Matthew 25:31-46 “the least of these”...Matthew 5-7 bringing it all home: the least giving to the least
The extraordinary miracles performed by Jesus were not merely those things done for the body, but, as profound as those miracles were, maybe even more profound is what He did for the person, their soul, the dignity and esteem of their person.
There are many bodies that were not healed, that are not healed, that continue in their deformity. In fact, every body, even if healed, will die. Hear again, every BODY will die. In other words, everybody’s body will die. But, not so the soul and spirit - the person.
Let us not misunderstand, what we do for the body is important, as when we do so, we are actually ministering to the soul and spirit that reside in the body - and this care, this rendering of aid, means something. It means, as we interact with that person and there is a need for them - even the body - when we render aid, we are treating the person - the soul and spirit of the one who dwells in that body - as the body is the vessel, prepared by God, for each of us to engage with our world as well as those with whom we journey..
Every body represents the person who dwells in it… and, is the first thing we encounter that most often, gives us our first, and sometimes, most lasting impression… which can be sad… because that would mean that as we judge the person based on their body, we have kept ourselves from actually getting to know the person - the one who is, to a degree, shaped by what happens to them in the body, sometimes, by the body, or at least, because of the body - not them, themselves - the person who resides in the body.
So it is ours to see the body, and then, beyond the body. Seeing beyond… the body. Theirs, ours, at all, and then, into eternity.
When you did it to the least of these, you did it to… ME. My Body.
Bringing it all home: Jesus’ last recorded message to those who would listen.
This teaching of Jesus does not stand alone, in a vacuum, but is the culmination of sorts of all that Jesus had come to do, to say, to declare.
Whether this is to be interpreted as one’s actions toward the Jewish people, or a more general admonition in regard to all ought to be treated is moot in this context - the principle remains true: when you see someone… in any state of need - meet them where they are with what they need, mercy, grace, love and wisdom.
How do we know that this is an overriding principle? By the SHEEP’s answer vs. the GOAT’s answer: when… when did we see you and…?
They were both oblivious because for each, their treatment of “the least” was an extension of their character, the nature of their being, a reflection of their particular King/king.
Developing the heart and character of the King we serve. Be renewed in the attitude of our minds…
seeing Jesus for who He is and what He has made us to be (Romans 12: being changed by God’s Spirit and Truth: Jesus and the Word). If we are a new creation then let us be renewed - conformed - into Jesus and see others as Jesus sees me, them, us. (2Cor 5:16-21)
Seeing ourselves as the least helps us see “the least” for what they are - worthy.
Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor (in spirit)...” when we recognize our poverty, and God’s great love expressed to us through mercy and grace, we are then, gladly, always looking up… at everyone, not just God.
As...
...having been dignified, esteemed, I can now dignify and esteem.
...having been given to and blessed, I can now give and bless.
...having been healed and made new, I can now be part of the healing and restoration.
...having been seen for who I am and loved, I can now see others for who they are and love…
Simply:
If I have the means… because I have been given the means, it is my privilege to give the means… 1John 3:14-18; 4
If I have the time… because I have been given the time, it is my privilege to give the time, and with it, the wisdom by which I have been treated… Eph 4:29-32
To whom?
The least of these: here, there, and everywhere. (why?) because it is the outgrowth of the character, the Spirit, that makes me what I am (as a person)
What are the means?
Prayer
Resources
Presence
Wisdom and guidance
Admonition and discipline
How determined?
Love and wisdom (see Proverbs 2:; Eph 4)
Available resources, or not (Mark 8:5; Acts 3:5; James 2:12-26)
“I know someone who knows someone” (taking them to Jesus: Matt 4:24; 8:5-8; Mark 2:4; 9:14-29; Luke 5:19; John 1:40-42 Naman’s servant girl
Corinthians 8:13
It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality.
2 Corinthians 9:12
For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.
1John 3:14-18
14We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 15Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.
16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Jesus dignifying the person (among nearly every interaction Jesus had with those in need… (me too?)):
Matthew 9:20-22
Matthew 20:29-34
Mark 5:25-34
Mark 7:31-37
Mark 9:14-29
Mark 10:13-16
Mark 10:46-52
Luke 8:25-43
John 2:1-12
John 4
John 8:1-11
Hebrews 1&2
