Serving the Least

February 15, 2015 Background Scripture: Matthew 25 Lesson Passage: Matthew 25:31 – 46 One should be careful when interpreting scripture text—especially when it is about Divine judgment. The perspective we should maintain for our text today is that this particular judgment is oftentimes referred to as the Judgment of Nations. This is not to suggest that it is not about the judgment of individuals but it is not about the judgment of Christians. Christians were vicariously judged for their sins at Calvary. What remains for Christians is the judgment of works to determine rewards and in some cases shame. This is not to suggest that there is not worthwhile information and instructions to be gained from properly studying this text but care must be exercised to keep the context in mind. For instance, if a Christian knows that lost persons will be judged based on how they treat the least of these on earth, then the urgency to live as Christians in our dealings with others should be heightened. We see then that God is concerned about the least and we who are called to reflect His glory should care likewise. But we should also be concerned about the judgment of nations because we are talking about our fellowman. Once we know the outcome of the judgment of souls at the judgment seat of Christ, then we should be vigilant in our evangelistic efforts. This lesson can serve to dispel ignorance as an excuse to not evangelize the lost. So who are the least of these? Jesus described them as hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and imprisoned. These are serious human conditions both physically and spiritually. In fact it is difficult in some cases and impossible in others to assist people spiritually before their physical needs have been eased. Jesus noted that sometimes when multitudes followed him it was not for spiritual reasons but they saw him as capable of meeting their physical needs. It is strange how we will sometimes reverse the order and not want to meet people’s physical needs until after they have surrendered spiritually. The gospel accounts record that many surrendered to Jesus only after he met their physical need. In this discourse, Jesus relates the treatment of the least to the treatment of himself. Put another way, Jesus was emphatic that he takes it personal when someone harms the least among us. The spiritual side of this is just as true as Jesus stated it in his Sermon on the Mount. He spoke of the blessings upon those who hungered and thirsted after righteousness. Righteousness is a spiritual condition. In his inaugural statement in a synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus announced that he was come to set the captives free. This was not speaking of a jailbreak but a spiritual loosening of souls. He also talked about the spiritual healing of his ministry and that those who were well—or at least thought they were—did not need a physician. Many went after him for the physical healing but the greatest act of healing he has to offer is spiritual healing. As a result of Jesus’ view of these things, his agenda was built around ministering to the least in society. Jesus was often run out of what should have been religious settings in the synagogues or temple. It was out among the least where the multitudes grew into the thousands. I believe today’s lesson can serve as a reminder of how the local church can set its agenda to serve the least among us. Robert C. Hudson January 29, 2015