Expert: Scott Talbot - 5/18/2008

Question
Can you help finding answers to the following questions on Matthew 25:31-46 (NIV)

1.    Who are the “least of these brothers of mine” Jesus refers to in verse 40 & 45?
2.   Jesus says people will be sent to heaven or hell based what they did during their lifetime (to the least of the brothers of His).  There is no mention of the necessity to accepting Him as saviour for entering heaven?  What do I have to understand on this?

Sincerely,
Lenin

Answer
Hi Lenin,

These are good questions. Let me see if I can help.

1. Who are "the least of these brothers of mine"? Based on the context, Jesus seems to be referring to anyone we meet who is in need. In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. This is in response to the question, "Who is my neighbor?" and tied in with the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." The answer, as illustrated by the parable, is this. Your neighbor is anyone you happen to encounter who has an obvious need. I think this is what Jesus had in mind when He referred to "the least of these brothers of mine."

2. Jesus' words seem to indicate that one will go to heaven or hell based upon their actions. This seems to contradict that salvation is "by grace through faith" (Ephesians 2:8), and "not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to His mercy" (Titus 3:5). However, as you examine the passage, you will see that Jesus is not teaching that one is saved based on his works. He is actually demonstrating that one's actions can be an outward sign of an inward reality. If one has true faith, and has been born again, his faith will be evident in his actions. See James 2:14-26, where James deals with this issue at length: "faith without works is dead."

I hope this helps. Feel free to write back.

Scott