Re:Verse reading–Matthew 6:1-18 (day six) “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets as the hypocrites do” (vs 2) Do you hear the assumption? Jesus never considered whether His followers would help people in need. He did not consider it an option. His only concern was how we would do it– not spoiling this service to God through impure motives. Do we always make the same assumptions about ourselves and our schedules? The heart of Christ was tender toward people and pain. He was constantly aware and completely surrendered to the task of alleviating human suffering. “The poor you will always have with you” (John 12:8) is not Jesus being pessimistic about a battle that cannot be won. It is Jesus declaring that so long as there are people who have needs, the followers of Christ will be actively and passionately involved in trying to help. It is one of His assumptions!
