"What You Do for the Least of These, You Do for Me"

Good morning, family! I’m so excited to be here today, and I believe today’s message is one we all need to hear. It’s a topic that can hit home for all of us because it’s about something near and dear to Jesus' heart: serving and caring for the least of these.

Now, when I say “the least of these,” I’m not talking about the people who just barely scrape by on their daily to-do list—like that person who spends 20 minutes staring at the fridge deciding what to have for lunch. I’m talking about the poor, the sick, the marginalized, the hungry, the thirsty—the ones who are struggling, the ones we might be tempted to look past or ignore.

But here’s the thing: What we do for the least of these, we do for Jesus Himself. That’s right. Jesus told us that when we take care of the vulnerable, we’re serving Him. I know what you’re thinking, “Pastor Cris, do you mean that if I give someone a sandwich, I’m handing it to Jesus?” And the answer is: YES! In fact, in Matthew 25:40, Jesus makes this absolutely clear:

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

So, let's break this down, shall we? Let’s talk about what Jesus calls us to do as Christians and how we are meant to care for the less fortunate.

Jesus Calls Us to Serve the Least of These

When Jesus says, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me," He’s not just throwing out a suggestion. It’s a command—a calling. And no, it’s not just about tossing spare change in a jar and calling it a day. Jesus is calling us to a life of service.

It’s easy to give when it’s convenient. It’s easy to smile and help someone when they’ve got the same colored shoes as us or when we feel like we’ve got extra to give. But Jesus is telling us that true generosity, true service, happens when we give without expecting anything in return. It’s not about making sure our efforts get recognized or even thanked. It’s about doing it because we love God and love others.

Now, you might be thinking, “Pastor, I’m doing okay with helping when I can, but I can’t help everyone.” And I get that. You can’t fix every problem or solve every issue in the world. But guess what? God doesn't expect you to solve the world's problems. He just asks that you do something for the person right in front of you. It’s the small acts of kindness that make a big difference.

Our Duty to Provide for the Poor and the Sick

It’s easy to look at the person on the street corner and wonder what they did to end up there, but the truth is, Jesus calls us to show compassion and care, no matter their situation. Whether someone is poor, sick, or struggling in any way, we are to provide for them as an extension of God's love. Jesus didn’t ask for a checklist of qualifications before He would help someone. In fact, He spent a lot of time with people who were considered the “least” by society.

Remember in Matthew 25 when Jesus talks about separating the sheep from the goats? The sheep are those who fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and visited the sick. And guess what? Jesus says they did all these things to Him! Isn’t that wild? When we serve others, Jesus takes it personally.

That means when you bring a meal to a sick neighbor or donate to a food bank, you are not just meeting a need—you are worshiping Jesus in a very practical way.

The Kingdom of God Belongs to the Poor and the Vulnerable

Jesus often flipped our understanding of who would inherit the Kingdom of God. He didn’t say, “Blessed are the rich, the successful, and the powerful.” He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are the meek, blessed are the merciful.”

The poor and vulnerable are not second-class citizens in God’s eyes. In fact, the Kingdom of God belongs to them. It’s often the humble and broken who are closest to the heart of God. So when we serve the least of these, we’re partnering with God in His kingdom work on earth.

In fact, the poor, the sick, and the broken are not problems to be solved—they are the people who reflect the love of God in powerful ways. Serving them is not just an act of kindness; it’s a reflection of God’s heart for the world.

Don’t Wait for the “Right Time” to Serve

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “I’m just waiting for the right time to serve. I’ll get involved when things settle down.” Let me break it to you: The right time to serve is always NOW.

There’s no magic moment when everything aligns perfectly, when your schedule is wide open, and when you feel 100% ready. The work is urgent, and the opportunities to serve are right in front of us every single day. Whether it’s helping someone across the street, paying for someone’s coffee, or offering a listening ear, these small acts of kindness can have eternal impact.

And let's be honest: You don’t have to be perfect to serve. You don’t need to have it all together. You don’t have to be rich, educated, or have all the answers. God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called. So go ahead—start serving. God will give you everything you need.

The Power of Selflessness and Serving Others

As we serve the poor, the sick, and the hungry, we are stepping into Christ-likeness. Jesus, who had every right to be served, didn’t come to be served but to serve. He washed the feet of His disciples, healed the sick, and fed the hungry. His entire ministry was about selflessness and putting others before Himself.

So here’s the big idea: Serving others is not just about helping them—it’s about shaping our hearts to be more like Christ. It’s a powerful way to grow in humility and love.

In Conclusion: Serve the Least, Serve Jesus

Today, I want to leave you with this thought: When you give to the least of these, you’re giving to Jesus. And when we serve with a heart of love and selflessness, we reflect the very heart of God Himself. So let’s not wait for the perfect moment to serve, because today is the day.

I know we’re all busy, and sometimes it’s hard to see the immediate benefit of serving others, but I promise you this: When you do, you’re not just blessing the people around you—you’re storing up treasures in heaven and becoming more like Jesus every day.

Let’s pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us the ultimate example of service. Help us to see the opportunities to serve the least of these, and to do it with a heart full of love and compassion. Teach us to follow in Your footsteps and serve with humility and selflessness. May we reflect Your love to a world in desperate need. In Jesus' name, Amen.