Day Eighty-one – Matthew 25:31-46
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you “The least” is the easiest person to overlook; they make the smallest contribution, yet they have the greatest needs. The least could be someone who is poor and unattractive, someone shy and friendless, someone disabled or deformed, someone always in trouble, someone not bright, pleasant, or considerate. The least is the person who can be ignored without suffering personal loss or damage to the institution. The least can disappear and no one misses them or asks what happened to them.
The Lord Jesus was not interested in good deeds performed for important people; there is no reward for a kindness shown to a superior. Jesus’ heart is for the least important people, for they are his brothers and sisters. In fact, his concern for them is so great, he is willing to stake our eternal destiny on our care for them. At the end of this parable, whether we march into life or are thrown in the fire depends on our treatment of the least.
Where in the gospels do we find Jesus telling us, “You must receive Me into your heart as your personal Lord and Savior?” What we hear him say is, “Feed the hungry, help the stranger, clothe the naked, visit those who are sick and in prison. Take care of My brothers and sisters, especially the least among them.”
Forgive us, O Lord, for being so enthralled by wealth and beauty, for catering to the whims of the high and mighty while turning our backs on the weak and lowly. We watch You touch the leper, show compassion to the blind, and take time for the children to hold them in Your arms. Open our eyes to the person we have trained our minds to not see. Create in us an eagerness for that next opportunity to do something for You by doing it for the least of Your brothers or sisters.
Daily Meditations From the Scriptures