Helping The Poor

When Jesus said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40, ESV), He highlighted an essential Christian teaching about serving others, especially those in need. This passage speaks directly to our responsibility as believers to show compassion, generosity, and love—especially toward those who are marginalized or suffering.

Let’s dive deeper into this teaching, explore its connection to giving to the poor, and reflect on when we should and shouldn’t give, particularly within the context of the "household of faith" (our fellow believers).

1. Historical Context and Background (Matthew 25:31-46)

This passage is part of Jesus’ teaching on the Final Judgment, also known as the "Parable of the Sheep and the Goats." The scene begins with Jesus separating people into two groups: those who showed compassion to the needy (the sheep) and those who neglected to do so (the goats). The righteous are commended for feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and visiting prisoners. Jesus explains that whenever they did this for "the least of these"—the vulnerable and marginalized—they were actually serving Him.

Matthew’s Gospel was written around A.D. 70-80, likely by the apostle Matthew or one of his close followers. The Jewish-Christian audience of Matthew would have been familiar with the Old Testament’s strong emphasis on caring for the poor and needy (see Isaiah 58:6-7 and Deuteronomy 15:7-11), making this teaching of Jesus a continuation and fulfillment of those commands.

2. Passage Analysis

Theological Themes:

Judgment Based on Compassion: Jesus makes it clear that acts of compassion toward the poor, sick, and marginalized are central to the Christian life. Our faith must be expressed through tangible love and service to others.

Identification with the Marginalized: Jesus identifies Himself with "the least of these." This teaches us that when we serve others in need, we are serving Christ Himself.

Household of Faith and the Broader Community: There is a special emphasis on caring for fellow believers ("the least of these brothers and sisters of mine" often refers to Christians), but the call to serve extends beyond the church to all people in need.

3. Text and Analysis

Matthew 25:35-36 – "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me 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 specific acts of mercy that Jesus highlights. They are practical ways we are called to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others. Jesus ties these acts of service directly to Himself, showing that true love for God is inseparable from love for others.

Practical Application: Today, we are called to reflect on how we care for the poor, both within the church and outside of it. Do we see Christ in the face of those who are suffering? Opportunities to serve the hungry, homeless, and sick abound, both locally and globally. We should seek out ways to be generous, recognizing that in doing so, we honor Christ.

Matthew 25:40 – "And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’"

This verse emphasizes Jesus’ identification with those in need. The term "the least of these" refers to the vulnerable and marginalized in society, but particularly to fellow Christians in this context. Acts of kindness done in love are viewed as service to Christ Himself.

Practical Application: Every act of love and generosity toward someone in need is a direct act of worship toward Jesus. This elevates even small, seemingly insignificant acts of service to great spiritual importance. In our daily lives, we should be aware of those around us who need help and be proactive in meeting those needs.

Galatians 6:9-10 – "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

In this passage, Paul encourages believers to persevere in doing good, especially toward fellow Christians ("the household of faith"). This underscores that while we are called to love all people, there is a particular responsibility to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Practical Application: As members of the body of Christ, we must prioritize caring for one another. This doesn’t mean neglecting others outside the church, but we are called to first look after the needs within the faith community. Be mindful of those in your church or Christian community who are struggling financially, emotionally, or spiritually, and be quick to support them.

4. When Should We Give to the Poor?

1. Give When It Aligns with Genuine Need

In James 2:15-16, we’re warned about the emptiness of good intentions without action: “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”

When we see a genuine need and have the ability to meet it, we are called to act. This could be giving money, but it can also involve giving time, support, or resources like food, clothing, or even job training.

2. Give When It Glorifies God

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus teaches, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” When we give, it should be done with the right heart, aiming to honor God rather than seeking recognition for ourselves. Generosity is a reflection of God’s character, so giving should point back to Him.

3. Give with Discernment

While giving is encouraged, the Bible also calls for discernment. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul says, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” This addresses those who refuse to work despite being able-bodied. While we must care for the poor, we should not enable laziness or irresponsibility. It's essential to assess each situation and offer help in ways that empower people rather than creating dependency.

5. When Shouldn’t We Give?

1. When It Encourages Sinful Behavior

Supporting someone financially or emotionally should not enable sinful behavior. In cases where giving might fuel addiction, laziness, or harmful behavior, we should find alternative ways to help. For instance, rather than giving cash to someone struggling with substance abuse, offering food, clothing, or rehabilitation resources would be more beneficial.

2. When It Neglects Our Own Responsibilities

In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul writes, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” This shows the priority of caring for one’s own family before extending resources to others. While generosity is good, it should not come at the expense of neglecting one’s immediate family or financial responsibilities.

6. Preaching and Teaching

Four Sermon Points:

Jesus Identifies with the Least (Matthew 25:40) – When we serve others, we serve Christ. Acts of love toward the marginalized are acts of love toward Jesus. Application: Help the congregation see Jesus in the people they encounter who are in need and inspire them to take action.

The Priority of the Household of Faith (Galatians 6:10) – We are especially called to care for fellow believers. Our generosity should start within the Christian community and then extend outward. Application: Encourage believers to check in on those in their church who may be struggling and prioritize meeting those needs.

Giving with Discernment (2 Thessalonians 3:10) – We should give wisely, ensuring our generosity does not enable sinful behavior. Application: Teach discernment in giving, encouraging practical help that empowers and uplifts, rather than fosters dependency.

Love Expressed Through Action (James 2:15-16) – True faith is shown through action. Simply expressing good wishes without meeting practical needs is insufficient. Application: Challenge the congregation to take tangible steps to meet the needs of those around them, not just offer kind words.

7. Reference Scriptures

Isaiah 58:6-7 – This passage emphasizes God’s desire for justice, fasting, and care for the poor and oppressed, linking social action with spiritual devotion.

Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.” This reinforces the blessing and honor in helping the needy.

Acts 4:32-35 – The early church shared their resources, ensuring that no one in the community was in need, demonstrating the communal care expected within the household of faith.

8. Summary

In Jesus' teaching about "the least of these," we learn that our treatment of the poor and needy reflects our love for Christ. We should give generously, especially within the household of faith, while using discernment to ensure that our help is both responsible and empowering. Whether through financial support, acts of kindness, or other forms of aid, our love for others must be an extension of our love for God. The challenge is to always be ready to serve, with wisdom, compassion, and a heart centered on Christ.