The Least Of These

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

Last Sunday, my family had the privilege of working with our church to pass out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the homeless of downtown Boulder.  I call it a privilege because every time I serve people on the fringes of society, I come away feeling more blessed than those simple lunches could have possibly blessed.

My thirteen-year old daughter handed a brown paper bag lunch to a young teenage girl around her own age.  Their eyes met during the exchange and they both smiled.  Later while driving home, my daughter stared out the window, contemplating a while before stating “It must be scary to be homeless at night.”

When was the last time you stepped into another’s shoes and contemplated what it would be like to live where they live, to do what they do, and to have what they have? 

Jesus lived a humble life of service.  He was born in a stable, grew up in a poor family, and traveled with next to nothing.  While on earth, He fed the hungry and taught others to care for the poor, widows and orphans.  From heaven, Jesus calls us to serve “the least of these.”  When we feed the hungry or give a cold drink to the thirsty, we are humbly serving like Jesus did.  Our small acts of service align our hearts with Jesus’ heart.  Maybe that’s why mine was overflowing with love while handing out bag lunches.  Maybe that’s why my daughter’s heart was overflowing with compassion for a teenage girl living on the streets. 

Look around your city or town this week.  Who is in need or living on the fringe?  Who are call “the least of these” near your home or work?  Could you give them a bottle of cold water, a banana, a granola bar, a PB & J sandwich?  Remember that when you do, you are also giving to God.  Then… expect your heart to overflow with the same emotions Jesus experienced while He served the poor, the sick, and the outcasts.  

If you do feed someone hungry or give someone thirsty a drink, send me a quick note.  We’ll collect our “small acts of service” and I’ll share them so we can all celebrate Jesus’ presence still alive on earth today.

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