When Politics Forgets People: Remembering the Least of These


"Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ - Matthew 25:37-40 (ESV)

As our nation continues to debate — or worse, play the blame game — over the current government shutdown (as of 11/4), I want to remind my fellow Christian siblings that a Christ-focused nation would take to heart the words of Jesus in Matthew 25.

Jesus gave His disciples — then and now — a clear call to care for the oppressed, the marginalized, the hungry, the immigrant, and even those we might see as enemies. In the Sermon on the Mount, He introduced a counter-cultural kingdom built on loving God in a way that always shows up as love for our neighbor.

I’m not advocating for a Christian theocracy — our nation was built on freedom of religion for everyone. But for those who insist that their mission is to “make America a Christian nation,” I would simply plead that you follow Jesus’ model when shaping policies. Not the false gospel of Christian Nationalism that mirrors the Pharisees more than the Gospel Jesus preached — a Gospel of reconciliation, humility, and welcome.

I typically work hard to avoid appearing partisan. As I’ve said before, Jesus was political but never partisan. But —at the risk of sounding like I’m breaking that rule— I want to challenge those currently in power to do some soul-searching. Let’s not hold the most vulnerable people in our society hostage. The funds already exist to support the program in question without additional votes. And only the executive branch can ensure those funds are used as intended.

This isn’t the way of Jesus.

Following the “Messy Middle” isn’t easy. But it always means choosing to care for the least of these — without conditions.

We must take a stand as His disciples so the world can clearly see the love, compassion, mercy, and grace of the Gospel. The world is watching as some harm others in the name of Christianity. Now is the time for those who understand Jesus’ true call to raise our voices — on behalf of the hungry, the hurting, and the ostracized.

 

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