The Least of These
Matthew, one of the disciples of Jesus, recorded an interesting interaction between some men sent by John the Baptist. John was a messenger, who was predicted to come before the arrival of the Messiah. John started his ministry before Jesus publicly began teaching. In fact, Jesus was baptized by John who was actually his cousin. But after some time had passed following Jesus beginning His public ministry John was still wondering if Jesus really was the Messiah. So John sent some of his students to ask Jesus directly. Now, John is in prison with the Roman government at this point when he sent them. John had offended the leader of the province in which he lived by criticizing him and the particulars of his marriage.
Let’s take a look at the interaction from Matthew 11:
“Now while in prison, John heard about the works of Christ, and he sent word by his disciples, and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or are we to look for someone else?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: those who are blind receive sight and those who limp walk, those with leprosy are cleansed and those who are deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is any person who does not take offense at Me.””
Matthew 11:2-6
If any person would know who Jesus really is it would be John. They are cousins! But even John wrestled with it. But that isn’t the point of this particular article. It is the response of Jesus that needs to be emphasized.
Jesus is everyone’s favorite type of person. Anytime He is asked a Yes or No question He responds with mystery and enigma. He’s like the original Mr. Miyagi with Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid. Next, He is going to tell them to wax on and wax off. Jesus doesn’t just respond with a simple yes or no. Jesus gives evidence. He tells a story instead of a straight answer. Of course, the story IS the answer and a call to everyone who would follow Jesus in their life. The response Jesus offers John is that the very least of society are being given hope and healing. The least of these are receiving mercy and justice.
Jesus would continue this theme when He tells the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. Really, this story is one of judgment. It is not necessarily a parable. In the story, the King gathers all and separates them to the right and to the left much like a shepherd of the day might separate the flock between sheep and goats. He celebrates the ones on the right and casts out the ones on the left. The reason? It was not that the ones on the left did not read enough, go to church enough, or even pray enough. It was their lack of humble mercy given to the “least of these.” It brings to mind the prophet Micah reminding God’s people that what is good is to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). The test of faith is not found in deeds accomplished, but in the condition of the heart. A heart rightly focused on God will do those little unseen things to the least of these in the world around them. The marker of Jesus as Messiah was the help and healing given to the least of these. The mark of the believer should be the same.