April 21, 2012 Be Kind to Jesus' Own

Be Kind to Jesus’ Own Mark 9:41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. JESUS has been teaching his disciples about being humble and faithfully ministering to a world in need of Him. Then he gives them these encouraging words. In essence he is saying, “I will honor those who honor you. As you are my disciples, you belong to me. People who honor you, honor me.” This is an example of how your kind acts of love to one person will honor those whom that person loves and those who love him. Think of how intimate and wonderful is your relationship with Jesus, the Lord of Creation, Savior and Friend! As you confess Jesus as your Savior and follow his teachings, you lovingly belong to him. Jesus “owns” you as a loving and honored possession. You are so highly valuable to him, he will never let you go. Taking it even more personally, you are a member of his body. You honor and care for your body, don’t you? Jesus cares for you. However, sometimes parts of your body are challenged with injury or illness, and that part needs care. Jesus knows, as he tells his disciples many times, that following him may cause you, a part of his body, to experience physical deprivation—hunger, thirst, injury. When that happens you will be glad for a cup of cold water. Jesus will reward those who come to care for you because they are honoring you, one who Jesus loves, and they are honoring Jesus. Do you know a Jesus follower who needs some special kindness today? Care for Jesus’ own. Honor Jesus’ own. Honor Jesus. Pause and consider how kind Jesus is to save you. Be kind to his own.