See Jesus in your brother or sister

Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | August 30, 2023 | Matthew 25:31-46

KEY VERSE:

The king will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40

MESSAGE:

The scripture for consideration today in our devotion is not part of the parables Jesus told the hearers about. This will rather pass for the explanation or the culmination of the parables of the wise and foolish virgins and the parable of the talents. In both parables, Jesus was speaking about the coming of the master and the day of accountability to come for His bride and to come and settle accounts with his servants.

Our passage today paints a picture of what the day will be like; Jesus comes in his glory and sits on His glorious throne to judge the nations. Then he will separate the sheep from the goats to His right and His left. The blessed on His right to be given their inheritance which is access into the Kingdom of God and those on His left will be cursed into eternal fire, which was prepared not for them but for the devil and his angels.

The question is what made one group blessed and the other group cursed? Jesus gave us an answer in verses 35 and 42. What you did for your brother or sister, you did for Christ and what you did not do for your brother or sister, you did not do for Christ.

Our treatment of one another, therefore, is an indication of how much we love Christ. We must be intentional therefore about what we do for and do to each other since we will be doing it to Christ and, it will count against us or for us when he comes in His glory.

FEET AND HANDS OF THE MESSAGE

Your brother or sister represents Christ to you. You cannot love Christ when you hate your brother or sister. Your love for Christ is demonstrated in how much you do good to your brother or sister and how much you genuinely care for their needs. Let us be our brother’s keeper.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, help me to demonstrate my love for you, by loving my brothers and sisters. May I be intentional about meeting their needs as you give me the grace to. For your name's sake. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

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DAILY word study: LEAST

The word "least" in verse 40 is translated from the Greek word "ἐλάχιστος" (elachistos). This Greek adjective refers to the superlative form of "small" or "little." It signifies the smallest or the least significant in size, importance, or influence.

The term "least" carries a profound message of compassion, humility, and the value of every individual in God's eyes. Jesus teaches that when we serve and care for those who are often overlooked or marginalized, we are actually serving Him. This highlights the depth of God's concern for the well-being of every person, regardless of their social status.

Our devotional passage today, challenges us to reassess our attitudes and actions towards those whom society might consider "least." It calls us to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every individual and to show love, kindness, and support to those who may be struggling or disadvantaged.

Reflections

How can you actively extend compassion, care, and support to those who may be considered "least" in your community or surroundings? How does your understanding of serving "the least of these" impact your view of service and your relationship with Christ?