John Calvin Commentary Matthew 25:44

"Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?" — Matthew 25:44 (ASV)

Then shall they also answer him. The same kind of striking portrayal that Christ had previously employed is now repeated to inform the reprobate that their vain excuses, by which they now deceive themselves, will be of no use to them on the last day. For from where does the great cruelty of their pride towards the poor come, except from their belief that they will not be punished for despising them? To destroy this self-complacency, our Lord warns them that they will one day feel—though it will be too late—what they do not now see fit to consider: that those who are now so greatly despised are esteemed by Christ no less than His own members.