How many times have we driven down the road and seen a homeless man pushing a cart, picking up pop cans, or even sleeping on a public bench...what did we think? What about the time we crossed paths with a person in need and because of their physical and/or mental handicap that made us feel uncomfortable and uneasy we simply moved about as if we did not see them? Or the times we have run into people that just plain are not like us and even the way they dress, smell, and look totally offends our sense of decency...how did we respond?
In Matthew 25:31-46 we have Jesus teaching on the judgments of nations upon His second coming. There is some interesting language here regarding their treatment of the "least of these". This apparently will be the standard for their punishment and/or reward.
I want to look closely at the phrase "the least of these"and how this teaching applies to us today. This group of people refers to those individuals who hold no position, authority, wealth, or influence in the community. God has a real soft place for the downtrodden, afflicted, poor, persecuted, and all people in need of help. Whether their situation is due to unwise decisions or unfortunate circumstances He does not differentiate. When He refers to them as His brethren He is acknowledging them as brothers through faith and I believe brothers through suffering, therefore Jesus is referring to all men of unfortunate position.
It was the diseased, handicapped, and poor with whom Jesus spent much of His earthly ministry healing, feeding, and communicating. It was the sinners and the publicans with whom Jesus preferred to share a meal in Matthew 9:10. The word sinner in this verse means "pre-eminently sinful, especially wicked, men stained with certain vices or crimes". His answer to the Pharisees was that these were the people that needed a physician.
I believe the greater judgment rests with how we treat those truly in need. May we be sensitive to the needs of the "least of these" for it is a real opportunity to not only help them but also an excellent opportunity to serve and show our love for the Saviour!
Jude :22 "And of some having compassion making a difference."
As children of God isn't that a responsibility to help and disciple to others no matter the situation. We often don't follow through with what we are suppose to do. We lead them to Christ then drop them like there hot. We forget that there is more to it than that and we are told to disciple to them, lead them, teach them by example so they can go out and help others and lead others. I know of churches who are so concerned about saving the world and leaving it at that. How will the kingdom grow if we don't lead also. Just my thoughts
ReplyDeleteHow many of us consider OURSELVES "the least of these"? Most of us think we are better than we really are.
ReplyDeleteThis is great stuff. Reminds me of the Island of Misfit Toys analogy.
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