The Least of These

 

[Jesus said] “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit 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 was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:34-40 ESV).

 

Bill Bennot’s quote is a wonderful following thought to yesterday’s devotional: “How we walk with the broken speaks louder than how we sit with the great.” I find it so instructive when I remember some of the experiences of life in regard to this thought. While I have not had the experience of “brokenness” often associated with the descriptor of “the least of these,” I have had enough moments of challenge to get a glimpse of that kind of circumstance. Jesus knew how important it was for us to be reminded to treat others with careful, compassionate concern. It is no wonder this is one of the last instructions he leaves with the disciples. The life of following Christ is not just about “me, me, me.” The gospels challenge us repeatedly to devote our lives to living for others. Jesus equates serving others with serving God.

 

All too often, though, our lives become consumed by our own plans. Our schedules may be filled with important, honorable things to do. Yet we often risk focusing only on our own plans and missing out on the opportunities God gives us to make room for others in life. Matthew repeatedly stresses that if we love God, we will inevitably love others. In fact, if we don’t love others, our love for God is in question. Love in action is not just for the people closest to us but also for people who are marginalized, suffering, and in need. When we care for such people, we are actually showing our love for Jesus.

 

For many of us, the thought of showing hospitality tends toward shared time with friends and family. But do we consider hospitality as an active expression of our faith? The Bible calls us to “welcome the stranger” and “practice hospitality.” More than making room, hospitality calls for Christians to be ready even for the unexpected. While our deeds of compassion and mercy are not the means by which we enter God’s kingdom, they show that we are part of God’s family.