Welcoming the Stranger Matthew 25:31-46 p. 916

One City Decision of the Vancouver Consultation in Nov 2016 Trinity Sunday – Full revelation of the person of God 2012 Vancouver Foundation study: People feel alone, disconnected, friendless.

1. Welcoming the Stranger A part of Scripture that is a bit uncomfortable. Ch 24: end-times judgment … no-one knows the hour We have to be eternally prepared for it Ch 25: Three parables Parable of the Ten Virgins – Be Prepared Parable of the Talents – Put your gifts to work Today’s Parable – Sheep inherit kingdom; Goats to the fire

1. Welcoming the Stranger . . . Tells us what it looks like to be Christian: Feeding the hungry Giving drink to the thirsty Welcoming the stranger Clothing the destitute Caring for the sick Visiting the prisoner The list of examples is not comprehensive

1. Welcoming the Stranger . . . Loving you neighbour (Luke 10:25-37) Being readily compassionate to those in need. Wealth can hide a multitude of needs: Loneliness, anxiety, poor self-esteem, insecurity, … Jesus exhorts us to be agents of compassion

2. With an Open Heart Something startling in the reaction of the two groups Both react in exactly the same way … The elephant in the room – This parable seems to suggest salvation based on works J.C. Ryle – Judgment based on evidence: our works “The question to be ascertained will not merely be what we said, but what we did,—not merely what we professed but what we practised.”

2. With an Open Heart . . . J.C. Ryle – Judgment based on evidence: our works “The question to be ascertained will not merely be what we said, but what we did,—not merely what we professed but what we practised.” “We are justified by faith … But the truth of our faith will be tested by our lives.” James 2:17 “faith without works is dead” Paul: “Our deeds will be tested by fire” (1 Cor. 3:13)

2. With an Open Heart . . . Visit to the Grade 11 religion classes Is the devil a Christian? (James 2:19) In Scripture faith is always tied to a life response. Paul talks of the “obedience of faith” (Rom 1:5) We are saved by faith – our works are the evidence.

2. With an Open Heart . . . The sheep and goats responded the same way … They ask the same question: “When, Lord …” They have no idea that they were / were not doing it. Their hearts had been transformed.

3. Because Jesus Transforms Us Have to pay close attention to the context Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph (Ch 21) A collection of Jesus’ teaching in his last week of life Contrasts those embracing salvation & the hard of heart Those listening & responding given a kingdom Those not listening having it taken away (Matt 21:31-32)

Living It Convinced: it is not an activity – it is an orientation A time of distraction, exhaustion, self-centredness. Cannot make “welcoming the stranger” another activity Not a “to do” list

Living It . . . A different way of life: Intentional – being prepared, focussed, empowered, … Both groups were surprised at Jesus’ judgment: “When, Lord, …” Taking this on with a heavy heart misses the point. Real obedience: living fully in tune with God.

Living It . . . Some of us feel like “strangers”, “hungry”, “thirsty” Jesus’ new community: care for even the least. When we do it to others, we are doing it to him. It is an outcome of a totally God-aligned life.