Matthew 25:31-46 is a glimpse into final judgment. Rich paraphrases it this way: “Let me take some liberties and paraphrase these verses for today’s reader: ‘For I was hungry, while you had all you needed. I was thirsty, but you drank bottled water. I was a stranger, and you wanted me deported. I needed clothes, but you needed more clothes. I was sick, and you pointed out the behaviors
that led to my sickness. I was in prison, and you said I was getting what I deserved." This is not an easy passage to read, but any "authentic and genuine commitment to Christ will be accompanied by demonstrable evidence of a transformed life." (p. 59)
What do you think of this? Who are the sheep and the goats? How does this make you feel and/or respond?
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The translation "you wanted me deported" strains the text somewhat. No doubt our first reaction should always be to invite the stranger in and meet those physical needs of food and shelter.This should be our first reaction and should be offered unconditionally. However, whether a person is rightfully in a particular country or not is another more complicated legal question and quite beyond the scope of the text. I agree that our first reaction should not be to remove someone far from us or send them away.
ReplyDeleteIt's clearly a stretch textually and there is no question that we are bound to civil laws (that don't violate God's law)so the legal question IS complicated and not intended in the original text. I like the paraphrase though because it makes me think. It makes the passage more personal. Excepting the issue of illegal immigration, I can put my own desires ahead of other's needs.
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