Scripture

Matthew 25:37-40 NRSV

Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

Consider

This passage has long served as a commissioning creed for Christian missionaries around the globe. In feeding the hungry and caring for the sick and the poor, the righteous—those who belong to God—serve Christ and live the light of the gospel into the world around them. Several Old Testament passages proclaim this service to the needy as the worship that God truly values.

As important as it is to care for humanity in general, however, in this passage Jesus calls the righteous to minister specifically to his family (literally, brothers). Who are these family members? Consistent with the way Jesus refers to his disciples as “brothers” throughout Matthew’s Gospel, the term “family” likely refers to followers of Jesus. They are the church, our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Notice also that these ministers of care and hospitality are surprised to discover they have been serving God all along with their good deeds. Jesus makes the point that they did not serve from a calculated attempt to merit heaven or to enhance their reputations. Rather, their attention to needy believers sprang from loving hearts and the desire to relieve human suffering. They served because their desires were no longer shaped by the world but by the love of God living in them.

The apostle John declares that we can be certain we belong to God when we love our brothers and sisters in Christ. Furthermore, he claims, if we do not love them, then we cannot possibly belong to God’s family. These are strong words that speak of a strong truth: If we are truly disciples of Jesus, then our actions must show evidence of a transformed heart. We absolutely cannot be invaded in mind and heart by the Holy Spirit and not be changed. Like a tiny seed, the change may grow slowly over time but must inevitably become visible and distinctive in the world.

“Do you love me?” Jesus once asked Peter. “Then feed my sheep.” Ministry to the church must always spring from our love for Jesus. Loving him, we will naturally care for others who love him as well, making us a family under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Pray

Loving Father, thank you for inviting me to be part of your family. Grow your compassion in me that I might notice brothers and sisters who are sick or hungry or discouraged, and show me how I can help them. Teach me how to live in ways that honor your Name and identify me as one of your own.

Reflect

Matthew 12:49-50; Galatians 6:10; 1 John 3:13-17

Ponder

What do others see in me that identifies me with Jesus’ family?