Mustard Seed Daily Devotions
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The Least of These

In the Word

[Jesus says,] “‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me’” (Matthew 25:35–36).

Of the Word

“‘… whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:40b).

Who did Jesus mean by the least of these? When you work at the community pantry, feed the hungry, or bake cookies for vacation Bible school, you are serving the least of these. When you pour cold water for your toddler, aged parent, or nursing home resident, you are serving the least of these. When you donate time and money at the homeless shelter or the pregnancy center, you are serving the least of these.

When you volunteer your time at the local thrift shop or when you make warm quilts for the needy, you are serving the least of these. When you send a card, make a hospital call, or sit with a dying friend, you are serving the least of these. When you mark Bibles for prisoners or pray for those who are incarcerated, you are serving the least of these.

Serving the least of these may be no more than lending a hand, giving a smile, or sharing a burden. The service is a heartfelt response to the love Jesus has poured on us.

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me to look for opportunities to serve others. Help me to remember that my service is actually a gift to You and a response to the love You have given to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


Mustard Seed: Living as a Woman in Mission. Author: Myrna Lou Meyer. 6/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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