When entire years become “unprecedented,” and change capsizes our lives, do Jesus’ words ever become irrelevant? Not according to the writer of Psalm 33:11, who confidently declares, “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, and the plans of His heart from generation to generation.”
Change never takes God by surprise or alters His expectations of us—but understanding how to apply His instructions sometimes calls for special consideration. Thankfully, God’s everlasting Word brims with wisdom to help us navigate an ever-shifting world.
As we attempt to be considerate of others and compliant to authorities in an era of “social distancing,” what do we do with verses like Matthew 25:36 and 40? “…I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me… Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.”
AS YE HAVE DONE UNTO
If we’re honest, global pandemics aren’t the only excuses we use to avoid putting ourselves out there when we’re tired, overwhelmed, or just not in the right frame of mind. Sometimes, like Jesus’ disciples, we want to say, “Send the crowds away so they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves” (Matthew 14:15).
Jesus teaches that love looks for opportunities, not excuses. No matter what stage of life or circumstance makes us doubt our ability to serve the Lord like the saints He commends in Matthew 25, we can always find ways to minister.
- Reach out with encouraging words—emails, cards, phone calls, video chats. According to Proverbs 25:11, they can be a princely gift.
- Lend a listening ear and open heart. Sometimes what people need most—especially the sick, imprisoned, and isolated—is simply to be heard and seen (Proverbs 20:12).
- Get to know those around you and find out what their needs are (Philippians 2:4). Don’t be afraid to ask if you’re unsure! Notice who is unable to go out or has few friends or family members in the area. Ask experts and organizations what you can do to minister to those in prisons, hospitals, or assisted living establishments.
- Offer to pick up groceries or medicine, drop off food, or do yard work for those who struggle to do these things themselves (Galatians 6:2). Contact prison ministries for advice on sending letters, books, or care packages.
- Donate to ministries or organizations that serve people you are unable to personally reach (Hebrews 13:16).
- Pray over people and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can encourage them or meet needs in their lives (James 1:5).
- Share peace and kindness rather than dwelling on anxiety or strife in your interactions. A joyful spirit is good medicine for both you and those around you (Proverbs 17:22).
THE LEAST OF THESE MY BRETHREN
The sick, imprisoned, impoverished, and unknown—the people Jesus names in Matthew 25:31-46 are people with great needs, deep loneliness, and few allies. They are the overlooked and isolated, avoided and judged. They are people who cannot repay (Luke 14:21-24).
But Jesus doesn’t linger on “the least of these.” He also calls them, “brothers of Mine.”
It could be that He is emphasizing ministry first of all to fellow believers—and this should not be overlooked. We should know the Christians around us, be aware of their needs and eager to meet those needs. We are to be a loving family—this is the beauty and magnetism of true Christianity.
But I believe Jesus is also reminding us to minister with a spirit of absolute humility—not with false pity or patronization. Remember the correction He gave His disciples when they were arguing over who was the greatest. “He told them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me. And whoever welcomes Me welcomes Him who sent Me. For whoever is least among you—this one is great” (Luke 9:48).
Once again, our supreme example is Jesus Himself. Paul exhorts us in Philippians 2:5-8 to “Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.”
All quotations are from the Holman Christian Standard Bible.
