth lies on neither side, but somewhere in the middle.
I’ve always struggled with the division and debate that exists between the various factions of the church that lean towards one pole or the other. How do we so easily use texts that reside but a few pages apart against one another? It seems to me that both are of equal importance. As is often the case, the full truth lies on neither side, but somewhere in the middle. In order to truly care for the needs of those in the world around us, we must include the reality of their spiritual and eternal state. And, if we are to truly believe in and obey Jesus, we must care for the physical needs of those around us. It is necessary for us to care for both the physical and the spiritual needs of people, not just one or the other.
The seminary from which I graduated has a motto that I have found to be profoundly helpful as I seek to serve Jesus and the world He came to save. It states, “The Whole Gospel for the Whole World through Whole Persons.” This is the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a hope that is meant for both now and later. It is a hope that seeks God’s kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven, but to also help people on earth find their way to Heaven when they leave this earth.
May we not be drawn to one side or the other, and instead seek to preach the whole gospel to the whole world as wholly obedient followers of Jesus. Truly, Matthew 25 and 28 are two sides of the same coin. People have deep needs both now and for eternity. And, through His life and work, Jesus provided a roadmap to provide for both.
I have read it but it’s the understanding of it that baffles me. It’s not that it baffles me it’s that sometimes I feel like I’m doing things for the right reasons but then I looked down and see a ankle monitor and I fell like that’s what others see when they see me. Truth be told I have probably listen to the devil a little to much in my internal struggles. However I do want people to see me for me and I know that at First Baptist they do see me for me and that’s why I continue to have faith that I will continue to receive your prayers. Hopefully I will be back in your congregation. My goal is to be a leader in the recovery community someone that other addicts can look up to and see that we do recover and we can make a difference.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Paul. I did a study several years ago and discovered something interesting. We have a bad habit of assuming our negative thoughts live in other people’s minds. I call it “The Eeyore Effect.” We create distance from others, not because they think poorly of us, but because we think poorly of ourselves. I can assure you that we love you and are so proud of the work you’ve done to become who Jesus wants you to be and to make a difference in the lives of others. It’s why we want you in a leadership position here at the church. I hope you’ll come back and let us be a part of your journey. We’re not concerned about the jewelry on your ankle. We’re too caught up in the joy on your face and the inspiration of your service. – Dr. J
Dr. J I re assure you that I do plan on returning soon and I want you to know that the words you spoke got me. You warm my heart and sooth my soul. Thank you for your kind words and support and know that I have not abandoned the church or your teachings.