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WWJD – What Would Jesus Do?

December 2, 2021

Many voices in the Christian world are speaking about the difficult days the world is facing and asking questions about the end of the age. I have heard Matthew 24 cited on many occasions. This chapter is the first part of the Olivet Discourse, when Jesus (Yeshua) answered similar questions from His disciples. They also lived in difficult times under Roman oppression, and it must have seemed like the end was near. I have another question: How does Jesus want us to act in the midst of troubling times like those described in Matthew 24? If we stop reading at the end of chapter 24, we have only received half of Jesus’ message. Chapter 25 continues by telling us how we should behave.

Be Ready

First is the parable of the 10 virgins, five wise and five foolish (Matt. 25:1–13). The main point of this story is that we should be prepared. Certainly, the oil lamps represent the work of God’s Spirit in our hearts, but could also refer to physical preparation. Jesus wants us to keep our lamps full of oil.

Use Resources Wisely

The parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14–30) is about money! A talent was a measure of currency. The master entrusted his wealth into the hands of his servants and expected them to use them to further his business. This parable shows us that God has entrusted us with finances that He expects us to use for Kingdom purposes. In the parable, the master praises those who used his funds wisely, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matt. 25:21, 23).

Take Care of the Needy

Finally, we have the judgment of the nations (people groups) in Matthew 25:31–46. They will be judged by how they take care of the weak, those who are hungry and thirsty, prisoners, strangers and those who are sick. Jesus says, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me” (25:40b ESV).

Matthew 25 Ministry

At Bridges for Peace, we take this to heart. We study the Word of God to be able to share spiritual understanding with Christians all over the world. It is our prayer that God will use our teaching materials, our Bible reading program and our prayer emphasis to help you keep your lamps full.

We value stewardship. We are audited annually. We are recognized as being fiscally responsible by organizations like the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and Ministry Watch. It is in our heart to bless Israel and the Jewish people, so we do not spend God’s resources frivolously.

We are feeding the hungry (over 23,000 each month). We are helping immigrants come to Israel, providing for elderly Holocaust survivors and providing for school children from needy homes. We comfort those who mourn.

I don’t know where we are in God’s timetable, but I do know that Jesus wants us to be ready—spiritually and materially, to use God’s resources wisely and to minister to those in need. Will you join us today in reaching out to the Jewish people in Israel and to those in the Diaspora (the Jewish population outside Israel) who are waiting to come home? I pray that we will all hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21a, 23a). Your year-end gift to Bridges for Peace will touch the recipients with Christian love and put a smile on Jesus’ face.

Blessings from Israel,
Rebecca J. Brimmer
International President and CEO

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