Columns & Opinions

FALLING FAR FROM THE TREE

In the closing of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus identifies himself with the world’s needy: the thirsty, the stranger, the poor, the sick, the imprisoned. Speaking of the church’s ministry to such, Jesus concludes, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” and “Just as you did not do it to one of these, you did not do it to me.” Jesus identifies himself with those who are victims of this world’s tragic circumstances.

There’s a story about Henry Ford asking a man he was having lunch with, “Who is your best friend?” The man started to mention several people and Mr. Ford interrupted him and said, “I’ll tell you who your best friend is. Your best friend is the one who brings out the best in you.”