The “least of these” is a phrase that originates from Matthew 25:31-46 where Jesus speaks of those in need.

It refers to those in a variety of needy situations. It includes the hungry, thirsty, impoverished, sick, and imprisoned. In this context, He is speaking to those on His right, that is, the righteous. The needy are called Christ’s “brothers”; thus, the reference is to the righteous helping fellow disciples. He said that those who cared for such individuals were not merely serving other people. They were serving Him.

Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? And when did we see You a stranger and welcome You, or naked and clothe You? And when did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me.’”

In the same passage, the opposite is also noted. The narrative concludes with Jesus condemning those who saw believers in need and yet did not help. He says, “For I was hungry, and you gave me no food, I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger, and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’

Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’”

So, think about this the next time you see the man or woman on the corner, or on the side of the road begging. It is not up to you to decide what they are going to do with what you give. Those whose lives are marked by apathy toward the needy show they have not been transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ.

God has always shown a special concern for the poor and needy. It should come as no surprise that He expects His followers to do the same.  Sadly, you do not get an out of jail “free card” if you are an attorney, citizen, coach, judge, or politician. What is surprising about the “least of these” is that our service is ultimately not to the poor, but to Christ Himself.

I grew up watching cowboy movies and I still like to watch them because there is always something said that is catchy that you can use to prove a point. This comes to mind, “If You get two dogs to fighting, it is easy to steal their bone. Watch the news very carefully and see if you can pick out the plot. They get the 99% fighting with each other, and they continue to steal their bones. As a matter of fact, we aid and albeit.