Episode 938
Exploring Justice Through the Lens of Matthew 25: A Call to Action
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.
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Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)
The episode presents a compelling examination of Matthew 25:31-46, which serves as a scriptural foundation for understanding divine justice through the lens of social responsibility. Dr. Brad Miller articulates a vision of judgment that starkly contrasts the actions of those who embody compassion with those who neglect the marginalized. Central to this discussion is the revolutionary idea that the divine presence resides in the most vulnerable members of society, thereby challenging conventional notions of piety and religious observance. Through this scripture, we are confronted with the imperative that our faith must translate into action, particularly in how we treat those whom society often overlooks or actively oppresses.
In this discourse, Dr. Miller emphasizes that the criteria for divine judgment are not rooted in orthodoxy or ritualistic practices, but rather in the tangible expressions of love and care we extend towards others. The sheep, representing the righteous, are acknowledged for their unrecognized acts of kindness, leading to profound questions about the nature of recognition and the authenticity of charitable acts. Conversely, the goats, representing the unrighteous, face condemnation not for their overt malfeasance but for their passive adherence to systems that perpetuate injustice. This distinction invites a critical reflection on our complicity in societal structures that sustain hunger, homelessness, and systemic inequities.
The episode further explores the theme of solidarity, urging listeners to reconsider their approach to social justice. Dr. Miller advocates for a model of engagement that transcends traditional charity, suggesting that true partnership with marginalized communities requires an acknowledgment of shared humanity. He introduces practical applications such as 'solidarity mapping' to encourage proactive support for organizations led by those affected by social injustices. This multifaceted approach not only serves to deepen our understanding of biblical teachings but also compels us to reflect on our roles as agents of change within our communities. Ultimately, the episode serves as a profound reminder that our faith must be active and engaged, manifesting in authentic relationships with the marginalized and a commitment to justice.
Takeaways:
- The podcast elucidates Jesus's radical vision of divine presence among marginalized individuals, challenging societal norms.
- We learn that judgment is not based on beliefs, but rather on our treatment of vulnerable members of society.
- The discourse emphasizes the importance of recognizing systemic sin and our collective responsibility to combat neglect.
- Listeners are encouraged to engage in solidarity mapping, supporting groups led by those directly affected by injustice.
- The episode invites reflection on how our understanding of charity can evolve into a partnership with marginalized communities.
- Lastly, the podcast underscores the transformative power of aligning our actions with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 25.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Voice of God Daily
Transcript
From a progressive perspective, we make the study of the Bible understandable in as much as we use the Message version of the Bible, relatable in as much as we have some points to ponder and applicable as we give you an action step to follow.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by Voice of God Daily that is the home of the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible study method.
Speaker A:We use the daily reading from the Revised Common Lectionary.
Speaker A: lion ears a million people by: Speaker A: ding for the day from Matthew: Speaker A:Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right hand and goats to his left.
Speaker A:Then the king will say to those on his right, enter you who are blessed by My Father.
Speaker A:Take what's coming to you in this kingdom.
Speaker A:It's been ready for you since the world's foundation and here's why.
Speaker A:I was hungry and you fed me.
Speaker A:I was thirsty and you gave me a drink.
Speaker A:I was homeless and you gave me room.
Speaker A:I was shivering and you gave me clothes.
Speaker A:I was sick and you stopped to visit.
Speaker A:I was in prison and you came to me.
Speaker A:Then those sheep are going to say, master, what are you talking about?
Speaker A:When do we ever see you hungry and feed you thirsty and give you a drink?
Speaker A:And when do we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?
Speaker A:Then the King will say, I'm telling the solemn truth.
Speaker A:Whenever you do one of these things for someone overlooked or ignored, that was me.
Speaker A:You did it to me.
Speaker A:Then he will turn to the goats, the ones on his left, and say, get out, worthless goats.
Speaker A:You're good for nothing but the fires of hell.
Speaker A:And why?
Speaker A:Because I was hungry and you gave me no meal.
Speaker A:I was thirsty and you gave me no drink.
