The Least of These

“And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ Matthew 25:40 (HCSB)

A penny is not worth much these days, is it? It has the least value of all our currency. There isn’t anything I can think of that you can purchase for even a few pennies, let alone a single one. When someone drops a penny, and it rolls away, it is not uncommon for it to stay wherever it finally comes to a stop. Even if people notice a penny on the ground, most won’t stop to pick it up. It’s not worth the energy it would take to chase it down. It’s just a penny.

And yet, have you ever been one penny short at the checkout line? Suddenly, in that situation, that penny’s value seems increased! I had a check to cash recently. It was for the amount of $12.99. Although I wanted to cash the check, I didn’t really want ninety-nine cents of change to jangle around in my wallet! So, I searched for a penny to give the bank cashier with my check. On that day, I was very glad to have that extra penny with me. Even a penny - the least of our currency - does hold value if we have the right perspective.

In Matthew 25, Jesus was teaching about the coming kingdom of God. He told the parable of the ten virgins who were not all prepared with lamp oil when the bridegroom came. He told the parable of the talents about the servants who used their talents to gain an increase while their master was away. And then he tells the parable of the sheep and the goats. In this parable, he commends the “sheep” for good deeds done to Him -- they gave him food, drink, clothing, shelter, care during illness, and company when He was in prison. But these “sheep” were confused, asking when did they ever do those things for Him?

Jesus’ answer was our verse above: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” He then reprimands the goats for not doing the same things.

There are many people whom our world labels “the least.” They are all around us every day. Those who live in poverty, who are uneducated, who struggle with addiction, who have made and continue to make poor choices in their lives. Those who suffer with mental illness, poor health, or disability. You can probably think of others, as well. They are outcast and ignored in many cases. And sometimes “the least of these” are the children who are living with adults in these situations. Children who are in our schools every day.

These who are considered “the least” by the world are still very valuable to God. Jesus said that when we serve these people, we are serving Him. And when we ignore them and their needs, it is as if we are ignoring Jesus Himself.

Ouch! I have to admit, I am sitting here evaluating my own responses to these situations, and I’m not getting an A+. I know there are many of you, however, who probably do this far better than I. You notice a need -- Johnny’s coat is too small; Susie’s shoes are worn out; Billy needs socks; Jane can’t seem to get enough to eat at lunch; a coworker is ill or lonely; etc. -- and you do something about it. That pleases God very much! Well done! Keep up the good work!

But I think I need a reminder to value and serve the least of these. So I’m going to keep a penny on my desk at school. Maybe if you see it when you come to my room, you can ask me how I’m doing in my efforts to remember to serve “the least of these.”

Father God, help us to be mindful of the needs of those around us. Help us to pay attention so that we can notice those needs. And help us to find ways to help those around us in a way that pleases You.

For small groups:
Share about a time when you were impacted by someone meeting a need for you.
Discuss ways to meet needs in your school or community together as a group.