Matthew 25:44, commentary and pictures

When the King on the throne of glory sentences those on the left to everlasting fire for giving Him no food, drink, welcome, clothing or visitation in need, they answer by claiming they never saw Him hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick or in prison and failed to help Him. He counts Himself one with His needy suffering followers as His brethren, so what was left undone for the least of them was left undone for Him. Their surprised question shows they never recognized Him in the poor near them all their lives, because self-pleasing, self-indulgence and earthly cares blinded them to duty and kept Christ out of everyday character. Eternal destiny is decided by such neglect in the common incidents of life, not by great crimes committed but by good assigned and left undone, opportunities unused and abilities undeveloped, with works revealing whether faith was living. The present is therefore the time to serve Christ in suffering people by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, welcoming the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, caring for orphans, widows and missionaries, and using money, time and influence in self-denying love rather than pride and luxury.

Setting and Wording

The question is the answer of the goats set on the left hand when the Son of man comes in glory with all the holy angels, sits on the throne of His glory, and has all nations gathered before Him and separated as sheep from goats. At that final separation in the last days there are only two parties, one on the right and one on the left, the just and the unjust, the righteous and the unrighteous. After the King charges those on the left with giving Him no meat when hungry, no drink when thirsty, no welcome and lodging when a stranger, no clothing when naked, and no visitation when sick and in prison, and sentences them to depart into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels, they ask when they saw Him hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to Him. Their plea displays the character God does not accept and belongs to the words that decide forever the destiny of the two classes, to be studied by all who have ears to hear and intellect to comprehend as the education the soul must have, leading to the King's answer that neglect of one of the least was neglect of Him and to everlasting punishment for the wicked while the righteous enter life eternal. The condemned are surprised and profess to have done nothing particularly wrong, not conscious of failure because they had educated and trained themselves in the school of self-indulgence instead of bringing Christ into everyday life and interweaving Him into character. Those who lived to please and glorify self, wasted probationary time, did not deny self, were not obedient to His commandments, refused to come out from the world and form characters after His pattern, and did not love Him who died for them, reveal that they know nothing about Christ, have no part with Him, and could not enjoy life in His kingdom, so by not devoting their powers to God they lose heaven and eternal bliss and their portion is with unbelievers and they cannot be received into the kingdom.

The question belongs to the memorable discourse in Matthew 24 and 25, given shortly before entering Gethsemane to bear the sins of the world. In that parable the time of waiting and slumber is followed by the bridegroom's coming, and the response at that coming develops the principles of eternal justice revealed in the great day when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened and the dead are judged according to their works. The denunciation of God there is not confined to the most revolting crimes and actual open sins, but falls especially on neglecting to do what might and ought to have been done and was not done for lack of the moral qualifications Christ made every provision to place within reach of every sinner by clothing His divinity with humanity to bring moral power to fallen man. The question is the character of their works and whether His gift of His life to transform character and fit subjects for the kingdom and the royal family was accepted, as illustrated by the five foolish virgins who had lamps of truth but no oil of grace, no living connection with God and no saving faith, because they were not doers of His words. The chapter calls the present the time for using God-given abilities, opportunities and talents in self-denying service and zeal for the salvation of others, and church membership alone does not secure entrance into the kingdom, for people are accountable for how they use their opportunities and the Lord's talents.

The question belongs to the description of the day when Jesus will occupy the position of supreme Judge of heaven and earth. Seated upon the Father's throne, His decisions will allow no appeal. The scene is the reverse of His trial, where He stood surrounded and abused by a riotous mob; on that day He will come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, escorted by legions of angels, and will pronounce sentence upon His enemies, including that same accusing throng. That coming is preceded by signs and wonders in the heavens before the great sign of the coming of the Son of man. The separation of goats to the left and sheep to the right shows that not all are saved, though Christ draws every person and salvation is available to everyone who believes in Him as a personal Saviour.

Christ in Sufferers

Christ identifies Himself with His needy and suffering followers and expresses complete oneness with them, calling them His brethren, so that failure to minister to the least of them is failure to minister to Him and neglect of them is neglect of Him. That neglect is counted in the judgment according to works, and determines condemnation or reward by how people treat God's people and humanity on earth. The hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick and imprisoned disciples for whom the reckoning is made are those hated, persecuted, afflicted, driven from homes, brought to poverty, distressed by disease and privation, and cast into prison for His name, and in all who suffer for His name He is to be recognized, with ministering to them as to Christ as the evidence of discipleship.

