Seeing Jesus in the Least of These

Truly, I say to you, 

as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,

 you did it to me. 

Matthew 25:40

Lent is a season of self-examination and renewal, calling us to walk more closely with Christ. Today’s passage reminds us that our love for Jesus is revealed in how we treat the most vulnerable among us.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus makes a striking statement: when we serve others, we are serving Him. He identifies so closely with the hungry, the sick, the imprisoned, and the outcast that our response to them is our response to Him. This means that our faith is not just about words or rituals—it is about action, compassion, and love in practice.

Often, we justify withholding kindness, thinking someone is not “worthy” of our help. But Jesus never made such distinctions. He simply calls us to love as He loves. Whether it is offering a meal, listening to someone in pain, or giving our time to those who feel forgotten, each act of mercy is an encounter with Christ Himself.

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” Every person we encounter bears the image of God, and our treatment of them reflects our relationship with Christ. To love the least is to love Him.

This challenges us to ask: Do I truly see Christ in others? Lent is a time to remove the barriers of self-interest, pride, and indifference that keep us from loving as Jesus does.

Lenten Application

Practice Presence: Spend time with someone who feels invisible or forgotten.

Serve in Secret: Do an act of kindness for someone without seeking recognition.

Pray for Open Eyes: Ask God to help you see Jesus in those you encounter.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me to see You in the least of these. Give me a heart of compassion, a spirit of humility, and hands ready to serve. May my love for You be reflected in how I love others. Amen.