The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25:40

When the Son of Man comes, all nations will be gathered before Him and He will separate the “sheep” from the “goats.” The sheep will be blessed by the Father and will receive the inheritance of the kingdom. The goats will be cursed and thrown into the eternal fire prepared for the devil.

Jesus further describes that the sheep, His own, will be the ones who took care of the sick, clothed the poor, and fed the hungry. Our actions truly reveal whether or not we are Christ’s own – the sheep of His pasture that hear and obey His voice. (John 10) Jesus taught the principles of “kingdom living” to His disciples, to those who had faith in Him. His words remind us today of the principles of kingdom living and the importance of our being obedient to them.

Kingdom living means we live for God and others and not for ourselves. It means that we are not self-motivated but God-motivated so that others can see Christ through us. I grieve to think of the people the Lord has called me to reach out to but I did not respond because my eyes were on self.

Our world is increasingly self-centered. As globalization spreads, the world that we live in shrinks. We are becoming more dependent worldwide on one another. Jesus came over 2,000 years ago with His message that the kingdom is near. He taught principles for kingdom living that highlighted His desire for us to care for the poor, the needy, and the destitute. He made it clear when we care for one another in need – the sick, the impoverished – we are serving our Lord.

Where has God called you to serve? Ministry means serving, and kingdom ministry means serving the “least of these.” Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you as you seek to serve others. As you serve Christ’s brothers you will be serving Him: I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.

Heavenly Father, Open my eyes to the needs around me. Where I have been blinded to the plight of the poor and needy, forgive me. Open my heart to serve, and help me to remember that as I look into their eyes, I will see You. In Jesus’ name, Amen