The hungry and thirsty Christ was famishing in hovels and streets not far from bountifully spread tables. The stranger Christ was shut out by closed doors while well-furnished rooms stood unoccupied, with nowhere to lay His head. The naked Christ was destitute of comfortable apparel while wardrobes were filled with abundant changes bought with needlessly squandered means that could have been given to the needy. The sick Christ suffered while others enjoyed health, and the imprisoned Christ was cast by misfortune into prison and bound with fetters, with bowed spirit and loss of freedom and hope, while others roamed free. Those enjoying full tables, furnished rooms, abundant clothing, health and freedom leave Christ Himself unfed, unwelcomed, unclothed and unvisited when they leave the famishing unfed, close doors to the homeless, withhold clothing from the destitute, and leave the sick and bound in prison unvisited, making His case their own as if He were in person the very sufferer.

Christ was truly present in the needy because having become a member of the earthly family that men might become members of the heavenly family, He is Son of man and thus brother to every son and daughter of Adam. His love embraces the fallen, erring and sinful, Heaven regards His followers as brothers to sinners as well as to saints, and His plan makes no distinction between races but extends regard to the most lowly, holding men accountable for leaving the naked unclothed, the poor unfed, the destitute without relief, and the despised forsaken. He regards suffering people as His representatives on earth, identifies His interests with theirs and with fallen man, and feels their injury, injustice and oppression as His own. Pity, benevolence and every deed of kindness and mercy to uplift a fallen soul are accepted as done to Him, so that to open the door to His needy ones is to welcome Him and to welcome unseen angels.

Ignorance of theology and of the written law does not alter this reckoning, for even among the heathen those who cherish the spirit of kindness, befriend His servants even at peril of life, hear His voice in nature and do the things the law requires show the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts and are recognized as children of God.

Surprised Self-Excusing Answer

Those on the left answer their condemnation by asking when they ever saw him hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to him, claiming they never saw him in such need and failed to help him. Their question is the plea of those who failed to serve him in the least of his brethren and therefore failed to serve him, meeting the answer that neglect of the least was neglect of him and ending in everlasting punishment. Those condemned are surprised and do not think they have done anything particularly wrong.

The plea has no force and does not excuse them. Serving suffering people is serving Christ, and those who do not do good to others cannot expect to share in his kingdom. Jesus identifies himself with his suffering people and expresses complete oneness with his suffering disciples, making their case his own as if he were in person the very sufferer.

Their question shows surprise and that they did not recognize him in the person of his afflicted ones, though he had been near them in the poor throughout their lives. Neglect of people who were hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, or imprisoned was neglect of himself, and those who withhold help from people in need are accountable in the judgment. Their self-absorption and blindness kept them from seeing their duty to others. Self-absorption and lack of concern for others' needs blinded them to responsibility toward fellow human beings, instead of bringing him into everyday life and interweaving him into character. Caring for the hungry, homeless, afflicted, or otherwise in need is service to him, and neglecting them is neglecting him, with response affecting interest in his kingdom because precious souls are at stake.

They were not conscious of their failure because they had educated and trained themselves in the school of self-indulgence instead of devoting their powers to God, and by not devoting their powers to God they lost heaven and eternal bliss. Their lives were not hidden with him, and earthly concerns about food, drink, and clothing had become their chief preoccupation. Those who lived to please and glorify self, wasted probationary time, did not deny self, were not obedient to his commandments, refused to come out from the world and form characters after his pattern, and did not love him who died for them still claim they never saw him hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick or in prison and failed to minister to him.

Their question reveals that they know nothing about him, have no part with him, and could not enjoy life in his kingdom, and for that reason they are told to depart. Neglecting them means refusing fellowship with him, and at the judgment he disowns those who would not care for them. The condemned include those who had no respect for the men carrying the load, who would not help bear it but committed the grievous sin of criticizing and making misstatements while talking of great wisdom. That evil comes from self-worship, making self the center and exalting own capabilities, not knowing they were under the enemy's generalship learning harm while supposing good, with soured minds exerting a souring influence.

The excuse belongs to those who wear religion as a mask while following evil hearts without contemplating God's character or obeying his will, supposing God honors the rich and high positions with little regard for the poor, ignorant and afflicted. It belongs also to those who claim to keep God's commandments while lifting souls unto vanity and thinking themselves exalted in his favor. Neglecting the needy, turning a deaf ear to the oppressed, and speaking sharp, cutting words to those needing different treatment is hardness offending God daily, and the afflicted have claims upon sympathy with a right to expect help, comfort and Christlike love. Every such neglect is witnessed with astonishment by angels sent to see every suffering mortal, registered, heard by Christ stooping from his throne, and approved or condemned according to its nature. Those excluded will finally recognize that they failed to serve him when opportunity was past and lament that choice and consequences came too late to change. The day of God will reveal neglected duties, and selfish refusal to care can leave souls lost.

