The Least Of These

So, my head hurts; I\’ve been thinking about The least of these for weeks now and reading Matthew 25:34-45. Specifically, in verse 40. Jesus says, \”The King will reply, truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did to me.\”

In the preceding verses, Jesus is saying to the people you fed me, clothed me, gave me a drink, welcomed me a stranger, sick or visited me in prison. Then the people reply, Lord, when did we see you, hungry, thirsty, a stranger, needing clothed, sick or in prison, and did not help you?

In summary, this is what I concluded. There seems to be a debate-like among Authors about who the \”Brothers and Sisters\” are. Some said Jews, some say all Christians, Some said people suffering everywhere.   

The Least of These can be anyone in any oppressed situation such as the persecuted, repressed, burdened, disadvantaged, underprivileged, victimized, sick, bullied, helpless, ill-treated. These are Christ\’s Brothers and Sisters, along with His Believers and Disciples.

I believe the overall significance is not who but what. Serving where service is needed. I believe the parable gives an account of deeds of mercy, things we may be able to engage in every day. 

I think our service is not to the poor, so to speak. But to Christ himself.