Putting the upside-down kingdom into practice - Olaina o le malo fefulisa’i

Scripture Focus: Mataio 25:31-46

“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in. I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink? When did we see you as a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?’ “The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you didn’t give me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink; I was a stranger, and you didn’t take me in; naked, and you didn’t clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ “Then they will also answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn’t help you?’ “Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you didn’t do it to one of the least of these, you didn’t do it to me.’ These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
- Matthew 25:31-46 (WEB)

Study:

This passage paints a startling picture of judgment. It’s not about theological debates or religious rituals, but about how we treat those in need. Jesus identifies himself *with* the vulnerable – the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, and imprisoned. The shocking part is that the righteous are surprised when Jesus reveals he was present in these people all along! This highlights a core truth of the Christian faith: our love for God is inextricably linked to our love for others. The criteria for entering eternal life aren’t based on proclaimed belief, but on demonstrated compassion. The goats, those who failed to notice and respond to Christ in the least of these, are separated and face eternal consequences. This parable powerfully illustrates that what we *do* is evidence of what we believe.

Application:

Often, we seek God in grand and spectacular events, but this passage suggests we find Him in the everyday struggles of those around us. It challenges us to actively *look* for opportunities to serve. How often do we pass by someone in need without offering assistance, claiming we are too busy, or assuming someone else will help? This isn't just about grand gestures; it’s about small acts of kindness, a listening ear, a helping hand. The kingdom of God is “upside-down” because it values the marginalized and sees the divine in the forgotten. Practicing this means consciously shifting our perspective and prioritizing compassion in our daily lives, recognizing Jesus in every person.

Reflection Questions:

• In what ways might I be unknowingly neglecting “the least of these” in my daily life?
• What excuse do I frequently use to avoid helping someone in need?
• How can I intentionally seek out opportunities to serve others this week?
• What does it mean to truly ‘see’ Jesus in those who are suffering?

Prayer:

Lord, open our eyes to see you in those around us who are hurting. Give us the courage to reach out with compassion and the willingness to serve, not for recognition, but because of our love for you. Help us to live out your upside-down kingdom, prioritizing the needs of the vulnerable and reflecting your love to the world. Amen.

Tags: Matthew 25, compassion, service, kingdom of God, judgment, the least of these, Christian living, discipleship, love, mercy