Have you heard about the “homeless Jesus” statue?

Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz created the artwork depicting Jesus as a homeless man on a bench.

The face is mostly obscured but the feet reveal the nail scars of crucifixion.

The statues have been placed in cities in the US and around the world since 2013.

The historical accuracy of the statue is questionable, but its effect in raising concerns for the homeless is powerful.

According to 2019 statistics, SC had an estimated 4,172 experiencing homelessness on any given day.

Not only because this is a season of giving but because winter is here, consider doing something for the homeless.

There are a number of homeless shelters in the midlands you can support.

Oliver Gospel Mission has been in existence for 127 years and is the oldest in the Southeast.

Lexington has two facilities run by Christ Central Ministries of Columbia.

They are Central Midlands Transitional Retreat (CMTR) and Samaritan’s Well.

CMTR opened in 2008 as a shelter specifically for homeless veterans.

Samaritans Well opened in 1993 as a women’s shelter.

Consider making a financial donation to these shelters.

You could also do something with a personal touch.

Make a gift bag to give to a homeless or needy person.

Fill a backpack with things like socks, gloves, hats, Band-Aids, snacks, gift cards to fast food, bottled water, toiletries, etc.

You could donate these items to a shelter or give them to a homeless person that you meet.

We’ve all heard the phrase “what would Jesus do?”

This statue asks the question, “What would you do if Jesus was homeless?”

Most of us would not hesitate to do something.

So why not do something?

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

Next Week: Watch your step

Dan Williams is the senior adult pastor at Lexington Baptist Church.