The sheep and the goats
by Dianne Eckermann
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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’ (Matthew 25:40).
Read Matthew 25:31–46
Each of the parables we have read this week concludes with contrasting statements about the prepared and the unprepared, the ready and the unready, the good servants and the poor servants.
Today’s reading also divides people into two groups: the sheep and the goats. The sheep are invited into God’s kingdom, and the goats suffer separation from God forever. Despite this huge difference in the final outcome, the same key question is asked by both groups: ‘When, Lord, did we see you?’
Both groups seem equally surprised that they encountered Jesus. The sheep did not know they were encountering Jesus when they ministered to the needy; the goats did not even seem to be aware of the disadvantaged, let alone Christ. This group almost accuses Jesus of not revealing himself, implying they would have acted differently if only they had known. The tone is almost like a child protesting, ‘That’s not fair!’
What is not fair is to look past those who need care and love. It is not fair to pretend they don’t exist. It is not fair to sit in the comfort of our loungerooms, ignoring the needs of the least of these. Jesus still walks in this world in every person we meet, including those seeking shelter and food.
This might sound as though good works are what separate the sheep and the goats, but this is not a ‘tick-the-box’ exercise to say we have given to those in need, visited the imprisoned and welcomed the stranger. Instead, it is about living a life in which Jesus is revealed through the care and compassion shown to those who most need it. We know we are redeemed through Christ’s death and resurrection, and that is all we need to know to live a life seeing God in those around us.
Heavenly Father, we ask for wisdom and grace to live faithfully as one of your servants. Help us to live in this broken world, knowing we are not alone and that you are always with us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
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