When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?”
This saying continues the surprised response of the righteous, reflecting the deep humility of their hearts. They remind the Lord of every possible situation in which they could have served Him, yet they never thought that those acts of service were directed to Christ Himself. Their question does not come from ignorance, but from sincere astonishment, because they never acted with an expectation of reward. This saying shows that true faith and works of love are not measured by the awareness of whom you are helping, but by the heart and the motive with which it is done. In this way Christ reveals His unity with His followers, saying that every good deed done for one in need is regarded as service offered to Him. Thus, the righteous people’s astonishment becomes a testimony to the purity of faith: they loved without calculation and acted without seeking glory.