The Least, Last & Lost
Barry Worcester
Part of Leader Training
October 6, 2022

The Least, Last & Lost

The Christian mission is a simple one. Love God, Love people and bring Jesus to a lost and hurting world.

Three people groups test if we are loyal to that mission.

1. The test of LEAST (Innocent people)

The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ —Matthew 25:40 (NASB)

It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble. —Luke 17:2 (NASB)

And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.” —Matthew 10:42 (NASB)

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven. —Matthew 18:10 (NASB)

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. —James 1:27 (NASB)

2. The test of the LAST-Insignificant people. (Nobodies)

Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’45 Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’46 These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” —Matthew 25:44-46 (NASB)

  • The test is the greatest among these because it appears they can do nothing for us, or against us.

3. The test of the LOST (Invisible people)

“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? —Luke 15:4 (NIV)

  • Can you love someone who does what you hate?

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. —Luke 6:35 (NASB)

  • Can you love Pedophile, Rapist, Murderer, Abuser, User, manipulator, Liars?

  • Loving those who do what you hate is the fast track to becoming like Jesus.