When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you,
This saying is the continuation of the surprised reply of the righteous. Their words reveal the deep humility by which they did not realize the value of the good deeds they had done. For the righteous, welcoming a stranger or clothing the naked was an ordinary expression of love, not a deed that should be remembered or considered worthy of praise. For them, serving was a natural state, flowing from inner faith and compassion. Through this picture Jesus shows that true goodness is unselfconscious and personal; it does not seek a reward, but is born of love. The question of the righteous, “When did we see You,” shows the purity of their heart: they did not know that by serving people, they had truly served Christ Himself. Thus, this saying reminds us that every sincere act done for those in need is received as direct service to the Lord.