The Least of These | Lent Devotional Day 23

Exploring the Meaning of Jesus’ Death
March 12, 2026
Written by Adam Baker

The Least of These

Scripture:

Matthew 25:34-40

“Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who will receive good things from my Father. Inherit the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world began. I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.’

“Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘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 welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

“Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’” (Matthew 25:34-40)

Reflection:

When Jesus talks about “the least of these” in Matthew 25:40, some may be tempted to get hung up on the gendered language in the latter half of the verse, but I’d encourage you to not allow that to hold this at a distance.
 
The Greek word translated here as “brothers and sisters” is αδελφος (adelphos), and can be understood to refer to those with whom you share a connected relationship - almost like you’re part of a family, or that you’re a group of people with shared roots. This Bible passage does not ignore or erase people who identify as queer, trans, non-binary, or otherwise gender-expansive. Indeed, in the 25th chapter of Matthew, Jesus is talking about the vital importance of caring for anyone - no matter their identity - who are a part of the people he loves.
 
Jesus is drawing a bold line in the sand, explaining that how we care for those at the margins defines whether or not we truly know him, and whether or not he will truly know us. Here, salvation isn’t determined by a safe list of right beliefs that I can check off one at a time, or use to determine whether or not someone else is in or out. Instead, Jesus queers our understanding of both who he is and how we love him. Here, Jesus is the marginalized person, and to know and be known by him, the goal isn’t checking off a right list of beliefs. Instead, we must learn the needs of the marginalized and offer love in the ways they need. In order to do this, we must be in a real relationship with marginalized people.

If you don’t identify as LGBTQIA+, when was the last time you listened to a LGBTQIA+ friend or family member, trying to understand how they’re experiencing the world and how you can support them? If you identify as LGBTQIA+, how have you helped others to feel safe enough to be out and honest about who they are, what they fear, and what they hope for? Consider reaching out in care today.

Prayer:
 
Jesus, help me to find, serve, and love you in other people, especially those whom I least expect. I may need your Holy Spirit to do more than nudge me, as I can be stubborn and short-sighted, so please present me with opportunities to meet you in those who are at the margins. Help me not to assume that I know what they need, but rather, render me curious. I want to be someone whom you know and welcome, and so please turn my tendencies on their head. Make me able to know and welcome you in those who live their lives at the edges, for that is always where you are.

Amen.

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