The Least of These

These two chapters (Mt 24-25) are full of some tough teaching. Jesus lays out the eternal consequences of remaining in our rebellion and refusing his grace and mercy. There is prophesy, references to prophesy (Daniel 9) and lots of weeping and gnashing of teeth. Much of what Jesus talks about in these two chapters is beyond our influence and control. But at the end of chapter 25, we get this reminder.

“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.’

The coming of Jesus, the ending of the world, the four horsemen, the resurrection. These are fascinating subjects and it's all kinds of fun to study, debate and attempt to figure it all out. However, there is something beautifully simple here that we don't have to study to understand. When we serve people, when we sacrifice for others, when we deny ourselves and put someone else's needs before our own, when we meet real, practical, physical needs for others, it is as though we are doing it directly for Jesus.

And just so we're clear, you don't have to go to a third world country to find the least of these. They are everywhere. They might even be you on occasion. It reminds me of Paul's words in Galatians 6.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Someone explained it to me like this. If everyone looks out for himself, then there is one person looking out for you. But, if we all consider others more important than ourselves, if we look out for others even before ourselves, then there are countless people looking out for you and me and that guy over there. As with all of God's ways, it's a much better system.