Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto 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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