Matthew 25:31-40

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: "In truth I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

In the gospel of Matthew Jesus describes the coming of the Son of man in all his glory to judge the nations. He uses an image of a shepherd separating sheep and goats to suggest that the Son of man will sort people out, inviting into the kingdom those who gave him food and drink when he was hungry, welcomed him when he was a stranger, clothed him when he was naked, and visited him when he was in prison. When those invited into the kingdom say they do not recall treating him this way, Jesus replies that when they did these things for "one of the least" of his brothers and sisters, they did it for him.

We can see that this is not merely a teaching about the end of time, but is intended to motivate Christians to care for "the least" of those among the brothers and sisters in the church. But in the context of the New Testament we may say that all people, as children of God, are our "brothers and sisters." So, we might take this reading to mean that by caring for anyone with needs greater than our own, we care for Christ.

Grace and peace...Bob