10: Formational Service
"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."
(Matthew 25:35-36 NIV)
Date: 50-60 AD
Writer: Apostle Matthew
The Context
The book of Matthew was written to a largely Jewish community with issues of "identity and lifestyle." As the book makes references to Rome's destruction of Israel, it was probably written after 70 CE (when the temple was destroyed.) Thus, it is a hostile environment. On one hand, this "new" community of Jewish Christians has distanced themselves from Jewish leadership (the Pharisees). On the other hand, they are now dominated by Roman power. And, with the temple destroyed, there are questions of God's faithfulness. Matthew writes to emphasize Jesus' Jewish heritage, affirm that he is an even greater teacher than Moses, and declare that He is King, and worthy of worship.
The Book
Matthew exemplifies a connective tissue between the Old Testament and New, and begins with 42 generations of genealogy that connect the blood of Jesus back to Abraham. The story arc focuses on the coming of the Messiah, Jesus's mission and ministry, death and resurrection. The book also narrates the conception story, the wise men, calling of key disciples, death/burial/resurrection, and is the only gospel to detail some of Jesus' miracles. The core purpose of the writing is to prove that Jesus is the Messiah, and Emmanuel, "God with us."
The Text
Chapter 25 begins with the "Parable of the Virgins" and the "Parable of the Talents." The talents represent "the different responsibilities entrusted to Christ's followers: the resources, gifts, aptitudes, relationships, and circumstances." We are called to put all of the above to good use in the Kingdom.
Those who do so faithfully will "be commended and rewarded abundantly at Christ's return." Those who fail "will share the fate of the kingdom's opponents." For Matthew, those who do not care about others in need are not friends of God.
The Relevance
It is interesting to note that few people at that time recognized Jesus as the Messiah because he arrived as a baby. Thus, it's possible that we may not recognize Him when He is standing in front of us as someone who needs help. Thus, this text is a guiding light within the formational journey because it reminds us to adopt and maintain a heartfelt posture of service. Salvation is for everyone, and likewise is kindness. Matthew's story of Jesus emphasizes the "abiding presence of God". May we be an abiding presence for others with our service.
The Witness
I have always had a heart for the unhoused community. Growing up in Chicago, people used to come up to me all the time. Oftentimes, they didn't ask for anything - they just wanted someone to talk to, and I guess they could tell that I was kind. If I had something to share, I would. It wasn't uncommon for me to go get some food and return, even if they did not ask. Even now, my daughter has seen me hop out of our car many times to offer assistance. Once, while we were on a street with a bit of traffic, she even got out herself!
Service took on a significant role in my life while I was in seminary. All students had to serve for two years, and if not serving in a church, had to serve elsewhere. At the beginning of my second year I shifted from the MDiv program to the Spiritual Formation program, where I immediately found my calling and purpose. I then decided to work with The Night Ministry, a "Chicago-based organization whose mission is to provide human connection, housing support, and health care to members of our community who are unhoused or experiencing poverty." (thenight ministry.org) Every night, staff and volunteers head out on one of those oversized buses that have medical and kitchen space. We would visit three neighborhoods per night, over a course of about 4-5 hours, offering clothing, food, coffee, medical services and hospitality. One of our favorite friends would always ask for a "mocha" - a blend of hot chocolate and coffee.
Within the formational process, once you are overflowing with God's love, it starts to pour out into other areas of your life and into the lives of those around you. There is an overflow of love. Thus, being of service, and wanting to be of service to God's people, is a natural extension of the formational journey. Our world needs more service.
Resources
Attridge, The HarperCollins Study Bible
Gaventa, The New Interpreter's Bible One Volume Commentary
Harrelson, The New Interpreter's Study Bible
Powell, The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary