The final judgement
Continuing with our series of the parables in Matthew, this week’s sermon explores the message of the final judgment in the Parable of the Goats and Sheep (Matthew 25:31-46), showing us the two types of “animals” who would and wouldn’t enter the kingdom of heaven.
To note, although the passage describes the works and deeds as a factor of distinction between sheeps and goats, the passage does not present a message of salvation attained through these works. Also, while these proverbial goats and sheep appear similar at a glance, they have distinctive qualities both intrinsically and externally.
Without further ado, let’s see what the passage has to say on the matter:
The throne described (v.31)
It’s clearly described by Jesus that He would come again to Earth in glory to establish His kingdom. Now this described second coming seems to clearly be distinct from His first, as Jesus had initially come in an act of humility, service and sacrifice, where as this particular entrance is described to be “in glory”, with “all the angels” and where He would eventually sit on a “glorious throne” (v.31).
This kingdom is also described as final and eternal in nature as opposed to the fleeting nature of the rising and falling of other nations/empires described, and even prophesied, in the Old Testament.
Furthermore, the ones who would be part of this kingdom are a chosen lot. This is where Jesus talks about the separation of goats and sheep.
The traits distinguished(v.34-45)
We see from verse 34, that God knows who’s classified as sheep i.e. those who are part of his kingdom. For Christians, this means that although salvation requires us to make a choice to follow Christ, that choice had already been known by God since the very beginning.
Nonetheless, the analogy of goats and sheep is purposefully chosen to represent the similar-in-appearance, yet different-in-essence nature of those who would be judged. In a scientific sense, goats and sheep would display a variety of differences both genetically and behaviorally. In a similar fashion to the subject of this parable, there seems to be both intrinsic and outward behavioral differences between these two categories, namely:
Humility vs. Pride: sheep have tails pointed down whilst goats have their tails pointed upwards.
To be led vs. needing to lead: sheep follow the shepherd as opposed to goats who like to lead.
Peaceful vs. Aggressive: goats have pointed horns generally used as an aggressive tool, whilst sheep do not.
Being able to be a blessing to others: sheep are able to produce wool to help others, as opposed to goats who do not have that ability.
Applying this to Chrsitians, we note that there is an intrinsic distinction between sheep and goat known only to God and oneself, yet there are outward characteristics for discerning believers that show others that Christians are set apart. We see this also in Jesus’ example of showing compassion and grace to strangers in need.
The end result = dissimilarity (v. 46)
Finally, we see also that the greatest distinction between the sheep and goats is revealed in the day where Christ fully establishes this kingdom, where the sheep and goats are separated by the angels. The sheep are gathered on the right of the king’s throne and the goats on the left.
After this separation these two groups would meet two distinct extremes of eternity: the goats to eternal punishment and the sheep to eternal life.
To reiterate, the qualities and works mentioned above are not the pathways to salvation. Rather as we are saved, the Holy Spirit that renews us and transforms us, allowing these qualities to be the fruit that we bear in our walk with Christ. In saying that, we are also called to continually check ourselves intrinsically, to see if we are living as sheep or goats. Are we clothing ourselves with compassion, love and kindness to all we meet (and don’t meet) in life?
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the grace that You've given to us through Your Son Jesus who came first to make the ultimate sacrifice for us, and who will come again to establish this kingdom You had planned from the very beginning. We pray You would continue to guide us to live how You intended us to live.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.