Emphasizes the Christian responsibility to serve God by serving and loving others, recognizing Christ in the needy, and living out our faith daily.
Welcome, dear friends, to another blessed gathering in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. It's wonderful to see each one of you here, eager and ready to receive the Word of God. We are here, not by chance, but by divine appointment. We are here to gather manna from heaven, to drink from the well of God's wisdom, and to be inspired by the Holy Spirit as we open the pages of the Holy Scripture.
The passage we are going to contemplate today is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, verses 31 through 46. Let's read it together:
[Read passage]
This passage is a profound reminder of the responsibility that comes with our faith. In the words of the respected Christian author, J.I. Packer, "There's a difference between knowing God and knowing about God. When you truly know God, you have energy to serve Him, boldness to share Him, and contentment in Him."
As we reflect on this passage today, let's remember that our faith is not just about knowing God, but it's also about serving Him in the people we meet every day. Let's not be like the goats who failed to recognize Christ in the needy, but let's strive to be like the sheep who served Christ by serving others.
Let us pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us here today. As we reflect on Your Word, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to truly understand it. Help us to not just be hearers of Your Word, but doers as well. Inspire us to serve You by serving others and to love You by loving others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Let’s get started!
In the passage we've read, we encounter a vivid depiction of the final judgment. It's a scene that's both powerful and sobering. The Son of Man, in all His glory, sits on His throne, with all nations gathered before Him. And then comes the separation - a division as clear and as final as that between day and night.
This separation isn't arbitrary: It's not based on wealth, social status, or any human standard. Instead, it's a separation based on actions, on how we've responded to the needs of others. It's a separation that reflects the state of our hearts and the authenticity of our faith.
The imagery of sheep and goats is significant: In biblical times, sheep and goats often grazed together during the day. But at night, the shepherd would separate them. The sheep, being more vulnerable, were brought into a secure fold, while the goats, being hardier, were left outside. This separation was a routine part of a shepherd's duties. In the same way, the Son of Man, the Good Shepherd, will separate humanity into two groups. The sheep represent those who have lived out their faith in practical ways, serving Christ by serving others. The goats represent those who have neglected to do so.
The criteria for this separation: It's not about religious observance, moral uprightness, or doctrinal correctness. It's about love in action. It's about seeing Christ in the least of our brothers and sisters and responding with compassion and generosity. This is a radical idea. It challenges us to look beyond ourselves, to see the face of Christ in those who are often overlooked and marginalized. It's not enough to simply believe in Christ; we must also serve Him in the people we encounter every day.
The universality of this judgment: All nations are gathered before the throne, indicating that this judgment is not just for a select few, but for everyone. This underscores the universal call to love and serve others. It's a call that transcends cultural, religious, and social boundaries.
The reward and punishment: The sheep, who have served Christ in others, are blessed and invited to inherit the kingdom prepared for them. The goats, who have failed to do so, are cursed and sent into eternal fire. The reward and punishment are both eternal, highlighting the gravity and the eternal consequences of our choices here on earth.
The surprise expressed by both the sheep and the goats: Both groups are surprised by the King's words. The sheep are surprised that in serving the needy, they were serving Christ. The goats are surprised that in neglecting the needy, they were neglecting Christ. This surprise reveals a profound truth - Christ identifies so closely with the needy that whatever we do for them, we do for Him.
In the heart of this passage, we find a call to obedience ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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