You Were Doing It to Me
Scripture
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
Matthew 25:34–40 (NLT)
Jesus shares this scene with His disciples as He teaches them about the Kingdom and what it will be like when it comes in its fullness. He describes a future moment when the Son of Man returns and separates people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. What distinguishes the two groups is not outward appearance, religious knowledge, or impressive spirituality, but the presence or absence of love. Real, tangible, practical love.
Jesus is not saying that we earn our way into God’s Kingdom by doing good deeds. Instead, He is showing us that those who truly belong to Him will naturally reflect His heart. The life of the Kingdom produces a certain kind of fruit, and that fruit often looks like compassion for the hurting, care for the overlooked, and generosity toward the poor and marginalized. It is love expressed in everyday actions, especially toward those who cannot offer anything in return.
And here is the part that should move our hearts. When we care for the hungry, the thirsty, the lonely, the sick, or the imprisoned, Jesus says we are doing it to Him. Not just for Him. To Him. The way we love the least is the way we love Christ. Centuries ago, John Chrysostom pressed this truth on his congregation in Antioch, warning them not to honor Christ inside the church while ignoring Him on the street.
“Do you want to honor Christ’s body? Then do not scorn Him in His nakedness, nor honor Him here in the church with silken garments while neglecting Him outside where He is cold and naked.”¹
- John Chrysostom
The timing of this passage is especially fitting for us. As we move toward Thanksgiving and then Christmas, our hearts naturally turn toward gratitude and giving. But followers of Jesus aren’t called to seasonal compassion. We’re called to a lifestyle of generosity, hospitality, and mercy. So let this season remind you of what should be true all year long. Don’t just honor Christ in worship. Look for Him in the people who need encouragement, care, or a simple act of kindness, and love them well, because in doing so, you are loving Jesus Himself.
Reflection
- Who around you is in need of compassion or support, and how might you show Christ’s love to them this week?
- How has Jesus cared for you in your times of weakness, and how can that shape the way you care for others?
- What step can you take this season to love someone you might normally overlook?
Prayer
Ask the Lord to fill your heart with His compassion and to open your eyes to those who need His love today. Pray for the courage and generosity to serve the least of these as if you were serving Christ Himself.
Footnote
¹ John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, Homily 50.3–4.
