The Judgment of the Sheep and the Goats

Text: Matthew 25:31-46

Reflection and Question: Matthew is the only Gospel writer who includes this depiction of the last judgment known as the parable of the sheep and the goats. Jesus’ message is clear and consistent with His teaching elsewhere: how we treat others, especially the lowly, is what God cares about most and will be the basis upon which God judges us. But in our focus on personal salvation we can overlook that it is “nations” who come before God here, not individuals. How will the communities in which you take part fare at this separation of the sheep from the goats?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, there is no mistaking Jesus’ promise of coming judgment in this story of sheep and the goats. Lead us into communities that are committed to caring for the hungry, naked, sick and imprisoned. Then give us the strength to join in. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).