Matthew 25:40
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.'”
Jesus surprised many when He came with His message. The beatitudes are a good general description of it. He values the poor in spirit, the meek, those persecuted for righteousness sake, those who mourn, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful and the pure in heart. The world doesn’t value these. These aren’t the rich and famous.
The first shock was being born in a manger and having shepherds as witnesses. Next was being raised in Nazareth. He wasn’t good looking (Isaiah 53:2). He wasn’t wealthy. He was what today’s verse values, “the least of these”.
A christian would have these values. These aren’t actions that save us. We know that faith in Christ’s sacrifice does that. However, these actions are proof we are saved. James’ epistle tells us this. ‘But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works”, (2:18).
Often I’ll be going through my day and I’ll see someone that appears disadvantaged. I used to judge them. I’m sure I still do in ways I’m not aware of. My initial thought is “that could be Jesus”, and I seek to love them. Today’s verse instilled that.
Some may think that would be overwhelming. I get that. Rarely are actions required. It’s the readiness and the willing heart. We are to be willing to help. We are to value the lesser.
To some, we are the lesser. We have undesirable traits. But You valued me Lord. You drew me. Thank You.
Lord, I am certain I fall short of this. Work within me to fix that.