Judged by Neglect

Eternal destiny is decided by what was neglected to do for Christ in the person of the poor and the suffering, and all are judged in the last great day in accordance with what they have done. Neglect of hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick and imprisoned disciples — those hated, persecuted, afflicted, driven from homes, brought to poverty, distressed by disease and privation, and cast into prison for His name — counts as neglect of Him, and ministering to them as to Him is the evidence of discipleship that turns the decision. After the charge of giving no food, no drink, no lodging, no clothing and no visitation in sickness and prison, the condemned answer by asking when they ever saw Him in that need and failed to serve Him, and for that class the judgment is Depart.

Eternal reward or punishment is meted out according to what was done or not done day by day in the common incidents of life. What was not done to one of the least of His brethren was not done to Him, so those who lived to please and glorify self, wasted probationary time, did not deny self, were not obedient to His commandments and did not love Him who died for them cannot expect to share His kingdom. The final reward is measured by actions revealing love for Christ and for perishing people, not by profession alone, for Christ counts what is done — or left undone — for the needy as done — or left undone — for Himself.

The terrible punishment is not for great crimes committed but for neglecting the good assigned to do. The judgment calls attention not only to acts of wrongdoing but also to opportunities left unused and abilities left undeveloped, though the means of doing good were made available to everyone. The denunciation falls especially on neglecting to do what might and ought to have been done for lack of the moral qualifications placed within reach when divinity was clothed with humanity to bring moral power to fallen man. Every neglect of the needy poor, the orphan and the fatherless is neglect of Jesus in their person, including refusing to care for orphans, especially erring children who must be unlearned of evil and taught anew, taught self-control, pitied, taught and reformed, because it brings more work than is wanted and leaves little time to please self. Such ones placed in the way are blessings in disguise, yet refusal on that ground is the neglect condemned here.

How people treat God's people and humanity on earth determines condemnation or reward. Neglect of the least is equivalent to neglect of Christ Himself, and serving or neglecting the poor, afflicted, orphaned and widowed is treated as serving or neglecting Him. Missed opportunities to give practical care and devotion stand as evidence in the judgment. That judgment examines use of abilities, time, words, money and influence.

The description of the works by which the two classes are judged is the criterion for judgment, testing deeds at the final judgment when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened and the dead are judged according to their works. The question is the character of their works and whether His gift of His life to transform character and fit subjects for the kingdom and the royal family was accepted. Good works are the fruit of true faith and result from justification by faith, and do not arise apart from it. This is illustrated by the five foolish virgins who had lamps of truth but no oil of grace, no living connection with God and no saving faith, because they were not doers of His words.

Mere profession of faith does not count as genuine faith, but love shown through works does. Neglect of others is forgetfulness of the Saviour's claims. Even a small act done from love is valuable in heaven, accepted and rewarded by God.

Those who live for themselves and take no responsibility are condemned alongside those who actively do evil, even if they do not recognize their neglect as neglect of Him. Heaven is for those who work and deny themselves for Christ, not those who live to please themselves. When the King makes investigation, do-nothing, illiberal, selfish souls who took special care in loving and looking out for themselves will learn that heaven is for workers who denied themselves for His sake, and no provision is made for them.

These words decide forever the destiny of the two classes and are to be studied by all who have ears to hear and intellect to comprehend as the education the soul must have. Those who answer in this way, claiming they never saw Him hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick or in prison and failed to help Him, display a character God does not accept, and the plea has no force because He identifies Himself with His suffering people and makes their case His own. Their portion is with unbelievers in everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels, and they cannot be received into the kingdom, while the righteous enter life eternal.

Practical Claims Today

The question asked at the judgment makes practical care and generosity toward suffering people service to Christ Himself, for neglect of the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick and imprisoned is neglect of Him, and the needs of those who believe in Jesus and present truth give those with worldly possessions opportunity to show their relation to Christ before the final reckoning. Preparation to meet the Lord's expectation requires recognizing His humility and compassion, that though heaven's royal King and Priest He laid aside royal honors, took humanity and came as a poor child so no sinner could claim He did not know temptation and poverty, being tempted in every way yet without sin. This instruction is to be studied and compared with the life record, rebuking boasting and exposing self-sufficiency as fearfully dangerous because it makes Christ's words of no effect. Meeting its requirement means putting away boasting and all self-trust, walking humbly and obediently in Christ's footsteps in true faith, committing to the Saviour day by day and hour by hour and constantly receiving and imparting His grace.

