A pastor turned ‘homeless man’ walked to the church where he would be introduced as the new pastor that morning.
He walked around his future church for 30 minutes as it filled with people for service. Only three people said “hello” to him, most looked away. He asked people for change to buy food because he was hungry. No one gave him anything.
He entered the sanctuary and sat at the front of the church, but was told by security that he had to get up and go sit in the back. He greeted people as they entered, but was met with cold stares and glares from those who looked down on him and judged him.
He sat in the back of the church and listened to the weekly announcements. He heard new visitors to the church that morning being welcomed, but no one acknowledged that he was new. He watched as people around him continued to give him looks that said, “You are not welcome here.”
Then the elders of the church stepped up to the podium to make announcement. They said they were excited to introduce the new pastor to the congregation. “Introducing our new pastor.” The congregation stood up, applauding with joy and anticipation. The homeless man sitting in the back stood up and began walking down the aisle.
That was when the applause stopped and the church fell silent. With all eyes on him, he walked up to the altar and took the microphone. He paused for a moment and then elegantly recited a Bible verse:
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you came to me.’
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or needy and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and come to you?’
Then the King will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’”
After reciting this, he introduced himself as their new pastor and told the congregation what he had experienced that morning. Many began to weep and bow their heads in shame.
“I see a group of people here today, but I don’t see a church of Christ. The world already has enough people looking the other way. What the world needs are disciples of Jesus who follow his teachings and live like him. When will YOU decide to become disciples?”
He then concluded the service, saying that his sermon had already been given, and dismissed the congregation until the following Sunday.