The Least of These

“…inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”

Matthew 25:40

She was pushing a stroller slowly across the parking lot of a package store, not an unusual pedestrian occurrence, as I drove back home from a few errands. I arrived home, prepared my children for their nap, and then left the house, heading to my dad’s office. As I passed a gas station, I realized that the same lady I observed earlier was still walking, and she had been walking for over three miles in the blazing sun with an older infant snoozing in the shade of the stroller’s cover. As a mother, my heart went out to her. I was so surprised to see her for the second time in one day. I considered stopping then, but felt unprepared for how to handle the situation. My skepticism and fear began taking over: What if she is offended? Do I even have cash on hand? What if she uses the money for the wrong thing? How much liability do I assume if I allow her into my vehicle? Soon, with all the indecision, I passed her. Just like all the other cars, I passed her too.

In Matthew 24-25, Jesus is on the Mount of Olives and, upon the prompting of His disciples, begins teaching them about signs of the end times. He explains the urgency for people to prepare their hearts for the coming of the King: “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44). He shares parables, some encouraging watchfulness for the coming of Christ and others emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in the waiting. In the parable of the talents, we hear the familiar phrase, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21, 23), offering praise and the hope of heaven to the servants who produced fruit from their labor. The servant who hid his talent in fear is sentenced severely. The money is taken away, and there are orders to “cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Fear not only prevented the servant from receiving a reward but also ensured serious punishment. Jesus shares these stories and themes with a thoroughness and intensity, as He knows His crucifixion is drawing near. He needs His disciples to understand the importance of readiness for Christ’s coming, which is a combination of watchfulness and preparedness. As I arrived at my father’s office, I could not get the lady with the stroller out of my mind. I decided to seek my father’s counsel about the situation, as his experience with benevolence far exceeds mine. He listened as I tearfully shared my burdened conscience, and then he jumped into action. My dad grabbed some cash, put it in an envelope, and said, “Let’s see if we can go find her.” We proceeded to drive up and down the road looking for this young woman; we prayed for her and discussed how we would handle the situation as we searched. Unfortunately, we did not find her.

Jesus calls us to intentionally show care to those hurting around us. He commands us to feed the hungry, take in the stranger, and visit the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:35). One of the most poignant portions of this chapter is Matthew 25:40: “…inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” When we use our time, effort, and resources to love the “least of these”, we are showing our love for Jesus.

As women, we must be wise and careful in how we care for those who cross our paths; let us create a culture in our homes and communities of being watchful for the “least of these” God places in our lives and prepare our hearts to serve others who so desperately need the light of the world.

My prayer is that one day I will see the lady with the stroller again, and this time I will be ready.