Matthew 25:38

Matthew 25:38 is a question posed by the "sheep" (the righteous) in Jesus' Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, a powerful illustration of the final judgment. In this verse, those who are being commended by the King express their surprise, asking when they ever saw Him in need – as a stranger, or naked – and offered Him aid. This highlights their genuine humility and the selfless nature of their acts of compassion.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' eschatological discourse, specifically the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, found in Matthew 25:31-46. Preceding this, Jesus describes how the King will separate people into two groups, like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The "sheep" are praised for their acts of mercy towards "the least of these," which Jesus identifies as acts done directly to Himself. The question in verse 38, along with its parallel in Matthew 25:39, reveals the righteous individuals' unawareness that their service to the needy was, in fact, service to Christ Himself.

Key Themes

• Unconscious Service: The righteous performed acts of kindness not with the explicit intention of serving Jesus directly, but out of genuine compassion for others. This emphasizes that true faith often manifests through selfless deeds, done without seeking recognition or direct reward from God.
• Identification with the Needy: Jesus profoundly identifies Himself with the most vulnerable members of society. His declaration in Matthew 25:40, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me," is central to the parable's message.
• Humility of the Righteous: The question itself, "When saw we thee...?", demonstrates the humility of those being blessed. They did not perform these acts for commendation, indicating that their righteousness was a natural outflow of their transformed hearts, not a calculated effort to earn favor.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "took [thee] in" reflects the significant cultural value of hospitality in the ancient world. To "take in" a stranger (`ξένος - xenos`) meant to welcome them, provide shelter, food, and protection, often without expectation of return. The term "naked" (`γυμνός - gymnos`) typically referred not to complete nudity, but to being poorly clothed, ill-clad, or lacking adequate covering, signifying extreme poverty or vulnerability.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our service to humanity is, in essence, our service to God. It challenges believers to see beyond the immediate person in need and recognize Christ in the hungry, the stranger, the sick, and the imprisoned. It encourages a lifestyle of proactive compassion and generosity, not as a means to earn salvation, but as an authentic and spontaneous expression of love for God and neighbor. Our everyday acts of kindness, no matter how small or unnoticed by others, hold profound significance in the eyes of the King.