Lesson 7 Review: Unto the Least of These

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “’ Then the King will say to those on His right hand, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”’” (Matthew 25:34, NKJV).

The least of these referred to by Jesus may be the strangers, the fatherless, and the widows. The equivalent in our day could be refugees, those without fathers and widows. As managers of God’s business, helping the poor is not just an option. It is following the example of Jesus and obeying His commands.

Why were the poor commonly looked down upon by unscrupulous officials?

They were looked down upon by unscrupulous officials such as tax collectors, those in business, and even their own neighbors because they thought that poverty was a curse from God and that their unfortunate condition must have been their own fault.

What is one of the greatest evidences of Jesus’ Messiahship?

Jesus’ love for the poor, is seen in how He answered John the Baptist’s question about Him as the Messiah (Matt. 11:1-6).

Why is it important that we understand prophecy?

Understanding prophecy is important to avoid false hopes. The religious leaders overlooked the prophecies that spoke of a suffering Messiah and misapplied those that pointed to His second coming, this led to disappointment and disbelief for some.

Why should we not look down upon the poor?

Jesus did not look down upon the poor, we ought not to either. “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27, NKJV).

Who are the “brothers” as written in Deuteronomy 15:11?

Though generally understood as fellow Israelites or fellow believers, we also think of them as worthy poor or “the least of these My brethren.”

What other ways can we treat those in need besides providing food?

“Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked” (Ps. 82:3, 4, NKJV).

What are some of the promises to those who help the needy?

“He who gives to the poor will never lack” (Prov. 28: 27, NKJV).

“The King who judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever” (Prov. 29:14, NKJV).

“Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble” (Ps. 41:1, NKJV).

What reason should make us help the needy?

One good reason why we should treat everyone equally, and offer help to the needy is because of the idea that Christ died for everyone, regardless of our sinfulness.

How did the Rich Young Ruler feel when Jesus told him to sell all he had and give to the poor and what does it mean?

He was sorrowful for he was very rich; he chose to rather trade eternity for his earthly possessions which will pass away with this world.

What lessons can we draw from the story of the Rich Young Ruler?

We sometimes worship our money, but money cannot buy peace and happiness. Sooner or later, we will all die leaving whatever wealth we had behind to face the prospect of eternity. “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:35-37).

What are the similarities and differences between Zacchaeus and the rich young ruler?

 Zacchaeus and the rich young ruler were rich, both wanted to see Jesus, and both wanted eternal life. But Zacchaeus said that he would give “half of my goods” (Luke 19:8) to the poor and Jesus accepted this gesture as a true conversion experience. The rich young ruler was asked to sell and give all he had to the poor most likely because his wealth became a god to him than it was to Zacchaeus but he went away sorrowful. Zacchaeus had his relationship with wealth under better control than the rich young ruler did.

What lessons can we draw from Zacchaeus’ conversion experience?

We are to be careful on how much influence wealth brings on us, we should not make a god of our wealth. ‘The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.’ (Luke 18:27). Zacchaeus, through the grace of God, a rich man could enter into the kingdom.

How did God Himself describe Job’s character?

‘ “…there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” ’ (Job 1:8, NKJV).

What other insights do we have into Job’s character?

He would not curse God and die as his wife taunted him to (Job 2:9, NKJV). Job’s words, “ ‘And I searched out the case that I did not know’ ” (Job 29:16, NKJV) means that He was proactive in seeking out needs and then acting on them.

What can we learn from Job’s attitude to the poor?

Do not wait for the poor to call your attention to their needs, we are to act like Job to search out and act on their needs.

In Conclusion,

We have an obligation to the poor and needy, we are to take it as a love commandment and not an option for our lives to help those in need. I pray that offer help to those in need as unto God so we can be accepted into the kingdom in Jesus’ name.