The eternal judgement of the Sheep and the Goats of Matthew 25 came down to what they “did” for the Lord.
The way that Jesus presents the two groups leaves you in no doubt as to the governing factors of those judgements.
The Sheep on the right were judged righteous because they tended to the needs of the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned.
Conversely, the Goats on the left were condemned because they neglected the needs of the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned.
However, the various actions and inactions go much deeper than acts of kindness and neglect.
Those who were on the right were genuinely surprised when praised for their generosity and mercy. In fact, they enquired as to “when” they had done such things. Jesus (the actual ‘King’ in the story), says: ”The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me’ (Mt.25:40).
Those who were on the left, instead of humbly bowing to the truth of their neglect, were incredulous. And like every person who believes that the world turns for them alone, they insisted that the king justify his condemnation.
Thus, Jesus delivers the king’s damning blow: “Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me’” (Mt.25:45).
Taking care of the needs of the helpless is ‘work!’ How a person of ‘faith’ serves those needs is, according to Jesus, the way he is serving him.
Therein the genuineness of faith is exposed and judged by those deeds…
“These [goats] will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Mt.25:46).
Make sure that you are working with the righteous on the right side of judgement.
John Staiger
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