Who would you define as “the least of these” spoken about in Scripture?  Would you say it is orphans and widows?  Is it a young girl caught up in human trafficking?  Is it the man in your neighborhood who lost his job years ago and is trying to find work to provide for his family?  Is it the single woman who lives next door and has no family in town? Or is it the man or woman standing at the top of the exit ramp holding a sign declaring them homeless and in need of food?
“The least of these” are all of the above and then some. I believe “the least of these” is anyone in need, period.  I don’t believe “the least of these” simply refers to widows and orphans because the Lord spoke about widows and orphans specifically throughout Scripture [Psalm 68:5, Isaiah 10:1-2, Malachi 3:5, 1 Timothy 5:3, 16, and  James 1:27].  Jesus gave some specific examples of those in need in Matthew 25:34-40, stating He would call those who cared for “the least of these” a part of Him, His family.

In our day to day chaos we call life, it is easy to get tunnel vision and fail to see those who are in need.  Many times we feel like we are hardly making ends meet ourselves, so what do we do?  We follow Peter’s example in Acts 3:1-11.  When he encountered the crippled man being carried to the temple gate, he responded this way, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”  Peter offered the man a healing prayer.  He paused long enough for the man to know Peter saw him.  He spoke to the man, acknowledging his plight and gave what he had to give.  Prayer doesn’t cost you anything, except your time.  A smile is free.  Hugs are always available.

What people need more than anything is to know that they matter; someone sees them.  Once they know you care you have a captive audience to share Jesus, which is the deepest need of all of us.  My education professor used to always say, “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”  No matter what you have monetarily to share with others, you always have something to give.  Ask the Lord to show you “the least of these” in your sphere of influence today.  When He does- and if you as Him, He’ll show you- share whatever the Lord has given you.  You’ll come away the most blessed of all.