THE LEAST OF THESE
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: "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,.” Matthew 25:34-35, ESV
Theme: Feeding the poor does not save you; yet caring for the poor and hungry is an outcome of being a true believer who follows Jesus and does what He did.
DICHOTAMY
There is a contrast about the poor, the sick, and the foreigner in our lands. In the Old Testament, God had specific laws about leaving some wheat in the field, bringing the tithe so that the priests and the poor would have food and other provisions, and letting some grapes and olives hang after the harvest. God Himself made promises: “But there will be no poor among you; for the LORD will bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance to possess—” (Deuteronomy 15:4, ESV). But the people did not follow whole-heartedly after God. We never do. And so the effects of sin bring about poverty, dictators, addictions, and sicknesses.
In contrast, when the woman anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair, the onlookers grumbled. They sounded righteous: “This precious ointment could have been sold and given to the poor!” Jesus replied that the poor would always be with us, but there was only a short season when He could be ministered to in the flesh. He honored her for this gift to Him. He added that whenever we want, we can and should do good for the poor! While providing regularly for the poor is God’s good plan, it doesn’t mean that generous gifts to anyone else are automatically not allowed.
FRUIT OF A RADICAL HEART CHANGE
In our Scripture for today, it can seem that good works and caring for the poor lead to salvation. Quite the opposite is true. Religion leads to self-righteous smugness. Real belief in the Risen Lord and true salvation lead to sacrificial giving—of your time, your resources, your comfort, and your independence. The Lordship of Christ in a believer’s life is evidenced by just how disinterested they are in themselves.
At the Final Judgment, more than how many good things were done for the least of these, the lack of them separates the righteous from the wicked. They never noticed the hungry, the sick, the poor, or the prisoner because their focus was on themselves and their possessions. I like how The Message version warns us: “But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise” (Luke 21:34). There will come a day when we face Jesus in His glory. Let the fruit of your life reflect your total commitment to Him.
Make It Personal: Every once in a while, I love a good shopping trip. But I find the more I buy, the more I want. It’s much better to care for others, those who have so much less than I do, and shop for them, whether for food, clothes, or supplies. Maybe that’s why I love shopping for sponsored children in Egypt, South Africa, or Uganda. You may find it uplifting to purchase food for the Cove Marketplace or have a routine Amazon order sent to keep it stocked. Some like to carry supplies and cash in their vehicles for when they see a need. Keep an eye out. Keep your heart tender. By serving the least of these, you not only live as Jesus lived, but you are serving Him.
Pray: Father, open my eyes. I already – so easily – see my own wants and desires. Help me to have Your eyes and heart for those in need. Help me to care for older people who need a hand or a visit. Help me feed and clothe those around me or across the world. I know You will bless anything I give in Your Name, so give me opportunity and a generous heart. I commit all I am and all I have to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Mark 14:3-9; Matthew 25:31-46
Weekly Memory Verse: Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. (Revelation 1:7, NASB1995)