The principle tests professed Christians in their use of entrusted money and property given to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and relieve want and distress, and failure to support destitute missionaries and foreign fields is judged as withholding aid from Christ. Those who use for self-gratification what was entrusted to them will be called to strict account for what they did with His money, cursed and commanded to depart and sent away into everlasting punishment, for their neglect of His needy ones whose cries have entered the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth is neglect of Christ Himself in the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick and imprisoned. Spending on pride, luxury, extravagant display, jewels, superfluous clothing and needless ornaments while the worthy poor, the afflicted, the widows and fatherless are left in pinching want for meager necessities, with no ears for cries of need and no eyes for the cold and almost naked around while weeping over imaginary sufferings, is counted as neglect of Christ who identifies His interest with suffering humanity. Position in this life and riches gained by clever schemes and sharp dealing bring no acceptance, because all tact, skill and money are His property and withholding them robs Him of glory; not feeding the hungry, not clothing the naked, neglecting the widow and fatherless crying in destitution, not drawing near in love to members of His family, and not using entrusted talents to relieve suffering and advance the gospel proves receivers but not producers, uncooperative and unfaithful stewards whose riches accumulated by withholding His money from the poor leave them poorest, with every act of oppression, double dealing and fraud registered, heavenly treasure and the soul lost, and themselves rejected.

Every neglect of the needy poor, the orphan and the fatherless is neglect of Jesus in their person, and the terrible punishment falls not for great crimes done but for what was not done. Refusing to care for orphans, especially erring children who must be unlearned of evil and taught anew, taught self-control, pitied, taught and reformed, because it brings more work than is wanted and leaves little time to please self, is the neglect condemned here, belonging to do-nothing, illiberal, selfish souls who take special care in loving and looking out for themselves and for whom no provision is made, since heaven is for workers who deny themselves for Christ's sake. Such ones placed in the way are blessings in disguise, and those left in degradation will bear witness against those who failed to help them. Passing by one in need to bestow favors on others simply because they are more pleasing insults Jesus Himself, for the afflicted ones needing sympathy and kindly acts were not recognized as Him. Passing by the afflicted while giving special attention to those who do not need or deserve it likewise insults Him, and the bruised and wounded and lame among God's people test the character of those who claim to be children of God, bringing condemnation rather than reward for partiality and neglect.

Failing to learn of needs and relieve them is failing to minister to Christ, so when those who have given to support God's work become too poor to meet their own necessities their gifts should be returned with additional help rather than left unrelieved. Those able to help owe practical care, love, sympathy and encouragement to the hungry, homeless and afflicted, because precious souls are at stake and response affects interest in Christ's kingdom. The plea exposes those wrapped in worldly matters and selfish interest who leave suffering saints close by their doors without care, sympathy and helpful hands, like those who pass by on the other side for fear of burden, and who profess willingness to do some great work yet refuse the common duties placed directly before them. God proves faith and profession by placing a suffering child before believers to test willingness and zeal, and failure to be faithful in that which is least forfeits the experience needed for close sympathy with Christ and evidences unfitness for higher trusts, for selfishness cannot dwell in a Christian heart and where self-love reigns Christ is not.

Seventh-day Adventists will be required to give excuse in the day of judgment for neglect of the Southern field left to wickedness and misery and hunger and nakedness, destitute of the knowledge of God. Each one has appointed work from God to meet that need, with powers of mind and body belonging to God and not to man for this purpose, so to seek to stop work begun there under God's direction from fear lest a call be made for means to sustain it is the failure to minister to Christ which the judgment condemns. Ministers will be asked what they have done for Christ, including seeking to bring those perishing in sin to understand and accept Jesus. Neglecting people nearby, including failing to share Scripture or pray with a neighbor and indifference to that neighbor's salvation, is a serious failure for which answer must be given.

A husband who brings children into the world and then forsakes his rightful wife, leaves her to bear the burden of support, robs her of means rightfully hers and makes no restitution has failed to minister to Christ, and God holds this neglect and robbery as a charge against him to be proclaimed in the ears of the assembled universe, with no chance to enter the kingdom without thorough conversion, repentance and payment of honest debts for wife and children. Treating a poor stranger ungenerously is likewise contrary to Christ's way, recorded in heaven and faced at the final judgment. Accountability also reaches harm done to others, as in driving the weak into danger, and impatience and unchristlike disposition that makes Christ's religion distasteful warns of loved ones lost when mercy fails at the final judgment. Those relying on self-serving, deceptive methods in God's service will find no place in His kingdom, for treatment of the afflicted reveals character and neglect brings answer and condemnation rather than reward.

Neglecting the needy, turning a deaf ear to the calls of the oppressed, and speaking sharp, cutting words to those who need different treatment is hardness of heart offending God daily. The afflicted have claims upon sympathy and interest and a right to expect help, comfort and Christlike love, and every neglect of God's suffering ones is written in the books of heaven as if shown to Christ Himself. Every church member must therefore closely examine heart and course of action to see if they are in harmony with the spirit and work of Jesus, lest standing before the Judge of all the earth such neglect keep the Lord from saying, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world.