A recent read of Matthew 25:35-40 brought a question into focus. In this passage, Jesus speaks of the nations being gathered around Him. He will separate them one from another, placing some on His right and some on His left.
Jesus then says:
“Then
the King will say to those on His right,
‘Come, you who are blessed of
My Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of
the world.”
(Matthew 25:34, NASB)
Jesus goes on to explain these were the ones who fed Him, gave Him drink, clothed Him, and visited Him when sick or in prison.
This has them a little perplexed and so they ask: “When?” As a matter of fact, they ask the question three times.
“Then the righteous will answer Him,
‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?
And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?
When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’”
(verses 37-39, NASB)
It’s a fair question and Jesus does supply them an answer:
“The
King will answer and say to them, ‘
Truly I say to you, to the extent
that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine,
even the least of
them, you did it to Me.’ “
(verse 40, NASB)
I can’t help but wonder if Jesus is making the point that it is easy to miss what is right in front of our eyes. It is easy to miss those whom we are called to serve.
Yes, we are called to reach out to unbelievers and share the Gospel. But reading this passage recently had me wondering: How well am I serving or caring for those right in front on me?
We are called to love one another, to care for those that the Lord cares about.
Are we willing to read to the child who wants to hear a story? Would we send a card to a shut-in? Bring food to the hungry? Encourage someone with a phone call?
“When did we see?”
May God open our eyes to see,
and do for the least, and for Him.
Reflection:
Who are the “least” that God has place in front of each of us? What can you do to reach out to them this week?
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