Underneath the Target
Matthew 25:31-46
Illustration
by Bill McDonald

The Sunday School teacher was known for his elaborate object lessons. Sally knew they were in for a fun day where she arrived in his classroom and tacked on the bulletin board was a big target. Bunches of darts lay on a nearby table. The teacher told the students to draw a picture of someone they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting great detail into the drawing right down to the dimples on her false friend's face. The pictures were tacked over the target, the class lined up and each person took turns throwing darts with much laughter and hilarity. Some of the class threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart.

Sally looked forward to her chance but was disappointed when they ran out of time before her turn. As she sat there fuming because she hadn't got to throw her darts, the teacher began removing the tattered pictures and target from the board. Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. The room fell silent as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus, holes and jagged rips covering his face, piercing his eyes. The teacher said only these words, "In as much as you have done it to the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40) No other words were necessary. How we treat his people demonstrates whether we have recognized his kingship.

ChristianGlobe Networks, Inc., How Do You Recognize a King?, by Bill McDonald