Definition: And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 25:40. It’s a really important and profound statement about God’s judgment and our responsibility to love others. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that God will judge us based on how we treat the least of his children . It’s not just about being nice, it’s about genuine kindness and care for those who are struggling or vulnerable. Let's unpack it layer by layer: “And the King shall answer…” : This refers to Jesus Christ, God’s Son, and ultimately, God himself. He is the ultimate judge. “…and say unto them…” : Jesus is telling us that he will be judging us. It's not just about a human being; it's about all of us. “Verily I say unto you…” : This is a crucial phrase. It means something incredibly serious – God’s judgment is coming. “…Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren…” : This is where it gets really powerful. “The least of these my brethren” refers to those who are the poorest, most vulnerable, and most in need of our help – the marginalized, the sick, the lonely, and those who are struggling the hardest. It's referring to anyone God has chosen to care for. “Done [it] unto” means they’ve been treated with kindness and compassion. So, what does it mean in practical terms? It means that our actions – both big and small – have consequences. We are responsible for how we treat anyone God cares about. If we show kindness and love to those who are suffering or struggling, God will recognize that and reward us. If we neglect them, ignore their needs, or are cruel, God will hold us accountable. It’s a message of immense importance: This verse is a reminder that God doesn't just care about the powerful or influential. He cares deeply for everyone and expects us to treat each person with respect and dignity – regardless of their circumstances. It emphasizes our duty to be compassionate and to stand up for those who are suffering. In short, it’s a call to action – to show love and kindness to all, because God will judge us based on how we handle those in need. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss the significance of this verse within the context of the larger Bible story? Talk about how this verse relates to our own lives and responsibilities?