Who Are The Least?

And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ 

Matthew 25:40

Who are the least of Christ’s brethren? The short answer to that is, we do not know. It is important for us to understand this in the light of our text. Taking the large view of God’s redemptive plan, and knowing it involves a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, we understand that anyone we encounter may be one of Christ’s people. The fact that they may not present as such at a given time is irrelevant. Christ draws people unto Himself according to His Own timetable. Today’s atheist may be tomorrow’s believer. Therefore, when we see a person in need, the good we do them in the imitation of Christ should not be based on how they present on the day. This broadens our view of to whom we should do good. Paul puts it another way when he says, ‘Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.’ In the course of doing all the good we can to whoever we can, whenever we can, we will inevitably encounter those whom Christ terms, ‘the least of these my brethren.’ He regards good done to these as done directly to Him. This will color every interaction we have with everyone we encounter regardless of their station or status. The least of His brethren are everywhere.  

Our Good and Kind God, 
we rejoice that Your people are everywhere we go. 
We praise You for every opportunity You provide for us 
to do good. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning