The Sheep and the Goats
The Parables of Jesus • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Introduction
Introduction
It is important to remember that this parable is the conclusion of a single sermon that Jesus delivered and is recorded in Matthew chapters 24 and 25. It is a sermon concerning the issue of the last days and the Lord's Second Coming.
This describes the final judgment of all the nations, when the Son of Man will separate the righteous from the unrighteous, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
In this passage, we are confronted with a vivid illustration of the final judgement, a stark separation of the righteous and the unrighteous, a clear delineation between those who serve in the Kingdom and those who do not.
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “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. 35 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, 36 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.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 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.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ 44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ 45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ 46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Shepherds and Sheep
Shepherds and Sheep
Shepherds had a tough job. They had to feed, water, and protect sheep from predators—a 24/7 job
Shepherds had a tough job. They had to feed, water, and protect sheep from predators—a 24/7 job
During the day the sheep and goats were combined
During the day the sheep and goats were combined
During the night he had to separate the restless goats from the sheep
During the night he had to separate the restless goats from the sheep
Goats tended to wander
Goats tended to wander
Sheep and Goats were hard to distinguish between one another. Sheep were typically white but occasionally had darker markings.
Sheep and Goats were hard to distinguish between one another. Sheep were typically white but occasionally had darker markings.
The shepherd knew “His” sheep and they were able to determine his voice from the others.
The shepherd knew “His” sheep and they were able to determine his voice from the others.
There's an important reason for this, because sheep and goats do not feed well together and they do not rest well together. Mainly, this is because sheep are basically docile and can be easily scared. The goats on the other hand are unruly and therefore they can create issues if left alone with the sheep. So there comes a time when the shepherd must separate the sheep from the goats
There's an important reason for this, because sheep and goats do not feed well together and they do not rest well together. Mainly, this is because sheep are basically docile and can be easily scared. The goats on the other hand are unruly and therefore they can create issues if left alone with the sheep. So there comes a time when the shepherd must separate the sheep from the goats
Jesus uses the shepherd imagery to symbolize dividing humanity on judgment day. Because sheep are more valuable than goats, the sheep are placed on the right of the shepherd—the place of prominence. The goats are placed on the left—the place of disgrace.
Jesus uses the shepherd imagery to symbolize dividing humanity on judgment day. Because sheep are more valuable than goats, the sheep are placed on the right of the shepherd—the place of prominence. The goats are placed on the left—the place of disgrace.
The Coming Righteous Judge
The Coming Righteous Judge
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.
Jesus is identifies himself as the “Son of Man”
Jesus is identifies himself as the “Son of Man”
This description comes from Daniel 7:13 “13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.”
This description comes from Daniel 7:13 “13 “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.”
Jesus’s primary self-designation in the Synoptic Gospels — 30 times in Matthew, 14 in Mark, 25 in Luke. But it is even prominent in John — where Jesus uses other self-designations, most notably the
Jesus’s primary self-designation in the Synoptic Gospels — 30 times in Matthew, 14 in Mark, 25 in Luke. But it is even prominent in John — where Jesus uses other self-designations, most notably the
“I am”
sayings — appearing 13 times in the fourth Gospel, to
Talking about a future event, this is clarifying that there will be a second coming.
Talking about a future event, this is clarifying that there will be a second coming.
This will occur before the tribulation
This will occur before the tribulation
1 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.
He is given the authority to be the judge of the world
He is given the authority to be the judge of the world
14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
The angels praise him as the victorious Lamb who is worthy to receive praise, honor, and glory forever
The angels praise him as the victorious Lamb who is worthy to receive praise, honor, and glory forever
9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” 14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
The least of these
The least of these
Service is not an optional extra: It’s an essential element of our faith. It's the visible sign of an invisible grace, the outward manifestation of our inward transformation. It's the hands and feet of our faith, reaching out to touch and transform the world around us. In the Kingdom, service is not about earning our salvation, but about expressing it. It's not about what we can get, but about what we can give. It's not about our comfort, but about our commitment. It's not about our convenience, but about our calling.
Service is not an optional extra: It’s an essential element of our faith. It's the visible sign of an invisible grace, the outward manifestation of our inward transformation. It's the hands and feet of our faith, reaching out to touch and transform the world around us. In the Kingdom, service is not about earning our salvation, but about expressing it. It's not about what we can get, but about what we can give. It's not about our comfort, but about our commitment. It's not about our convenience, but about our calling.
Two questions raised by Jesus’s words
Two questions raised by Jesus’s words
What does he mean by the “the least of these”
What does he mean by the “the least of these”
Jesus says that welcoming one of his disciples is the same as welcoming him, and identifies his disciples as “brothers and sisters of mine” or sometimes translated into little ones. Matthew 25:40-41 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.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Jesus says that welcoming one of his disciples is the same as welcoming him, and identifies his disciples as “brothers and sisters of mine” or sometimes translated into little ones. Matthew 25:40-41 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.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Also referenced in
Also referenced in
6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
10 “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
42 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.
What is the criterion for blessing and judgment?
What is the criterion for blessing and judgment?
It seems that Jesus’ emphasis on “acts of kindness” is a contradiction to Paul’s insistence on salvation by faith and not works.
It seems that Jesus’ emphasis on “acts of kindness” is a contradiction to Paul’s insistence on salvation by faith and not works.
The reference is to Jesus’ disciples, then it is those who believe in Jesus who are willing to help his disciples.
