November 18, 2025
Sheep and Goats - Part 2
Matthew 25:34-36
11/18/2025
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 foundation
of the world.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was
thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger
and you welcomed me,
36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you
visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.''
(ESV)
The Gospel reading for this week, the Second Last Sunday of
the Church Year, concerns the judgment, when Christ returns and
the angels separate all people into two groups. On His right
hand are the sheep, on His left the goats.
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 foundation of the world. For
I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and
you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed
me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you
visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.''
Although many will say that Jesus is talking of good works
in general, the way we treat those people in need, others suggest
Jesus is talking of the care for those who bring the message of
God's grace, love, and mercy. How did you treat the messenger
who brought you the good news that Jesus Christ bore the price of
your sin, that because of Him you are forgiven? Did you care for
the pastor, the missionary, the chaplain who proclaims God's
grace and love?
We know that the fulfillment of God's Law is to love Him
with all our heart and soul and strength, and to love our
neighbor as ourselves. But everyone cares for their family,
friends, and neighbors, so these good works are not the cause of
salvation. What is the response of the sheep to Jesus' words?
We find out tomorrow.
May our Lord grant us opportunities to reflect His love to
our neighbors, even as we hear and respond to His message of
grace. Amen.