Impact: Matthew 25:40 + Galatians 6:2

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The Bible teaches about a beautiful surprise that takes place in heaven. Jesus told the story:

       Then the King [that’s Jesus] will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”

       Then the righteous will answer him, saying, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?”

       And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:34–40 ESV)

In Jesus’ story about heaven, we note two things about his own merciful and gracious character toward us:

1)   He is so merciful that the negative experiences we undergo are personally felt by him. He is
truly touched by the struggles of “the least of his brothers,” the lowliest person.

2)   He so identifies with those undergoing negative experiences that he is thankful for those who give aid. Not just proud of them, but thankful.

In reflection, another verse comes to mind: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 ESV).

So if you believe in Jesus rather than in yourself, that he brings merciful forgiveness to you by faith alone in his death on the cross for you, there might be a time in heaven when Jesus approaches you and says, “I’m excited to welcome you to the kingdom, [your name]! There was that one time when I was lost in the crowd, suffering, lonely, aching with sorrowful thoughts, and you came up and put your arm around me and checked in on my problems week after week, day after day. You didn’t leave my side. You stuck closer than a brother to me.” You’ll say, “When…when was that?” And he’ll reply, “When you bore the burdens of ___, you bore mine.”

Such an act won’t save you; only Christ can. But Christ’s mercy on you changes you to show his mercy to others. Your true, Christ-like friendship to the hurting makes an impact, eternally, in heaven, on Jesus himself.