When We Welcome the Stranger, We Welcome Christ
Exploring the Commission to Welcome in Matthew 25
A Different Kind of Judgement Day
When we imagine judgment day, we often picture a great throne, a holy hush, and some celestial checklist. But in Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus gives us a startling picture. The picture is one where the criteria of being a follower of God isn’t theological brilliance, moral correctness, or polished behavior.
It’s this: Did you feed the hungry? Clothe the naked? Visit the prisoner? Welcome the stranger? These aren't abstract virtues. They are sacred invitations. And they matter because they reflect how deeply we understand and follow Jesus.
Not a description of a future judgement, but a parable to set an example for his followers on how to live, Jesus tells a parable about a final separation: sheep on one side, goats on the other. The sheep are blessed because they served others in practical, compassionate ways. The twist? They didn’t even realize they were serving Jesus.
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40) Jesus doesn't say, "You believed the right things." He says, "You did the loving thing." That’s what biblical hospitality looks like.
What Does Matthew 25 say?
In this powerful new video, over 30 Christian women—pastors, Bible teachers, authors, moms, nonprofit leaders, advocates, and everyday women of faith—read Matthew 25 together, calling us back to the radical love and hospitality of Jesus.
These voices reflect a wide range of callings and contexts, but they share one heart: a desire to follow Jesus into a life of welcome. This is more than a reading. It’s a commission, a call to action. We’re invited to see the overlooked, to show up for the vulnerable, and to live out our faith in practical, tangible ways.
(Thank you to these amazing women for contributing to this video: Kay Warren, Ann Voskamp, Adrienne Camp, Bri Stensrud, Latasha Morrison, Kelly Rosati, Amanda Bible Williams, Jennie Murray, Blaire Linne, Cheryl Luke, Cassandra Spear, Elyse Fitzpatrick, Heather Macfayden, Heather Brandt, Jen Michel, Jen Oshman, Kristie Anyabwhile, Liliana Rezam Lindsey Amick, Lori McDaniel, Nicole Martin, Nicole T. Walters, Portia Collins, Sarah Quezada, Teresa Anderson, Sharon Miller, Shannan Martin, Vivian Mabuni, Tess Clarke, Kristel Acevedo, Jeanette Salguero).
Who Are the “Least of These?”
In Jesus’ day, this phrase pointed to the people most others tried to avoid: the leper, the tax collector, the woman at the well, the bleeding woman, the demon-possessed, the Samaritan, the beggar at the gate. These weren’t society’s favorites, but they were Jesus’.
Today, the “least of these” are still among us. They are the overlooked and the underestimated: the immigrant waiting in a shelter, the refugee fleeing violence, the homeless single mom trying to make it through another week, the foster child without a forever home, the neighbor recovering from illness with no one to check in, the formerly incarcerated trying to rebuild.
They are the ones without a voice, without safety nets, and without power. And they matter deeply to Jesus. When we serve them, we're not just doing a nice thing. We're seeing and serving Christ Himself.
Real People, Real Welcome
Thankfully, this isn't just theory. Women in our community are living this out in profound, courageous, and everyday ways:
Jane's Story: Saying Yes in Uncertainty
Jane had walked alongside immigrants for years, but when God called her to sponsor a refugee family, she knew she had to step in. Despite heartbreak, canceled plans, and painful waiting, her team stayed faithful. Eventually, they welcomed the Zaki family and began a new chapter of shared life and mutual respect.
“We don’t see them as 'needy' but as people who will be valuable contributors to our community. They inspire us.”
Read Jane’s full story →
Caroline's Story: Opening Her Home
Caroline and her husband became foster parents to unaccompanied minors—children who crossed borders alone in search of safety. Some stayed for just a day. One stayed forever.
“Think past the fear. When we said yes, we saw God move in amazing and mighty ways we never could’ve imagined.”
Read Caroline’s full story →
Amy’s Story: Faithful Laboring in the Waiting
After delays and heartbreak, Amy's team finally welcomed a refugee family—just days before the mother gave birth. In the joy and in the exhaustion, Amy found herself dependent on God's provision.
“God is not limited by time. He’s the one who intervenes.”
Read Amy’s full story →
Jenny's Story: Advocacy Rooted in Relationship
When her immigrant neighbors received deportation notices, Jenny and her town didn’t stay quiet. They rallied in prayer, advocacy, and storytelling—knowing that love requires action.
“When we lean in and get to know these people, they become our teachers. They show me the beauty of Christ’s work in their lives.”
Read Jenny’s full story →
Our Commission to Welcome
Matthew 25 doesn’t give us an exhaustive list of good deeds. It gives us a mirror. One that helps us ask: Are we seeing Christ in the margins? Are we welcoming Him when He shows up as a stranger?
This isn’t about guilt. It’s about invitation, an invitation to faith-in-action that is messy, beautiful, stretching, and sacred.
So, what can we do?
Reflect: Who are your "least of these" today?
Respond: Show up. Speak up. Start small. Take the next step closer to those on the margins. Proximity matters! When you get close, you can’t help but see. When you see someone’s humanity and dignity, you love. When you love….well, you act in loving ways. Your life changes, and God works through you.
The first step for you might be realizing that immigration is a biblical issue and asking some questions about what this means practically today.
Maybe it is grabbing a couple of girlfriends for a Bible study that asks “What Does the Bible Say about Immigration?”
Perhaps you need to go deeper and learn how to advocate for your neighbors.
Would you pray about gathering locally with other women of welcome to take the next step in 2026 as we launch local chapters?
Reframe: What if Jesus shows up as someone who needs a ride, a meal, a safe place to land?
Because when we welcome the stranger, we welcome Christ.
