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In Bible times, sheep and goats usually grazed together. But when sheep-shearing time came, the shepherd needed to separate them. Jesus drew on this common practice to vividly picture how God at the end of the age will separate his obedient followers from pretenders and unbelievers.

Matthew 25:31-46

1. The term "Son of Man" comes from Daniel's vision (Daniel 7:13-14), which Jesus builds on. How do you know that he is referring to himself as the King?
2. This passage could be construed as presenting a salvation earned by acts of mercy. But how can you tell that those identified as sheep weren't working for a reward
3. Is Jesus' focus on the identity of his "brothers and sisters" (v. 40), or on the server reflecting God's love wherever he can?
4. Can the responsibility of caring for those with deep needs be handed over to church or government, or is it an individual obligation? (See Isaiah 58:7.)
5. Do you think it is really possible to treat all persons you encounter as if they were Jesus?
6. What evidence do your actions give of what you really think about the King's words? Do they separate you from pretenders and unbelievers?

Ask God for an empathy that causes you to treat everyone you encounter as if they were Jesus.

Matthew 25:31-46

31 "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.

34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'

37 "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?'

40 "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'

41 "Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 42 For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn't give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'

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Prayer for the Week

You said, Lord, that as we serve those in need we encounter you. Allow me to experience your presence as I represent you.

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