The Sheep and the Goats
Read: Matthew 25:31-46
We have seen a theme of judgment running through Matthew 24-25 and here it reaches its climax.
Why is it so important that we are prepared, actively waiting and watching for Christ’s second
coming? It is because there is judgment coming. Today’s verses are not an allegory; they are
speaking of what will happen when Jesus comes back (verse 31). The entire Olivet Discourse
is Christ’s teaching on what will happen at the end of the age therefore it is fitting for Jesus to
conclude with the judgment at the end. Up until now the sheep and goats have been intermixed, it
may have even been hard to distinguish the sheep from the goats. Jesus is returning not only as a
King (sitting on a throne) but as a Judge. In this passage there are only two classes of people and
there are only two destinies. There are those who will go away into eternal punishment (verse 46)
and there are those who will receive a great inheritance (verse 34). It is important to note that even
though in this teaching people are divided according to their acts of kindness and mercy towards
the disadvantaged that scripture clearly teaches we are saved by faith (Eph. 2:8-9). James clearly
teaches that works are also important (James 2) as evidence of our faith. It’s not the works that
save us but the faith the drives the works. Clear as mud? We are saved by our personal response
to the Gospel. We must be careful that we do not casually read the scriptures. Did you notice
that in this passage both the sheep and the goats were not aware of their actions in relation to the
judgment that was given to them? Both asked, “When?” This question tells us a lot about their
hearts. In the case of the sheep, the good works, the love they showed were a direct overflow of
the Holy Spirit that was in them. True followers of Christ don’t have to conjure up a whole lot of
good works to prove their faith; the works just naturally flow out of their right relationship with God.
They didn’t even know that they had done those good things! Don’t let this passage of scripture
bring fear into your life – seek God, love Him, be filled with the Holy Spirit and good works will
naturally flow in your life too!
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Spend some time thanking the Lord for the salvation that He freely offers you through faith.
Then thank Him for the works that naturally flow out of a right relationship with God!
2. You cannot earn your salvation through works, nor can you have an inactive faith. Ask the
Lord to speak to you about the balance of faith and works in your life through a word, though
or picture. Keep pressing in and asking Him questions until you receive clarity about what He
is saying to you.
