The Least of These

Scripture:
“Indeed, I tell you that whenever you did these things for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did them for me!” — Matthew 25:40 (CJB)

“Indeed, I tell you that whenever you refused to do it for the least important one of these people, you refused to do it for me!” — Matthew 25:45 (CJB)

Reflection:
Yesterday, as I flew to Guatemala for Day 1 of this mission trip, the Lord brought me to these two verses. What stood out to me is that Jesus doesn’t separate our love for Him from our love for people. In fact, He identifies Himself with those who are hurting, struggling, forgotten, overlooked, and in need.

It’s easy to think that serving God only happens in a church building, behind a pulpit, or during a ministry event. But Jesus teaches something much deeper. Every act of kindness, every encouraging word, every meal shared, every hand extended to someone in need is an opportunity to serve Christ Himself.

The opposite is also true. When we ignore the needs around us, when we choose comfort over compassion, or when we turn away from opportunities to help, we may be missing an opportunity to minister directly to our Lord.

As I begin this mission journey, I am reminded that the purpose isn’t simply to travel to another country. The purpose is to see people the way Jesus sees them and to love them the way He loves them. Whether in Guatemala, at home, at work, or in our own neighborhoods, the mission field is wherever God places people in front of us.

Encouragement:
Today, ask God to open your eyes to the “least of these” around you. You may be surprised to discover that your next opportunity to serve Jesus is standing right in front of you. A simple act of love could become a powerful expression of God’s grace to someone who desperately needs it.

—
Rev Carlos Figueroa
TheFreeBible.Org