Paradigm Shift
A pastor transformed himself into a homeless man and went to the church where he was to be introduced as the new head pastor that morning. He wandered around for 30 minutes while the church filled with people. Only three greeted him. Most looked away. He asked for change to buy food—no one helped.
When he entered the sanctuary, he tried to sit at the front but was told by the ushers to sit in the back. He said hello to people as they passed, but was met with cold stares and judgmental looks. No one smiled. No one welcomed him.
He quietly sat in the back and listened as the weekly announcements were made. New visitors were acknowledged—but not him. He continued to notice people around him staring, their eyes saying, “You don’t belong here.”
Then the elders came forward. “We’re excited to introduce our new pastor today.” The congregation clapped and looked around in anticipation. That’s when the “homeless man” rose from his seat and walked toward the front.
The clapping stopped. Silence fell.
He took the microphone, paused, and then recited these words from Matthew 25:
“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Then he revealed, “I am your new pastor.”
He spoke of what he had witnessed that morning—the rejection, the judgment, the lack of compassion. Many began to weep and bow their heads in shame.
He continued, “Today I see a gathering of people, but I do not see a church of Jesus. The world has enough people who look the other way. What the world needs are disciples—people who live like Jesus did. When will YOU become disciples?”
He then dismissed the service. His sermon had been given.
Credit: sustainable__human
BEFORE YOU READ TODAY’S PASSAGE…
STOP: Lord, where is my heart today?
LOOK: Lord, help me discover new truth from your Word today. Enduring Word Commentary
LISTEN: Lord, what is your thought for me today from your Word?
For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
RESPOND:
Lord, what do I need to talk with You about?
Lord, what are you asking me to do?
* STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, RESPOND from Navigator Church Ministry booklet, The Invitation. Read More.
