It contained a personal challenge for me (everything I not has done for the little ones...) and at the same time a theological one: How does the parable relate to the good news that we are justified by faith and not works? One is tempted to put the parable aside, or use it in a reduced version as motivation to do good for the vulnerable.
But Jesus has a different aim with the parable. His perspective is the nations, not individuals. God's great plan is to call all nations into his kingdom, but he doesn't do it by sending out armies with weapons. He sends out his little brothers and sisters, armed only with the word of the kingdom and makes himself one with them.
In this incredible way, the fate of the nations is decided: will they accept those Jesus sends or will they reject and mistreat? Therein lies a comfort for all persecuted Christians - their lives weigh heavily on the scales of the nations.
Jesus still sends his disciples out, and this is still how the fate of the nations is decided. It is not decided by weapons, alliances or vaccines, but by whether they will accept Jesus when he comes to them.
Ruben Dalsgaard is Secretary General of Dansk Oase.
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