"Homeless Like Jesus: A Lesson in Compassion and Understanding"

In Matthew 8:20, Jesus says something profound and humbling:

"And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."

This verse reveals a powerful truth: Jesus, the Son of God, experienced homelessness during His time on earth. He lived without the comforts and security of a permanent home, choosing instead to walk among the people, relying on the kindness of others and the provision of God.

This reality challenges us to rethink how we view those who are homeless today. It reminds us that Jesus Himself walked in their shoes and that our attitudes toward them should reflect His love and compassion. Let us explore this verse and its implications for how we treat those in need.

Jesus’ Earthly Poverty

When Jesus spoke these words in Matthew 8:20, He was responding to a scribe who expressed a desire to follow Him. The scribe likely expected a life of comfort or prestige by being associated with Jesus. But Jesus made it clear that following Him meant sacrifice. He didn’t live a life of luxury or even basic stability. Instead, He chose a life of humility and reliance on God.

Jesus’ statement, "the Son of man hath not where to lay his head," reveals that He had no permanent home. While animals like foxes and birds have places to rest, Jesus often traveled from town to town, teaching, healing, and spreading the message of God’s kingdom. His mission was not to accumulate earthly possessions but to fulfill God’s purpose for humanity.

As 2 Corinthians 8:9 reminds us:

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich."

Jesus willingly embraced poverty so that we might gain the riches of eternal life.

When we reflect on Jesus’ experience of homelessness, it should change how we view those who are homeless in our communities. Too often, we judge or dismiss them, assuming they don’t want help or that their situation is entirely their own fault. But what if we paused and remembered that Jesus Himself was homeless?

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says:"Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

This verse reminds us that when we show kindness and compassion to those in need, we are serving Jesus Himself. The next time we see someone who is homeless, we should think twice before making assumptions. Instead, we should ask ourselves how we can show them the love of Christ.

Lessons from Jesus’ Homelessness

Humility and Dependence on God

Jesus’ life of homelessness teaches us the importance of humility and dependence on God. He trusted His Father to provide for His needs, whether through the generosity of others or divine intervention. As Philippians 4:19 says:

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

• We, too, are called to trust God for our daily needs and to have faith that He will provide.

Sacrificial Love

Jesus’ choice to live without a home was part of His greater mission to serve humanity. He gave up the comforts of heaven to walk among us, ultimately sacrificing His life for our sins. This sacrificial love sets an example for us to follow. As 1 John 3:17-18 says:

“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

• True love is not just words but actions—helping those in need, just as Jesus did.

Seeing Jesus in Others

When we encounter someone who is homeless, we should remember that Jesus identified with the poor and marginalized. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us:

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

• By showing kindness and compassion, we may be serving Jesus Himself or even encountering a divine moment.

Changing Our Perspective

It’s easy to make snap judgments about people who are homeless. We might think, “They don’t want help,” or “They could change their situation if they really tried.” But Jesus challenges us to think differently.

Imagine if someone had dismissed Jesus as “just another homeless man” during His time on earth. They would have missed the opportunity to encounter the Savior of the world. In the same way, when we overlook or judge those who are homeless today, we may miss the chance to show Jesus’ love and make a difference in their lives.

James 2:15-16 warns us about ignoring the needs of others:

"If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"

True faith is demonstrated by action—by reaching out to those in need and offering help, hope, and love.

Practical Ways to Help

If we want to follow Jesus’ example, we need to take practical steps to help those who are homeless:

Offer Kindness and Respect

• A smile, a kind word, or simply acknowledging someone’s presence can make a big difference.

Provide Practical Help

• Donate food, clothing, or money to organizations that support the homeless. Volunteer your time at shelters or food banks.

Advocate for Change

• Support initiatives that address the root causes of homelessness, such as affordable housing and mental health services.

Pray for Them

• Pray for those who are homeless, asking God to provide for their needs and lead them to a better future.

Matthew 8:20 reminds us that Jesus Himself experienced homelessness, choosing a life of humility and sacrifice to fulfill His mission on earth. This truth challenges us to see the homeless in a new light—not as people to judge or dismiss, but as individuals made in God’s image and loved by Him.

The next time you see someone who is homeless, remember that Jesus walked in their shoes. Instead of turning away, ask yourself how you can show them the love and compassion of Christ. By doing so, you honor the One who had no place to lay His head and fulfill His call to serve “the least of these.”

As Proverbs 19:17 says:

"He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."

Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus, reaching out to those in need with love, kindness, and hope. Amen.

Conclusion: Join Us in Bringing Hope to the Homeless

At Jehovah Saints, we are committed to being the hands and feet of Christ by providing safe shelters, warm meals, and hope to those in need. Our mission to build homeless shelters around the world is inspired by Jesus’ words: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).

This is more than just a project—it’s a movement of love, compassion, and transformation. With your support, we can expand this mission and provide a place of refuge for countless individuals and families who are struggling. Together, we can make a difference and shine the light of Christ in the darkest corners of the world.

How You Can Help:

• Pray for our mission and for the homeless communities we serve.

• Spread the Word by sharing this initiative with your friends, family, and church community.

• Donate to help us build more shelters and provide essential resources for those in need.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, brings us one step closer to changing lives. Click the button below to make a contribution and be part of this life-changing mission.

Donate Now

Thank you for your generosity and for standing with Jehovah Saints as we answer God’s call to care for the homeless. Together, we can build not only shelters but also hope, dignity, and a brighter future for those in need.

God Bless!