In a world that constantly pushes self-preservation and personal gain, it is easy to become consumed with our own needs and desires. However, the Bible teaches a different path—one that calls us to forsake ourselves and serve others, trusting that God has already provided for the righteous.
Jesus’ Example of Selflessness
In Matthew 25:35-40 (KJV), Jesus makes it clear that serving others is serving Him:
"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Jesus teaches us that serving the least among us is equivalent to serving Him. When we clothe the poor, feed the hungry, and visit the sick and imprisoned, we are doing the work of Christ. It is a call to action—one that urges us to look beyond our own needs and extend a helping hand to those who are suffering.
The Disciples’ Failure to Watch and Pray
In another moment of deep significance, Jesus, in His greatest hour of need, asked His disciples to watch and pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Instead of standing with their Lord, they fell asleep. Three times He returned to find them in slumber rather than in prayer.
This moment teaches a powerful lesson: even those closest to Christ can fail to be present for others when they become too focused on their own physical limitations. Instead of seeking their own comfort, they should have been awake, interceding, and strengthening their Master in His need.
How often do we, like the disciples, become too caught up in our own struggles that we neglect the needs of others? How often do we rest when we should be serving? Jesus was not asking them to stay awake for His sake alone, but for their own spiritual growth. They had an opportunity to serve Christ, but they let exhaustion take over.
Forsaking Yourself for the Kingdom
Jesus assures us that those who put the Kingdom first will never lack what they need. In Matthew 6:33 (KJV), He reminds us:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
We do not need to obsess over our own provision, for God is already taking care of the righteous. Our job is to be His hands and feet on this earth—feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and comforting the weary. When we do these things, we align ourselves with God’s will, and He ensures that our needs are met.
The Joy of Giving
The world tells us that fulfillment comes from accumulating wealth, securing personal success, and looking out for ourselves first. But Scripture teaches the opposite. True joy comes from giving, from laying aside self-interest, and from trusting God to handle the rest.
As Proverbs 11:25 (KJV) says:
"The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself."
When we give freely, we receive abundantly—not necessarily in material wealth, but in spiritual blessings, in joy, and in a peace that surpasses understanding.
A Call to Action
Let us not be like the disciples who fell asleep when Jesus needed them most. Let us be awake, vigilant, and ready to serve. There is always someone in need, always an opportunity to show the love of Christ to a stranger. As we do so, we can rest in the promise that God has already made provision for our needs.
So today, step out in faith. Give without fear. Serve without hesitation. And trust that in forsaking yourself, you are gaining the richest treasure of all—a life that reflects Christ’s love and an eternal reward in His Kingdom.
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