What if you had a mirror that didn’t just reflect your outward appearance, but could also reveal your inner self? The mirror would show how you interact with other people around you, particularly the least noticed and least cared for among us. This is like what Jesus does in Matthew 25:31–46, as He communicates a profound truth about recognizing His presence in those we meet as we go about our everyday lives.

Here, in the parable of the Sheep and the Goats (vv. 31–40), Jesus surveys all the people from all nations, separating them into two groups: sheep and goats (v. 31). One is given “eternal punishment” the other “eternal life” (v. 46). Jesus uses a unique method to tell one group from the other; and He identified with “the least of these”—the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the prisoner (vv. 35–39). When we act in love to them, we encounter the living Lord Himself. By neglecting them, we turn our backs on Jesus and risk incurring future punishment.

Jesus calls us to be people of compassion. God’s presence is not only found in expected places, for example where we regularly meet to worship with other believers, but also through our humble acts of kindness toward others. We are to cultivate a heart of compassion toward “the least of these” (v. 40) because when we do reach out to those in need around us, we are doing it as if the recipient was Jesus Himself. The words of Jesus are both sobering and enlightening: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (v. 40). Jesus’ presence, then, is intricately intertwined with our actions and interactions with others, especially those on society’s margins.

What if you had a mirror that didn’t just reflect your outward appearance, but could also reveal your inner self? The mirror would show how you interact with other people around you, particularly the least noticed and least cared for among us. This is like what Jesus does in Matthew 25:31–46, as He communicates a profound truth about recognizing His presence in those we meet as we go about our everyday lives.
Here, in the parable of the Sheep and the Goats (vv. 31–40), Jesus surveys all the people from all nations, separating them into two groups: sheep and goats (v. 31). One is given “eternal punishment” the other “eternal life” (v. 46). Jesus uses a unique method to tell one group from the other; and He identified with “the least of these”—the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the prisoner (vv. 35–39). When we act in love to them, we encounter the living Lord Himself. By neglecting them, we turn our backs on Jesus and risk incurring future punishment.
Jesus calls us to be people of compassion. God’s presence is not only found in expected places, for example where we regularly meet to worship with other believers, but also through our humble acts of kindness toward others. We are to cultivate a heart of compassion toward “the least of these” (v. 40) because when we do reach out to those in need around us, we are doing it as if the recipient was Jesus Himself. The words of Jesus are both sobering and enlightening: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (v. 40). Jesus’ presence, then, is intricately intertwined with our actions and interactions with others, especially those on society’s margins.

Today in the Word is a daily audio devotional available via podcast. Today in the Word features solid biblical content and study that models the mission and values of Moody Bible Institute.

Today in the Word Devotional

God’s Presence in Serving Others

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/7f7faea8-a0c6-4bbb-9d06-b17f00000dc6/transcript

We have all seen grisly scenes on the news, whether it be the aftermath of natural disaster or the savage effects of war. It is even more impactful when you witness a tragic event with your own eyes, such as a horrific car crash. In either case a rush of empathy, compassion, and a sense of deep, sorrowful connection overwhelms you.

Imagine the profound reaction of those present at the crucifixion of Jesus. Witnessing this event no doubt shook onlookers to the core, leaving them both numb and awestruck. Matthew records one such reaction of the Roman centurion. In the face of Jesus’ death, the man was struck by God’s presence, leading him and others present to declare, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (v. 54).

At the cross, God’s presence was both obscured and powerfully revealed. It was obscured in the darkness and in Jesus’ cry of abandonment. Verse 45 says that “darkness came over all the land.” At the same time, it was revealed in the earth-shaking events that followed Jesus’ last breath when “the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split, and the tombs broke open” (v. 51). It was also seen in the transformative impact of Jesus’ death on those who witnessed it (v. 54).

The crucifixion narrative in Matthew 27:45–55 isn’t easy to process, but it bears a potent truth about God’s presence. God is there even during the deepest darkness and the most excruciating pain. As we contemplate the cross today and the powerful events surrounding Jesus’ death, let us be awestruck by God’s profound love and presence. May this reverence move us to declare, like the centurion did, our faith in God.

We have all seen grisly scenes on the news, whether it be the aftermath of natural disaster or the savage effects of war. It is even more impactful when you witness a tragic event with your own eyes, such as a horrific car crash. In either case a rush of empathy, compassion, and a sense of deep, sorrowful connection overwhelms you.
Imagine the profound reaction of those present at the crucifixion of Jesus. Witnessing this event no doubt shook onlookers to the core, leaving them both numb and awestruck. Matthew records one such reaction of the Roman centurion. In the face of Jesus’ death, the man was struck by God’s presence, leading him and others present to declare, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (v. 54).
At the cross, God’s presence was both obscured and powerfully revealed. It was obscured in the darkness and in Jesus’ cry of abandonment. Verse 45 says that “darkness came over all the land.” At the same time, it was revealed in the earth-shaking events that followed Jesus’ last breath when “the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split, and the tombs broke open” (v. 51). It was also seen in the transformative impact of Jesus’ death on those who witnessed it (v. 54).
The crucifixion narrative in Matthew 27:45–55 isn’t easy to process, but it bears a potent truth about God’s presence. God is there even during the deepest darkness and the most excruciating pain. As we contemplate the cross today and the powerful events surrounding Jesus’ death, let us be awestruck by God’s profound love and presence. May this reverence move us to declare, like the centurion did, our faith in God.

God’s Presence at the Cross

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/cfac88ba-414c-4fe3-86a1-b17f00000e96/transcript

Farewell dinners are bittersweet occasions in that they are usually a joyful celebration and reflection of the years spent together with the one leaving, but they are also emotionally challenging in that the one being honored is going away and those that remain will not be able to enjoy this person’s personal physical presence once they depart.

