"Answering the Call: Living as the Hands and Feet of Christ"
Compassion, service, and living out God's love through action.
Key Scripture: Matthew 25:35-40
Introduction
Good morning Church! Today, we’re going to talk about something that is central to our faith and mission as believers: compassion in action. At Jehovah Saints, we believe that we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving others and spreading God’s love in tangible ways.
Our theme verse for today is found in Matthew 25:35-40, where Jesus says:"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."
This powerful passage reminds us that our faith is not just about what we believe but about how we live and serve others. Let’s dive into God’s Word to understand what it means to live a life of compassion and service.
1. God’s Heart for the Needy
Scripture Reference:
Psalm 82:3-4: "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."
Proverbs 19:17: "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done."
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God’s heart for the poor, the broken, and the oppressed is clear. He calls His people to act as His representatives, bringing justice, mercy, and provision to those in need.
Application: As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God’s heart. This means stepping out of our comfort zones to care for the homeless, the hungry, and the hurting. Jehovah Saints exists to answer this call, but it’s not just an organizational mission—it’s a personal mission for each of us.
2. Jesus’ Example of Compassion
Scripture Reference:
Mark 6:34: "When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things."
Matthew 14:14: "When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick."
Jesus didn’t just preach about compassion—He lived it. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and ministered to the outcasts of society. His life was a demonstration of what it means to love others selflessly.
Illustration:Think about the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:1-14). Jesus saw the crowd’s physical hunger and provided for them. But He didn’t stop there—He also fed their spiritual hunger by teaching them about the Kingdom of God. In the same way, we are called to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of those around us.
Challenge:Who in your life needs to experience the love of Christ through your actions? It could be a neighbor, a coworker, or someone you pass on the street. Let’s follow Jesus’ example and show compassion wherever we go.
3. Faith Without Works is Dead
Scripture Reference:
James 2:14-17: "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
James reminds us that our faith must be active. It’s not enough to say we believe in God—we must show our faith through our actions. True faith produces fruit, and one of the clearest fruits of faith is compassion for others.
Illustration:Imagine seeing someone stranded on the side of the road. Would you simply say, “I hope someone helps them,” or would you stop and offer assistance? Faith without works is like a tree without fruit—it serves no purpose.
Application:As members of Jehovah Saints, we have an incredible opportunity to live out our faith through our outreach programs, homeless shelters, and community initiatives. But this isn’t just a collective mission—it’s a personal one. Each of us is called to be the hands and feet of Christ in our daily lives.
4. Serving Others is Serving Christ
Scripture Reference:
Matthew 25:40: "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"
Galatians 6:9-10: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
When we serve others, we are serving Jesus Himself. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, is an act of worship. Whether it’s providing a meal, offering a listening ear, or praying for someone in need, we are honoring God through our service.
Illustration:Think about a parent who receives a gift for their child. The parent’s heart is filled with joy because the child they love has been cared for. In the same way, when we care for God’s children, we bring joy to His heart.
Challenge:How can you serve Christ this week by serving others? It could be volunteering at a shelter, donating to a cause, or simply showing kindness to someone in need.
5. The Eternal Impact of Compassion
Scripture Reference:
1 John 3:17-18: "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
Hebrews 13:16: "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Our acts of compassion don’t just make a difference in this life—they have eternal significance. When we serve others, we are storing up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).
Illustration:Think about the ripple effect of a single act of kindness. When you help someone in need, you’re not just meeting their immediate needs—you’re planting seeds of hope, faith, and transformation that can impact generations.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As we close, let’s reflect on the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40:"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
Compassion is not optional for believers—it’s a command. It’s how we reflect God’s heart, follow Jesus’ example, and live out our faith.
Challenge: This week, I encourage you to take a step of faith and show compassion in a tangible way. Volunteer your time, donate to a cause, or simply be a listening ear to someone in need.
At Jehovah Saints, we are committed to answering this call. Through our homeless shelters, outreach programs, and community initiatives, we are working to bring hope and healing to those in need. But we can’t do it alone—we need your prayers, your hands, and your hearts.
6. The Need for Donations to Build Homeless Shelters Across the USA
Scripture Reference:
Proverbs 3:27: "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act."
2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Church, as we reflect on God’s call to serve the least among us, we must recognize the pressing need to expand our outreach. Homelessness is a growing crisis in our nation. Every night, tens of thousands of men, women, and children sleep on the streets, in their cars, or in unsafe conditions, with no place to call home.
At Jehovah Saints, we believe God is calling us to be part of the solution. Our vision is to build homeless shelters throughout the United States—places where people can find safety, warmth, and hope. These shelters will not only provide food and a bed but also offer counseling, job training, and spiritual guidance to help individuals rebuild their lives.
Why Your Support Matters
Building and maintaining shelters is a monumental task, and we cannot do it without your help.
The Need: It costs thousands of dollars to construct, furnish, and sustain a shelter that meets the needs of the homeless.
The Impact: Every dollar you give will go toward creating a safe haven for those who are struggling, offering them a chance to experience God’s love in a tangible way.
The Vision: With your support, we can establish shelters in cities across the country, bringing hope to communities that desperately need it.
Scripture Reminder:In 1 John 3:17, we are reminded:"If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?"This verse challenges us to respond to the needs around us with generosity and love.
How You Can Help
Pray: First and foremost, we ask for your prayers. Pray for the homeless, for our mission, and for the resources to carry out this work.
Give: Your financial contributions are vital. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring donation, every contribution helps us move closer to our goal.
Spread the Word: Share our vision with your family, friends, and community. Together, we can inspire others to join this mission.
Ways to Donate:
Online: Visit https://www.jehovahsaint.com/give-now to make a secure donation.
By Mail: Send your check to
Jehovah Saints Global Outreach
ATTN: Johnathan Hopkins
205 W Business US Hwy 60 PMB 303
Dexter, MO 63841
Phone: +1(573) 891-1933 USA
508(c)(1)(A) Non-Profit | All Donations are Tax Deductable.
A Call to Generosity
Scripture Reference:
Luke 6:38: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
When we give, we are not just blessing others—we are participating in God’s work and storing up treasures in heaven. Imagine the lives that will be changed because of your generosity. Imagine the families reunited, the individuals given a second chance, and the countless souls who will come to know Christ because you chose to give.
Conclusion: Together, We Can Make a Difference
Church, the need is great, but our God is greater. Through your prayers, your time, and your financial support, we can build shelters across this nation that will serve as beacons of hope for the homeless.
Let’s remember the words of Hebrews 13:16:"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
Today, I challenge each of us to step out in faith. Let’s give generously, trusting that God will multiply our efforts and use them to transform lives for His glory. Together, we can answer His call to be the hands and feet of Christ, providing shelter, hope, and love to those in need.
Prayer:Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing us with the resources to make a difference in the lives of others. Stir our hearts to give generously, knowing that every gift is an act of worship and obedience to You. Use our efforts to build shelters that will be places of healing, restoration, and salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Call to Action: If you feel led to give, visit our donation table after service or go online to https://www.jehovahsaint.com/give-now. Let’s work together to build a future where no one has to sleep on the streets. Thank you for being part of this mission!
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