The Sheep And Goat Judgment

Matthew 25:31–46
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Missionary statesman Hudson Taylor had complete trust in God’s faithfulness. In his journal he wrote: Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning... He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wildern … More

Provision

We find Jesus giving a prophetic sermon. When He comes with all His angels, He will sit on His royal throne (v. 31). The phrase all nations refers to the Gentiles (v. 32). These are all people other than Jews, who have lived throughout the tribulation period and will be judged individually. This judgment will take place on earth right after the battle of Armageddon and must not be confused with the Great White Throne judgment after the 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth.

There are three groups in this account; sheep, goats and brethren (vv 33-34). It seems likely that the brethren are the believing Jews from the tribulation period. They have trusted Christ and refuse to receive the “mark of the beast” (Rev. 13:16-17). They are unable to buy or sell and can only survive through the loving care of the “sheep Gentiles” who have trusted Christ and care for these brethren (vv. 35-40).

The sheep individuals have not actually seen the Lord Jesus or ministered to His needs but because they lovingly ministered to the believing Jews they did it to Christ. Their motive was not a reward but sacrificial love. The goat individuals were judged because they did not trust Christ and as a result care for His brethren. They apparently received the “mark of the beast” and took care of their own needs but had no time for the Jewish people and their suffering on earth. The forces of the world dictator will be doing everything possible to exterminate all Jews (Rev. 12:17). The king explains how they refused to help him when they denied help to others (vv. 41-46).What we do with the Good News has enormous consequences; punishment for those who reject and reward for those who serve.

Application

There are sins of omission as well as sins of commission (James 4:17). In other words, not doing good when it is in my power to do it, is the moral equivalent of doing evil. How would I rate myself on a scale of 1 to 10 concerning this matter with 10 being excellent?

Matthew 25:31-46 (English Standard Version)

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