Opening Your Bible
Loading study tools and insights...
LOADING
Loading study tools and insights...
Loading study tools and insights...
Matthew 25:37 (BSB)
Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink?
THE HOLY BIBLE
ListenListen · Chapter audio
Hear this chapter read aloud — the verse you’re on highlights as the reading moves forward.
Chapter read aloud · verse highlights follow along
Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink?” — Matthew 25:37
Imagine a moment when you truly connect with someone in need. You see their hunger, their thirst, and you step in to help. In this verse, people are confused, almost surprised, asking the Lord when they ever saw Him in such a vulnerable state. It’s like they’re realizing that the small acts of kindness they did for others were actually significant. It’s a beautiful reminder that every little thing counts, and it transforms the way we see helping others. You can feel the sincerity in their voices—it's a moment of genuine love and service.
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples who witnessed all of this firsthand. Matthew had a unique perspective because he was a tax collector, someone often shunned by society. His experiences shaped how he understood grace and compassion. By including this detail, he’s reminding us that even the smallest acts of kindness can have huge implications in the eyes of God. It’s like he’s saying, 'I know what it’s like to be on the outside; let’s change that together!'
Matthew wrote this during a time when the Jewish people were under Roman rule, and there was a lot of social inequality. People were struggling, and many were marginalized. This situation makes the message even more powerful—helping those in need was not just a nice idea; it was a radical call to action. It’s a reminder that in times of hardship, we must look out for one another, and that’s exactly what Jesus is emphasizing here.
This verse is a wake-up call for you today. It challenges you to see the faces behind the needs around you. When you help someone—whether it’s a friend who’s down, a stranger in need, or even a community project—you’re not just doing a good deed; you’re connecting with something greater. It matters because it shows that your actions have meaning and purpose. It’s about recognizing that in serving others, you’re also serving something divine. This principle can guide your everyday decisions and interactions.
This week, look for small opportunities to help someone. It could be as simple as sharing a meal with someone who’s hungry or offering a drink to someone who’s thirsty. Maybe it’s volunteering at a local shelter or just checking in on a neighbor. The key is to approach these actions with a heart full of love and compassion. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; even the little things can make a big difference in someone’s life.
This moment doesn’t just pop up randomly; it’s the climax of a powerful teaching. In the surrounding verses, Jesus is talking about the final judgment, painting a picture of how our actions reflect our hearts. Before this, He’s been explaining how our choices matter, especially how we treat others. This verse highlights that serving those in need—like feeding the hungry or giving a drink to the thirsty—is directly tied to how we interact with Him. It’s a game-changer in the narrative, showing that love in action is what really matters in the end.
When you think about helping others, what stops you from acting sometimes? How can you overcome that feeling this week?
Keep reading the full Matthew 25:37 study — free
Sign Up or Login Free