Obviously, “The Least of These,” is referring to Matthew 25:45, but who are the Least of These? When Jesus was speaking He was describing the time when, “the Son of man shall come in his glory.” He spoke of separating the sheep from the goats. He then says:
Matthew 25:45
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
When he is speaking of the Least of These, can he be speaking of the goats. Surely not since these are the ones who were to be sent off into eternal punishment. So who can the Least of these be unless they are those sheep who follow Him. Yes of course He is speaking of His disciples. Some would even say that He is referring to the lost sheep who are not following the Lord, and they may very well be correct.
Nevertheless, isn’t the definition of a disciple one who adheres to the discipline of his master or teacher? We know that God, nor can He, bless those who are in disobedience or He would be dishonoring His Word. The Bible even teaches that those who are in open sin are not to be put out of the Church. So can it mean none other than those who are making a serious effort to follow Christ? Let’s look at what Mrs. White has to say about the subject.
Signs of the Times Feb. 17, 1887, par. 5
Jesus identifies himself with his suffering people. I was hungry and thirsty; I was a stranger; I was naked; I was sick; I was in prison. While you were enjoying the food from your bountifully spread tables, I was famishing with hunger in the hovel or street not far from you. When you closed your doors against me while your well-furnished rooms were unoccupied, I had not where to lay my head. While your wardrobes were filled with an abundant supply of changeable suits of apparel, upon which means had been needlessly squandered,—means which you might have given to the needy, I was destitute of comfortable raiment. When you were enjoying health, I was sick. Misfortune cast me into prison and bound me with fetters, bowing down my spirit, depriving me of freedom and hope, while you roamed at liberty. What a oneness Jesus here represents as existing between himself and his suffering disciples. He makes their case his own. He represents himself as being, in their person, the very sufferer. Mark this, selfish Christian; every neglect on your part to care for the needy and to sympathize with those in distress, is a neglect to Jesus in their person. {ST February 17, 1887, par. 5}
Note that the words, “his suffering disciples,” are embolden in the previous quote. That is to emphasize that when Jesus was speaking of the Least of These, he was specifically speaking of His suffering disciples. Then she goes on to make the ominous declaration, “Mark this, selfish Christian; every neglect on your part to care for the needy and to sympathize with those in distress, is a neglect to Jesus in their person.”