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This ah-ha moment I had comes to you from Matthew’s gospel.

Years ago when I was a preacher I was studying Matthew in preparation for a sermon.

I remember the cold chill that coursed through me when I realized something that changed my life.

Matthew is interested in the Last Day. He writes a lot about standing before the Lord for judgment. Whether you believe this is literal or not, what matters is it indicates what Matthew thought was important.

In one story we all stand before God. We learn that not everyone who says “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” enter into the kingdom.

In another story we learn that if you care for the least, you care for Jesus. That is, if you give food to the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome strangers, give clothes to the unclothed, care for the sick and visit prisoners, you enter into the kingdom.

What struck me was that those who assumed they should enter the kingdom claimed as their ticket for admission all very religious credentials- prophecy, casting out demons, and miracles. 

The ones who didn’t think they had admission into the kingdom in fact did, but they are all very non-religious deeds- just caring for people on a very basic level.

One group claimed beliefs and religious acts.

The other group just cared for people.

The fact that these stories are attributed to Jesus is crucial because it indicates what Jesus prioritized.

Not beliefs. But love.