"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' " The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' "
Jesus' parable challenges our frequent preconceptions about those we should help. Building on the teaching of the
Lord in the Old Covenant (
Deuteronomy 10:17-18;
Jeremiah 7:5-7;
Malachi 3:5), Jesus emphasizes the essentiality of each of us helping those truly in need. When we help those who can't help themselves - those who have gotten themselves in trouble, those who have been falsely accused, those who are facing death, widows, the fatherless - we are helping Jesus himself. We see Jesus' face in the faces of those we bless. Why? Because compassion and grace come from Jesus. He would be among us, helping others experience grace out of their hopelessness and despair.
Father, please give me wisdom to see my opportunities to serve others as I try to help them understand your incredible grace. O Holy Spirit, please stir my heart with the Father's mercy, grace, and compassion. I pray this in the name of my Redeemer, Savior, and Friend, Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, who demonstrated the principles I want to live. Amen.
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