In our passage Jesus has such a farewell dinner. What is usually called the “Last Supper” was part of a Passover celebration (v. 17). During the meal Jesus breaks the bread (v. 26), representing His body which was to be sacrificed on the cross, and pours out a cup of wine (v. 27), symbolizing His blood to be shed. He then shares these elements with His disciples, inviting them to partake in this ritual meal as object lessons of His sacrifice, His love, His presence. The whole meal provided a remembrance of His presence among them, but at this point Jesus states that He will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until they are all physically reunited again in the Father’s kingdom (v. 29).

When we participate in communion, not only is the Lord the original host of this ordinance, but He also directs our attention to a future time of observance when we will all be together with Him and He will once again partake of the fruit of the vine in celebration of our physical unification with Him in the “Father’s kingdom” (v. 29).

The Last Supper serves as a powerful symbol of God’s love and presence. Jesus, on the eve of His crucifixion, chooses to dine with His disciples, sharing with them not only the Passover meal but ultimately Himself. In His words and actions, He reveals God’s intimate, sacrificial love for humanity and the reality of the Lord’s presence in our midst.

Farewell dinners are bittersweet occasions in that they are usually a joyful celebration and reflection of the years spent together with the one leaving, but they are also emotionally challenging in that the one being honored is going away and those that remain will not be able to enjoy this person’s personal physical presence once they depart.
In our passage Jesus has such a farewell dinner. What is usually called the “Last Supper” was part of a Passover celebration (v. 17). During the meal Jesus breaks the bread (v. 26), representing His body which was to be sacrificed on the cross, and pours out a cup of wine (v. 27), symbolizing His blood to be shed. He then shares these elements with His disciples, inviting them to partake in this ritual meal as object lessons of His sacrifice, His love, His presence. The whole meal provided a remembrance of His presence among them, but at this point Jesus states that He will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until they are all physically reunited again in the Father’s kingdom (v. 29).
When we participate in communion, not only is the Lord the original host of this ordinance, but He also directs our attention to a future time of observance when we will all be together with Him and He will once again partake of the fruit of the vine in celebration of our physical unification with Him in the “Father’s kingdom” (v. 29).
The Last Supper serves as a powerful symbol of God’s love and presence. Jesus, on the eve of His crucifixion, chooses to dine with His disciples, sharing with them not only the Passover meal but ultimately Himself. In His words and actions, He reveals God’s intimate, sacrificial love for humanity and the reality of the Lord’s presence in our midst.

Sharing His Presence

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/616d1967-2dfa-4bb2-9a44-b17f00000e23/transcript

Every military family knows how it feels to wait for the return of their active-duty loved one. They don’t know the exact day or hour when their family member will return, so they stay prepared, eager, and watchful. The family’s anticipation for their loved one’s homecoming mirrors our watchfulness for Christ’s return.

In Matthew 24:42–51, Jesus calls us to a state of constant watchfulness in the light of His coming physical presence. Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared. Like a homeowner who doesn’t know when a thief might strike, we must stay alert (v. 43). We are encouraged to keep our spiritual house in order and stay alert for the signs of His coming.

In addition, the parable of the two servants urges us to use our God- given gifts wisely and responsibly (vv. 45–51). The faithful and wise servant, who is ready when his master returns, is contrasted with the wicked servant, who lets his guard down. Jesus states that the master “will come on a day when he does not expect him” (v. 50).

The Lord’s presence is not just a comforting past experience or simply a future hope. Rather, it’s an everyday reality that calls us to a higher standard of living in the present. In the busyness of our lives, we may be tempted to become like the unwise servant, complacent, and negligent of our duties. But the Lord calls us to live differently—to stay awake, keep watch, and act responsibly.

Living with anticipation transforms us. It turns our waiting into watchfulness, our complacency into alertness, and our responsibilities into acts of faithfulness, not rituals. Ask yourself today how eagerly you are looking for the return of Jesus. Seek tangible ways that the Lord’s presence can empower you to stay awake, live wisely, and remain faithful.

Every military family knows how it feels to wait for the return of their active-duty loved one. They don’t know the exact day or hour when their family member will return, so they stay prepared, eager, and watchful. The family’s anticipation for their loved one’s homecoming mirrors our watchfulness for Christ’s return.
In Matthew 24:42–51, Jesus calls us to a state of constant watchfulness in the light of His coming physical presence. Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of being prepared. Like a homeowner who doesn’t know when a thief might strike, we must stay alert (v. 43). We are encouraged to keep our spiritual house in order and stay alert for the signs of His coming.
In addition, the parable of the two servants urges us to use our God- given gifts wisely and responsibly (vv. 45–51). The faithful and wise servant, who is ready when his master returns, is contrasted with the wicked servant, who lets his guard down. Jesus states that the master “will come on a day when he does not expect him” (v. 50).
The Lord’s presence is not just a comforting past experience or simply a future hope. Rather, it’s an everyday reality that calls us to a higher standard of living in the present. In the busyness of our lives, we may be tempted to become like the unwise servant, complacent, and negligent of our duties. But the Lord calls us to live differently—to stay awake, keep watch, and act responsibly.
Living with anticipation transforms us. It turns our waiting into watchfulness, our complacency into alertness, and our responsibilities into acts of faithfulness, not rituals. Ask yourself today how eagerly you are looking for the return of Jesus. Seek tangible ways that the Lord’s presence can empower you to stay awake, live wisely, and remain faithful.

God’s Presence in Watchfulness

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/a8cdbf10-d816-4c77-9e79-aa1c012547e1/clips/4280b8c7-1f6d-4a89-a3af-b17f00000d25/transcript

God’s Presence in Serving Others

Today in the Word Devotional

Social links

Recent clips