Loving the Lonely: What Jesus Says About Helping Others

Hey, carpool crew, whether you're zooming to school, enjoying breakfast, or diving into some homework, I am Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here today. We're exploring something Jesus deeply cared about, being a friend to people who feel left out or lonely. Here's the one thing for the ride I want you to remember. When you care for someone who feels alone, you are showing love to Jesus himself. Well, you might think, well, how does that work? I'm gonna explain it by taking a look at the Bible in the book of Matthew, which is in the New Testament, the very first book of the New Testament actually, Matthew 25, verses 35 to 40. Jesus said, 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. Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Wow. Did you hear that? Jesus says that whenever we help someone who feels left out, lonely, hurt, it's like we are helping him directly. Did you know in Jesus's time, travelers often walked long distances and sometimes they didn't have anywhere safe to stay? Helping strangers by giving them food, water, or shelter was a huge way to show kindness. It wasn't just nice, it could save their lives. Jesus used this example because everyone back then knew how important it was to look out for others. Even today, we can help others in simple but powerful ways. Imagine this. You walk into the lunchroom and you see someone new sitting all alone. Everyone else seems to have friends except this one kid. If Jesus was sitting right next to you right now, he might say something like, it doesn't have to be something big. You don't have to invite someone into your house or give them your food in order to love them the way I would. Sometimes you just have to be willing to open a door, help carry something if it looks like they're struggling, or just give a kind word or encouragement when you think they need it. When you love others, you are loving him. You're showing exactly the things that Jesus stands for, the things that he brought into the world. You're putting those into actions when you take action to love others, serve others any way you can. Look for opportunities today. Look for the person sitting alone. Look for the kid on the side at recess who's not participating. Find ways to help them be part of the action the exact same way you would if Jesus were standing there. Remember, no matter where you are, no matter how you're listening, God loves you. Hey parents, if you love this podcast, text it over to a friend so they can take part in making everyday moments faith-filled moments. Before you go answer this question together. Who's someone that you can show friendship to today? I'll see you tomorrow on carpooling with Jesus.