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or naked and clothe You?
In the ancient world, clothing was a basic necessity, and providing clothing to the naked was a significant act of charity. The reference to clothing the naked can be connected toIsaiah 58:7, where God calls His people to share their food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter, and when they see the naked, to clothe them. This act of compassion is a tangible demonstration of righteousness and aligns with the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, where He emphasizes caring for the needy (Matthew 6:1-4). The phrase also points to the spiritual truth that believers are called to "clothe" themselves with Christ (Galatians 3:27), symbolizing putting on His character and righteousness.

The righteous are astonished that their everyday deeds counted as ministry to Christ Himself. Their question springs from genuine humility—they were not tallying up good works for recognition. Jesus had already said, “Whoever gives even a cup of cold water in My name… will never lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42), so this scene confirms His earlier promise. The Lord notices every unnoticed act (Hebrews 6:10) and, on Judgment Day, brings them into the open.

In Scripture, strangers often symbolize the vulnerable: travelers, immigrants, the socially marginalized. God’s people have always been called to openhearted hospitality—Abraham entertained angels unaware (Genesis 18:1-5), and Israel was commanded, “Love the foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19). Jesus embodies that same concern, expecting His followers to welcome outsiders as they would welcome Him (Romans 15:7).

Hospitality in the Bible is tangible—providing shelter, food, safety. The early church met this standard: believers “were together and had everything in common… distributing to anyone as he had need” (Acts 2:44-45). When we invite someone into our homes or congregations, we reenact the Samaritan’s mercy (Luke 10:34-35) and prove that genuine faith expresses itself through love (Galatians 5:6).

“Naked” highlights extreme need. Scripture treats clothing the poor as a basic duty of righteousness: “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and to bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him?” (Isaiah 58:7). Job could testify, “I clothed myself with righteousness… I was eyes to the blind… I warmed the poor with the fleece of my sheep” (Job 29:14-17). Meeting bodily needs is not optional charity; it is covenant obedience.

To clothe another is to restore dignity and protect life. James presses the point: “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed… and one of you says, ‘Go in peace,’ but does nothing… what good is that?” (James 2:15-16). Jesus equates such practical care with serving Him directly (Matthew 25:40). Every shirt given, every coat shared, is a quiet confession that Christ owns our possessions and our compassion.

Matthew 25:38 shows humble believers surprised that their routine acts of hospitality and provision were, in Jesus’ eyes, personal service to Him. Scripture consistently teaches that welcoming strangers and clothing the destitute are tangible proofs of living faith. What seems small to us is treasured by the Lord, who records every deed and rewards it openly.

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