Today we reach the final passage in the Oliver Discourse, the parable of the sheep and goats. In this parable, Jesus is painting for us a picture of His return, and the assembling of all people for judgment. They are divided into two groups “as a shepherd would divide the sheep from the goats.” This language from verse 32 underscores the figurative nature of the parable, and once again I must remind you that this is not a literal passage.
The king, representing Jesus, says to sheep, representing His people, that they are to enter into His Kingdom which is prepared for their inheritance, representing eternity with Christ.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
Matthew 25:34-36
Jesus tells them they are “in” because of the things they have done for Him, and yet they have no knowledge of having done them. In verses 37-39 hey ask when it was that they did these things for Him, and He drops the bomb in verse 40:
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
To fully appreciate the gravity and significance of this statement, recall the lessons of the first two parables in this chapter. Half of those 10 virgins were “ready” when the bridegroom came for them, and they entered the wedding feast. When the master returned from his journey, two of his servants had used the money that he had left with them for the master’s benefit, and they were rewarded richly. Add to these our discussion in this morning’s podcast about the things that Jesus has commanded of us: Love God, love your neighbor, love you brothers and sisters, and make disciples. Putting these things together, we have an amazing picture!
The things the king will say the righteous have done, are those things Jesus has commanded us to do. We love God, He loves us, and He loves our brother. Thus we love our brother because we love God, and show God’s love in us when we care for our brother… and when we do that, we are expressing our love for God. Thus, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
In the remaining verses, the goats are condemned because they did not do these things for the king. They appeal to the king, “When did we ever see you in one of those situations?” And the king replies that if they didn’t do it for the least of these, they didn’t do it for Him!
Now we have the whole picture of what will be necessary for us to be ready when He returns suddenly and without warning; it’s all about the way we live and interact with others. If He should return today, will we be ready?
Life Project Blog 
A really good treatise of the entire section.
I have had not a few people stumble over the section, “brothers and sisters of mine”. I feel this goes back to Jesus’ handling of “who is my neighbor”, while I have heard others claim that this is only dealing with other Christians, that he is telling us to care for each other, and not the “goats”, i.e., non-believers.
Wise observations, thanks!
These lessons are a comfort and a challenge to me.
I know what you mean Meredith, they are to me too!
Well there we go then. Nothing to argue about – again!
🙂 🙂
Let’s not be hasty… surely we could come up with something! 🙂
Great lessons, great reminders and challenges to us all to be ready! Easier said than done sometimes it seems and therein lies the challenge. Thank you for the work you put into this series Don. You are appreciated!
Thank you!
What blows MY mind about this passage is this: The sheep DID NOT REALIZE they did what Jesus was commending them for, while the goats THOUGHT THEY WERE doing what he told them they did not do.
I could be in trouble. Does anyone else feel that way?
Hmmm… interesting question
I think it is a good caution for the faithful not to be satisfied with, I did it yesterday so I don’t need to do it today or tomorrow. Fear of the Lord is good, don’t be troubled by it but listen to it. Keep up the work of the Lord your whole life long, though at times it seems very long indeed, especially when we suffer. Keep faith and trust in the Divine Mercy of Christ.
Amen!
You never know where your deed of goodwill ends up…keep giving. vw
Amen!