Monday 21 July 2008
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me'." (v.37-40)
Background
This is the final parable in Matthew's Gospel. It is placed justbefore Jesus' arrest, trial and crucifixion. I don't think that isaccidental. This is a powerfully evocative picture of judgement forthe nations who stand before the throne of God.
We do have to make an effort to enter a world of absolute rulers.It is not our world. Rather, it is a place where the word of oneperson can literally bring life or death. Here power is vested notin law or rules but in personal whim. It can be an uncomfortableplace to be.
However, this ruler is the judge of all the earth and is consistentand fair. But the righteous in the story seem to struggle tounderstand when they did right. Some who heard the story would havethought they knew why the righteous had been chosen. They wouldremember and rehearse the teachings of the Law and realise that thereason why the ruler judges in this way can be found inScripture.
This story seems to criticise those who believe that being infavour with God is not about what you do but the way you do it. Itis critical of those who see ritual, rather than action, as whatGod wants from us.
To Ponder
If this parable is addressed to the nations, howdoes our nation measure up to what God requires?
When I first wrestled with this story as a youngman it transformed my understanding of the Christian faith I wasstruggling to find. What part(s) of this story help you in yourspiritual journey?