Sabbath: The Least of These
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Read for This Week’s Study: Matt. 5:2-16, Matt. 5:38-48; Rom. 12:20-21; Luke 16:19-31; Luke 12:13-21; Matt. 25:31-46.
Memory Text: “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me’” (Matthew 25:40, NKJV).
After seeing that Jesus lived a life concerned about others, particularly those who were hurting and lost, we should expect that Jesus would also have a lot to say about care for others. He did.
Jesus’ teaching is practical, focused on what it means to live as a follower of God. As such, we can see that Jesus urges us toward acts of justice, kindness, and mercy, like those that Jesus Himself did while here on earth. If we follow His example, we will minister to others, as He did.
Jesus also talked about the kingdom of heaven. In Jesus’ description, the kingdom of heaven is a reality that we can be part of, even now. It is a way of life that functions with a different set of priorities and values and morals than are found in earthly kingdoms. Jesus’ teachings set out the blueprint for this kingdom, and it includes a strong focus on how we serve God and, in serving Him, how we are to relate to others. We also discover that serving others—caring for their needs and uplifting them—is one way in which we can directly offer service to God.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 24.
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I should have read ahead in the lessons last week because I think some of the comments I made then are more closely related to this week's study. However, we can live with that.
It is informative to read about the Kingdom of Heaven expressed in Jesus' kingdom parables in the context of the topic for this quarter. We often think of them as being about the truth of the Gospel but we forget sometimes that Gospel is of little value if we do not share it. It is not just finding the truth that is important but its sharing. And in this week's lesson it is appropriate to as ourselves the question; having received, found, and accepted the Gospel, what then?
If we have dug up the hidden treasure, bought the priceless pearl, found the lost coin, what do we do with them? Hoarding is not part of the Gospel and if we keep it to ourselves our rich treasure quickly depreciates in value.
This verse comes nearly at the end of the chapter. Read the whole chapter to understand this statement in its context and to have a better understanding of one perspective of "the least of these".
"...It is not just finding the truth that is important but its sharing..."
Along the lines of what you are saying Maurice, I would even push what you have said even further by saying that it is not just the finding the truth that is important but it is living out that truth.
You have previously referred to the phenomenon of 'mere mental ascent' which is reflective of seeing truth as something that is merely or primarily a 'doctrinal' system.
Jesus life and ministry demonstrated over and over and over that truth is something that is lived out in every aspect of everyday life. Truth is where the rubber hits the road. This is what is reflected in Jesus statement that He is the way, the truth and the life (Jn 14:6).
James 2:14-17 echoes this same concept when stating the inseparable connection between faith (what I believe to be true/truth) and works (how I live).
An extension of significance Phil.
You mentioned about faith and works. I was reading about the “Good Samaritan” story today. Another open eye for me. The Priest saw the man, crossed the road continues like it was not his business.
The Levite looked, stopped, crossed the road and went his way, not his business.
Samaritan- saw, looked, had compassion and helped someone in need although he was an enemy.
We see real faith and work working together. Many think they have faith by their work but it is when the rubber hits the road we realize how weak we are.
Missed you Phil, Welcome back!
Thank you for your kind expression Norma.
When I pray every morning, I thank God for the gifts that He gives me. God knows my needs and is willing to hear my prayer. I pray for Gods presence thru-out the day. When I have a difficult task to complete, times of trouble, I pray for God to lead and help. Never forget God!
hallo brother Maurice,am Victor from Kenya,am soo moved by your tackle on this,may GOD guide us all to do as per HIS will.AMEN
If we have dug up the hidden treasure, bought the priceless pearl, found the lost coin, what do we do then? Cast the net, even if we have to wade out into deeper water. Matthew 13:47. I do believe that casting the net is preaching the Gospel. Preaching could be lecturing, sharing your experience with the Gospel, letting your light so shine before men, teaching cradle roll and pathfinders, and even pushing buttons(IT person)at a CHIP seminar, as long as you are ready to share what Christ has done for you.
what exactly does Jesus mean by “the least of these”?
It’s often assumed that “the least of these” are society’s poor and downtrodden, and that, by implication, Jesus would have us support any program that aims to help hurting people.
The reference to “my brothers” cannot be a reference to all of suffering humanity. “Brother” is never used this way in the New Testament. The word always refers to a physical/blood brother or to the spiritual family of God.
Matthew 25 is about social justice in the sense that it is about caring for the needy. But the needy in view are fellow Christians, especially those who depend on our hospitality and generosity for their ministry. “The least of these” is not a blanket statement about the church’s responsibility to meet the needs of all the poor.
Again, this is no excuse to be indifferent toward the poor or unconcerned about hurting people.
In Matthew 25, Jesus is saying we who claim to be Christians are in big trouble if we are too embarrassed, too lazy, or too cowardly to support fellow Christians who depend on our assistance and suffer for the sake of the gospel.
Respectfully, the context of the passage references the final judgement the end of time. So it seems that the Christ identifies as his siblings all those who were in need, regardless of church membership status. This is in accord with the parable of the Samaritan and the robbed man on Jericho road, where the Christ answers the lawyer's question, “And who is my neighbor?” with the parable. (Luke 10:29.) The word “neighbour” is a contraction of the words “near brother”.
My bible says if I need to be like Jesus, I must imitate him.
First, I have to be connected to the Father like he did. But how do one get in contact with the father. One way is mentioned in Mark 1:35. Rising up early in the morning he went out and spoke to his father. If I must walk in his footsteps, I have to get up early before the hustle and bustle of life and communicate with my father. Present my will for the day to him, ask for the endowment of the Holy Spirit, for guidance, strengthen, love, a forgiving heart and faith.
As I face the challenge of the day I will able to overcome like Jesus. I will able to do the work as he did to take care of the suffering and offer hope in Jesus. Without him we can’t do anything. Our labor is in vain and we will faint in well doing.
One soul saved in the kingdom of God is of more value than all earthly riches. We are answerable to God for the souls of those with whom we are brought in contact, and the closer our connections with our fellow men, the greater our responsibility. We are one great brotherhood, and the welfare of our fellow men should be our great interest. We have not one moment to lose. If we have been careless in this manner, it is high time we were now in earnest to redeem the time, less the blood of souls be found on our garments. As children of God, none of us are excused from taking a part in the great work of Christ in the salvation of our fellow men. It will be a difficult work to overcome prejudice, and to convince the unbelieving that our efforts to help them are disinterested. But this should not hinder our labor. There is no precept in the word of God that tells us to do good to those only who appreciate and respond to our efforts, and to benefit those only who will thank us for it. God has sent us to work in His vineyard. It is our business to do all we can.—Life Sketches, pp. 206, 207. Our duty is to the whole world, not just the ones we come in contact with personally. It doesn’t matter if they are poor or rich, Christian or non-Christian. EVERY ONE IS YOUR BROTHER OR SISTER!