The reference is to Jesus’ disciples, then it is those who believe in Jesus who are willing to help his disciples.
Works of kindness are the result of faith in Jesus.
Works of kindness are the result of faith in Jesus.
17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
There are two destinies, and only two destinies. Eternal life or eternal punishment. The sheep come into the kingdom, the goats into hell. That’s the choice of every person alive today. Your eternity is going to be one or the other. One is the blessing of God, the other is a curse. There is no middle ground. What you need to know is there are many in church today who think they’re going to heaven because they are religious but will be shocked to hear the words, “depart from me, I never knew you.” But let me tell you something, no one need to hear those words. It’s a response of faith and a choice of life. If you truly have faith it will manifest in your life that’s the eternal life promised to you welling up within you.
There are two destinies, and only two destinies. Eternal life or eternal punishment. The sheep come into the kingdom, the goats into hell. That’s the choice of every person alive today. Your eternity is going to be one or the other. One is the blessing of God, the other is a curse. There is no middle ground. What you need to know is there are many in church today who think they’re going to heaven because they are religious but will be shocked to hear the words, “depart from me, I never knew you.” But let me tell you something, no one need to hear those words. It’s a response of faith and a choice of life. If you truly have faith it will manifest in your life that’s the eternal life promised to you welling up within you.
“Calcutta was undoubtedly the most depressing, undesirable place we visited, but it was also the place of greatest joy for me. … I was feeding a withered, brown old man with a gray stubble beard. He was too weak to sit up and was covered with a blanket. I accidentally spilled a few grains of rice onto his neck. At first, I didn’t want to retrieve the rice because I didn’t want to risk touching him. After some time, however, I realized that the rice was probably uncomfortable to him and that the only thing to do was to remove it with my own fingers.
“Calcutta was undoubtedly the most depressing, undesirable place we visited, but it was also the place of greatest joy for me. … I was feeding a withered, brown old man with a gray stubble beard. He was too weak to sit up and was covered with a blanket. I accidentally spilled a few grains of rice onto his neck. At first, I didn’t want to retrieve the rice because I didn’t want to risk touching him. After some time, however, I realized that the rice was probably uncomfortable to him and that the only thing to do was to remove it with my own fingers.
“As soon as I touched him, all heaven broke loose. He began to speak, smile and wiggle his head in that peculiar Indian way. Though I couldn’t understand the words, the body language was unmistakable: he was overwhelmed with the simple joy of a kind human touch. The feeding continued for some time, combined with numerous outbursts of joy from him.
“As soon as I touched him, all heaven broke loose. He began to speak, smile and wiggle his head in that peculiar Indian way. Though I couldn’t understand the words, the body language was unmistakable: he was overwhelmed with the simple joy of a kind human touch. The feeding continued for some time, combined with numerous outbursts of joy from him.
“Somewhere during this time something surprising happened to me. A big, childish, uncontrollable grin came over my face. I had become infected with his joy. It was a joy so deep that I had almost forgotten that such feelings even existed. Joy just seemed to flow between us as we looked at each other. Then thoughts began to come to me. I realized that up until this point my reading, thinking and experiencing of Calcutta had focused on the suffering of the poor and on the identification of Jesus (and ourselves) with their suffering. But here I was being confronted with an experience of pure joy which seemed to contradict all of that. If indeed I had met Jesus in this man, then I had met not only the suffering Jesus, but also the Jesus of great joy.”
“Somewhere during this time something surprising happened to me. A big, childish, uncontrollable grin came over my face. I had become infected with his joy. It was a joy so deep that I had almost forgotten that such feelings even existed. Joy just seemed to flow between us as we looked at each other. Then thoughts began to come to me. I realized that up until this point my reading, thinking and experiencing of Calcutta had focused on the suffering of the poor and on the identification of Jesus (and ourselves) with their suffering. But here I was being confronted with an experience of pure joy which seemed to contradict all of that. If indeed I had met Jesus in this man, then I had met not only the suffering Jesus, but also the Jesus of great joy.”
1. Read Matthew 25:34-36
1. Read Matthew 25:34-36
34 “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. 35 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, 36 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.’
Why do you think Jesus referred to helping others as the basis for final judgment?
2. Do you think as believers we have the responsibility to help people generally as well as other believers? Why or why not?
2. Do you think as believers we have the responsibility to help people generally as well as other believers? Why or why not?
3. Read
3. Read
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
One commentator has called this “unconscious giving” because those helping the needy did not realize they were giving to Jesus. What are the advantages and disadvantages of remaining anonymous when giving?
One commentator has called this “unconscious giving” because those helping the needy did not realize they were giving to Jesus. What are the advantages and disadvantages of remaining anonymous when giving?
4. Read
4. Read
35 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, 36 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.’
What are the six kinds of help listed in these verses? What are some of the other ways we can help the needy?
What are the six kinds of help listed in these verses? What are some of the other ways we can help the needy?
5. Read
5. Read
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.
How did the Philippians help Paul?
How did the Philippians help Paul?
6. Read
6. Read
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
What did the early church do to help the needy? This kind of giving was not forced redistribution of wealth but charity of the heart. How does this kind of giving exemplify what Jesus taught in this passage?
What did the early church do to help the needy? This kind of giving was not forced redistribution of wealth but charity of the heart. How does this kind of giving exemplify what Jesus taught in this passage?
33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
