The "sheep" will then ask the Lord when they saw Him in this condition or did these things for Him, to which He will reply: "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me."
The "goats," on the other hand, will hear precisely the opposite. Jesus will tell them that they did not aid Him when He was in need. And when they ask Him how this can be, He will reply: "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me."
This passage is often recited to make the point that we need to care for the elderly, the sick, the poor, etc., and this is certainly true. However, there is another theme here that I want to stress, particularly in light of the debates that Christians often get into with one another and how often I've seen them condemn and slander one another, smug in their own perceived self-righteousness even as they spew venom at their brothers and sisters like spitting cobras.
The theme I want to emphasize is that Jesus makes it clear that He considers what is done to His people the same as if it were done to Him, and Matthew 25 makes it clear that a day of reckoning is coming on these matters. Believers need to let this sink in deeply. Sometimes, a brother or sister will be in the wrong, and depending on the circumstances we may have an obligation to step in and - lovingly - correct that person. But in all honesty I have to say that far too many Christians are too quick to don the black robes and start handing out judgment, and this is true even in situations where judgment is necessary and beneficial. Even if they may be correct in their assessment of the situation, their motives and attitudes are wrong. Notice what Paul said to the Galatians:
"Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted." - Galatians 6:1
Who is to do the restoring here? Those who are spiritual, meaning those who are Spirit-led. Those who are not Spirit-led should not be trying to correct anyone else because they're not right themselves. Jesus makes that clear in Matthew 7:
"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye." - Matthew 7:3-5
In any debate or discussion amongst other believers, Christians need to be aware of their motives and attitudes and ask what spirit is leading them to do or say whatever they are doing or saying to their brothers and sisters. The Lord loves all of His people. Each has been bought with His own blood and pain. Each is a joint heir with Him. Each is a member of His family, His own brother or sister in the Spirit.
Treat one another as sons and daughters of the King. And beware when you take aim at someone else, lest Christ see you as coming against Him as well.
