SEEING JESUS IN "THE LEAST OF THESE"

Matthew 25:31-46                                         06/21/2026

Today's Scripture comes from Matthew 25:31-46, one of Jesus' most powerful teachings about Christian discipleship and service.

In this passage, Jesus describes the day when the Son of Man comes in glory and gathers all nations before him. Like a shepherd separating sheep from goats, he separates people based on how they responded to those in need. To those on his right, he says, "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." The righteous are surprised and ask, "Lord, when did we see you?" Jesus answers, "Just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me." The central message is clear: when we show love, compassion, and care to those in need, we are serving Christ himself.

This passage teaches us a simple but powerful truth: how we treat others matters deeply to God. When we care for those who are struggling, we are serving Jesus.

Notice that Jesus does not ask about a person's achievements, wealth, or social status. Instead, he asks whether they cared for others. Faith is not merely something we believe; it is something we live out through love and service.

For this reason, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has embraced the Matthew 25 vision. The Matthew 25 invitation calls congregations to follow Jesus through active and compassionate discipleship. It encourages churches to focus on three areas:

Building Congregational Vitality/ Dismantling Structural Racism/ Eradicating Systemic Poverty

These are not simply church programs. They are gospel commitments rooted in Jesus' teaching and example.

Building congregational vitality means growing deeper in faith, worship, discipleship, prayer, and service. A vibrant church is one that continually seeks to follow Christ and participate in God's mission and evangelism.

Dismantling structural racism means recognizing the dignity and worth of every person created in God's image and working toward justice, reconciliation, and equality.

Eradicating systemic poverty means addressing both immediate needs and the larger conditions that contribute to poverty and hardship in our communities.

The Matthew 25 movement reminds us that the church does not exist only for itself. The church exists to participate in God's mission and evangelism, God’s love, justice, mercy, and compassion in the world.

One of the marks of a vital congregation is an outward focus. The church is not only a place where we gather for worship on Sundays and participate in church programs; it is also a place where we are equipped and sent into the community to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.

I believe we have seen this spirit at work in our congregation.

Last year, through our Stone Thursday Community, which is now our Stone Sunday Community, a vision emerged to help families with young children in Northern New York. That vision became the Northern New York Baby Pantry (nnybp.org).

Many families in our region struggle to afford basic baby necessities. The Northern New York Baby Pantry's primary ministry is distributing diapers to families in need.  While diapers may seem like simple items, they are a significant expense for many families. By providing diapers, the Baby Pantry helps reduce financial stress and supports the health and well-being of infants and young children.

This ministry reflects the heart of Matthew 25. It serves "the least of these" by caring for families facing economic hardship. It demonstrates Christ's love in practical and meaningful ways. It strengthens our connection with the community and offers hope to parents who may be struggling.

We hope and pray that the Northern New York Baby Pantry (nnybp.org) is not simply about providing diapers. It is about showing God's love, preserving human dignity, and reminding families that they are not alone. Through every diaper distributed, every volunteer hour given, and every donation received, we bear witness to the compassion of Jesus Christ.

As a Matthew 25 congregation, we are called not only to be centered on worship but also to serve Christ in our neighbors. Every act of kindness becomes an opportunity to reflect God's love to the world.

Today, we have the opportunity to learn more about this ministry.

I would like to invite Hannah to come forward and share the Northern New York Baby Pantry. This ministry was launched a month ago and is ready to serve families throughout our community. The Baby Pantry is now able to receive donations and continues to seek volunteers and supporters.

As you listen, I encourage you to prayerfully consider how God might be calling you to participate—through prayer, volunteering, donating diapers, or financial gifts, or helping spread the word about this important ministry.

May God continue to strengthen our church as a Matthew 25 congregation, faithfully serving Christ by serving our neighbors, and bringing hope, compassion, and dignity to those in need.

Thanks be to God. Amen.