November 20, 2025
Sheep and Goats - Part 4
Matthew 25:41-45
11/20/2025
41 Then he will say to those on his left, ``Depart
from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire
prepared for the devil and his angels.
42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was
thirsty and you gave me no drink,
43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked
and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and
you did not visit me.''
44 Then they also will answer, saying, ``Lord, when
did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or
naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister
to you?''
45 Then he will answer them, saying, ``Truly, I say
to you, as you did not do it to one of the least
of these, you did not do it 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. The sheep He invites
to enter into the kingdom prepared for them before the foundation
of the world. The goats hear a different verdict.
Then he will say to those on his left, ``Depart from
me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the
devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me
no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was
a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you
did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not
visit me.'' Then they also will answer, saying,
``Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a
stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not
minister to you?'' Then he will answer them, saying,
``Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of
the least of these, you did not do it to me.''
Where the sheep were blessed by the Father, the goats are
cursed by their own words. Where heaven is prepared for people,
hell is unfit for human habitation. The eternal torment is the
result of rejecting God.
The goats readily admit they did not listen to or care for
those sent by God to proclaim the forgiveness of sins for the
sake of Christ. They didn't have to martyr those who preach the
good news. Indifference is just as condemning.
May our Lord grant that we hear His Word, and that His Word
creates the faith which holds firmly to His promise of eternal
life. Amen.