But the angel said to them, ‘“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10

Devotion

Wait a minute—all the people? Really?

Yes. From the greatest to the least.

If it’s been a while since you read it—or if you mostly recall the flannelgraph version with sheep, goats, and a king—take a moment to revisit Matthew 25:31–46.

Here’s a quick recap: Jesus arrives in glory, surrounded by all his angels, and takes his seat on the throne. Before him stands the full gathering of all the nations. He separates the people—sheep to his right, goats to his left.

To those on his right he says, “Come, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” And then he explains why: I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you welcomed me. I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.

These are the righteous ones—and here’s the surprising part—they didn’t even realize they were serving Jesus. They just cared for those in need. And in doing so, they cared for Christ himself.

Isn’t that just like Jesus? To identify so deeply with the hungry, the sick, the imprisoned, and the outcast that he says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

So, who are the “least of these”? According to the list: the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned. Those we often mistrust or judge. Those we suspect are in a hard place because of their own choices. In short—those we think we’re better than.

But what if Jesus meant more than just these categories? What if “the least” includes anyone we instinctively feel a little superior to?

It might be the neighbor whose yard is overgrown. Or the family that seems so different from yours. Or the person speaking another language at the grocery store. Or the one who votes for the “other” party.

What if loving them is loving Jesus?

Now take it one step further. What if “the least” also includes the goats—the ones on Jesus’ left? We often assume they’re the hard-hearted, the rebellious, the outsiders. But if we find ourselves saying, “At least I’m not like them,” then we’re not just missing the point—we might be missing Jesus himself. Because if loving them is loving him … maybe there’s still hope for a few goats to become sheep.

PRAYER

Search my heart, O Lord. Show me the places where pride or fear keep me from loving others as you do. Teach me to bring your love to all those around me—from the greatest to the least. Amen.

Skip McKinstry
Spiritual Formation Team

Practice

With God’s help, prayerfully make a list of people you may view—consciously or not—as “less than” you. Ask your heavenly Father for forgiveness. Then take the first step toward love: begin praying for their good, for their peace, for their joy.

Read More Devotions

Explore other devotions like this one any time at crossings.church/devotions.