Matthew 25 - The least of these and virgins

[Comotto]

How does "...the least of these..." and virgins apply to the recent " s...hole " comment?

It seems consensus would have ' the least ' be Christians, so Mother Theresa was incorrect ministering to the " s..holes ". Then how do you reconcile Jesus' concern for the Samaritan women?

Do we turn our backs on the unready and unvigilant and only be concerned with our own preparedness?

Discuss

CARZ

[Sstavix]

I think one important thing to keep in mind is that Jesus was giving instructions to each one of us - or at least those who wish to take upon themselves the title of "Christian." It is up to us to attend to the poor, the hurt and hurting, and those who need us to step in to represent Him. We should not expect or rely upon the government to do this, and I think it's prudent to consider Christ's admonition to "render unto Caesar" not just taxes, but our salvation.

We should not expect the government to serve as our moral authority. I would even go as far as say we can't rely on the government to function in a moral fashion. The example that Jesus Christ was for us to follow as individuals, and we should always strive to do the right, moral thing regardless of what "Caesar" rules.

Even if that "Caesar" is a multi-millionaire real estate tycoon. I think it should go without saying that Donald Trump is not Jesus Christ.

[ccgr]

I agree with SStavix

[Comotto]

I agree with SStavix

Did he say we are to help the least of the Christians or the least of humanity?

CARZ

[ccgr]

I took it as anyone in need

[Sstavix]

I took it as anyone in need

Exactly. That's why Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan. We should do whatever we can to help those around us.

Also take note, I use "we" as individuals, not "we" as in the government, or our society, or even our churches. I resoundly reject the notion of collective salvation. We will be judged as individuals, and not by the actions of other people.

[Comotto]

I took it as anyone in need

Exactly. That's why Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan. We should do whatever we can to help those around us.

Also take note, I use "we" as individuals, not "we" as in the government, or our society, or even our churches. I resoundly reject the notion of collective salvation. We will be judged as individuals, and not by the actions of other people.

As per your request, I will not post the exact references, but researching the subject matter with your browser will return a number of bible websites that maintain the context to be ' the least of my brethren or brothers ' which means only other Christians.

CARZ

[Sstavix]

As per your request, I will not post the exact references, but researching the subject matter with your browser will return a number of bible websites that maintain the context to be ' the least of my brethren or brothers ' which means only other Christians.

You did bring up the example of Mother Teresa though, which I think is a good example for this discussion. She traveled to Calcutta because God called her to help people in need there - and there are a lot of people in need there. But would she be so greatly revered - even a candidate for sainthood - if she turned people away simply because they were not Christians?

I would say that the authors of these other Bible websites need to go back and read their Bibles again, and especially ponder Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan. Because if their stance is that they, as Christians, should ignore other people simply because they are not brethren in their faith, then they are also ignoring the example that Christ gave us.

[Comotto]

As per your request, I will not post the exact references, but researching the subject matter with your browser will return a number of bible websites that maintain the context to be ' the least of my brethren or brothers ' which means only other Christians.

You did bring up the example of Mother Teresa though, which I think is a good example for this discussion. She traveled to Calcutta because God called her to help people in need there - and there are a lot of people in need there. But would she be so greatly revered - even a candidate for sainthood - if she turned people away simply because they were not Christians?

I would say that the authors of these other Bible websites need to go back and read their Bibles again, and especially ponder Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan. Because if their stance is that they, as Christians, should ignore other people simply because they are not brethren in their faith, then they are also ignoring the example that Christ gave us.

Agreed.

CARZ

[J.K. Riki]

We should not expect the government to serve as our moral authority.

Well said! I've been watching so many people put their hope and faith into politics lately, like if we JUST manage to perfect that human system then everything will suddenly be okay. It's a beautiful thing to remember the individuality of God's calling, and how it doesn't matter what anyone around us is (or isn't) doing, we still have our own Will to align with His.