Speaker A:I was homeless and you gave me no bed.
Speaker A:I was shivering and you gave me no clothes.
Speaker A:Sick and in prison and you never visited.
Speaker A:Then Those goats are going to say, master, what are you talking about?
Speaker A:When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?
Speaker A:And he will answer them, I'm telling the solemn truth.
Speaker A:Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me.
Speaker A:You failed to do it to me.
Speaker A:Then those goats will be herded to their eternal doom, but the sheep to their eternal reward.
Speaker A:Hmm.
Speaker A:Well, my good friends, today we're really exploring Jesus's radical vision of the divine presence, the presence of God in those whom society has often overlooked or even, in many cases, actively oppresses.
Speaker A:So this powerful text presents judgment not based on correct beliefs or religious observance, but on how we treat the most vulnerable members of our society.
Speaker A:And Jesus identifies himself completely with the marginalized, transforming how we understand both divine presence and human responsibility.
Speaker A:Let's talk about some points to ponder.
Speaker A:The first is the politics of recognition.
Speaker A:Notice that the sheep don't recognize Jesus and their actions.
Speaker A:They simply respond to human need.
Speaker A:This challenges both performative charity and theological gatekeeping.
Speaker A:The divine is present not in religious ceremonies, but in authentic solidarity with the marginalized.
Speaker A:How does this reshape our understanding of church and worship?
Speaker A:The second point is about systemic sin and collective responsibility.
Speaker A:The goats are judged not for active harm, but for passive participation in systems of neglect.
Speaker A:Their sin is the sin of omission, failing to challenge structures that create hunger, homelessness, and mass incarceration.
Speaker A:How are we complicit in systems that Jesus explicitly condemns?
Speaker A:Another point is about revolutionary reversal.
Speaker A:Jesus completely identifies with prisoners, homeless people, and the sick, not as a patron helping from above, but is one of them.
Speaker A:This radically challenges charity models that maintain power hierarchies.
Speaker A:How might this transform our approach to social justice, from helping the less fortunate to joining in solidarity with Christ in the marginalized?
Speaker A:Here's your actions tip.
Speaker A:Practice solidarity mapping.
Speaker A:So list a few groups, maybe five or six, that Jesus mentions here.
Speaker A:They're hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, sick, imprisoned, and research organizations led directly by people affected by those type of things.
Speaker A:Choose someone to support.
Speaker A:It might mean financial commitment or volunteer work or an advocacy for systematic change or providing leadership of some sort.
Speaker A:Remember, follow the lead of those who are impacted directly rather than try to impose your solutions.
Speaker A:We're going to have a prayer in just a moment, but we want to share with you that we do have an incredible resource for you called the ABC 123 Bible study method.
Speaker A:It is here for you and you can find it at the Voice of God daily.
Speaker A:We hope that you'll go there and pick that up.
Speaker A:It will help you in your daily Bible study.
Speaker A:Let's have our prayer.
Speaker A:Oh God, you are a divine presence in the margins when we when we look for you, uncomfortable places redirect our gaze to the streets and prisons we try to help from positions.
Speaker A:Teach us true solidarity.
Speaker A:Help us to see you clearly in those whose society would rather ignore.
Speaker A:Make us uncomfortable with comfort while others lack basics.
Speaker A:Transform our charity into justice, our pity into partnership until your kingdom comes through the liberation of all.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker A:It's always great to be with you here on the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:I did want to share with you that the Daily Bible Refresh is completely listener supported.
Speaker A: on years, a million people by: Speaker A:You can simply go to our website, voiceofgoddaily.com scroll to the bottom of the page.
Speaker A:There's a place where you can leave your gift of any amount and every gift is appreciated.
Speaker A:We're here every day to drop the word of God from a progressive perspective.
Speaker A:We hope you'll join us tomorrow.
Speaker A:Invite others to join us and subscribe to the podcast Totem Royal.
Speaker A:Friends, My name is Dr. Brad Miller.
Speaker A:Remember that God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up.
Speaker A:It's created new every morning.
