Seeing Jesus in the Least of These
Today’s Verse:
Matthew 25:40 ESV
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.’
Lent is a season of introspection, when we turn our hearts towards Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. We are called to examine our lives, repent, and seek a deeper connection with our Savior. During this journey, Matthew 25:40 shines a bright light on a critical aspect of our faith: seeing Christ in the “least of these.”
In Lent, we often focus on our struggles. But Jesus reminds us that true faith is not just about inward reflection; it’s also about outward action. It’s about recognizing the face of Jesus in those who are suffering, marginalized, and in need.
Think about the “least of these” in our world today: the hungry, the homeless, the lonely, the forgotten. These are real people, created in God’s image, bearing the burdens of life.
In his emphasis on grace through faith, Martin Luther also strongly believed in the importance of good works as a natural outflow of that faith. Our actions are not a means to earn salvation but a response to the grace we have already received.
During our Lenten walk, let us pray for eyes to see Jesus in the faces of those who need our help. Let us pray that our hearts are moved to compassion and our hands are ready to serve. Let us remember that every act of kindness, no matter how small, is an act of love toward our Lord.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious God, during this Lenten season, open our hearts to your presence in the world around us. Help us to see you in the faces of those who are suffering and in need. Give us the courage to step outside of our comfort zones and to serve others with compassion and love. Through the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ, may we learn to love as you have loved us. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
The photo above is licensed through Unsplash+