2. Treasure hunt Part 8 The least of these

3. Review – Our Savior taught us that we are not to lay up treasures for ourselves here on earth but rather to lay up treasure for ourselves in heaven. (Matthew 6:18-20)

4. In Matthew 13, Jesus again reminds us that there is a price to be paid for acquiring a treasure. It will cost you but when we realize the true value of what we will be receiving, we should gladly be willing to pay any price.

5. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” Mt 13:44

6. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Mt 13:45-46

7. I can find buried treasure when I: 1. Love my enemies 2. Engage in some “act of righteousness”

8. 3. Give to the needy 4. Pray 5. Fast

9. I. Meet practical needs. “Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

10. The six categories that Jesus specially mentioned: 1. The hungry “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…”

11. 2. The thirsty “I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…”

12. 3. The stranger “I was a stranger and you invited me in…” “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

13. 4. The naked “I needed clothes and you clothed me…”

14. 5. The sick “I was sick and you looked after me…”

15. 6. The prisoner “I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

16. "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?

17. When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

18. “The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matt 25:34-40

19. TT he “least of these” is anyone who needs your help, voice, or efforts.

20. II. Meeting practical needs of others requires that I… 1. Listen to people

21. 2. Grab hold of faith.

22. 3. Make some type of sacrifice Time Energy Resources

23. 4. Realize that when I meet a practical need for someone, I am actually do it for the Lord Jesus Himself.

24. “Serve WHOLEHEARTEDLY as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does...” Ephesians 6:7

25. 5. There is a reward for meeting practical needs. “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing.” Proverbs 28:27

26. “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10