By David Faust
Jesus’ teachings abound with vibrant analogies and illustrations. Don’t build a house on sand. Don’t put fresh wine in brittle wineskins. Recognize the growth potential in a tiny mustard seed. Value God’s kingdom like a fine pearl or a hidden treasure.
Worried? Consider how God provides for birds. Critical of others? Don’t be like a man with a two-by-four stuck in his eye trying to give someone else an eye exam. Struggling to forgive? After doing it 490 times, see if it comes more naturally. Becoming too enamored with material things? Don’t be like a camel trying to squeeze through the eye of a needle.
In Matthew 25, Jesus compares himself to a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats. This Scripture passage teaches important truths about the Lord, and it has practical implications for us.
WHAT IT SAYS ABOUT CHRIST
His identity. “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne” (Matthew 25:31). These are strong words about Jesus’ identity. No mere mortal could make such claims. “Son of Man” is a messianic title (see Daniel 7:13-14), and who else but God can command heaven’s angels and sit in the place of judgment on a glorious throne with “all the nations” gathered before him (v. 32)?
His authority. The “shepherd” (v. 32) is also the “King” (v. 34). Who else but the Sovereign Ruler of the universe has the right to separate all humanity into two groups—the saved and the lost? The sheep on the King’s right side will be eternally blessed and rewarded, while the goats on his left “will go away to eternal punishment” (v. 46). Hell is an uncomfortable concept, but Jesus believed in it and warned about it multiple times. He came to provide the remedy for sin so we don’t have to perish and face the condemnation we deserve (John 3:16-19).
His sympathy. Heaven’s King is not a tyrant. He sympathizes with our suffering and identifies with those who are hungry, thirsty, sick, inadequately clothed, homeless, and imprisoned. One criterion he applies in his role as judge is this: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these . . . you did for me” (Matthew 25:40).
WHAT IT SAYS TO US
At Christmas we recall that God’s Word became flesh—an innocent, helpless-looking baby lying in a manger. But that baby grew up to be the risen Lord, the ruler of all nations, the King of kings who possesses “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). Jesus’ analogy of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25 reminds us to respect his authority as judge of the world.
It also reminds us to treat others with justice, mercy, and generosity. Do you know people who are hospitalized, shut-in at home, or in prison? Go and visit them, just as you would visit Christ himself if you had the opportunity. Do you know someone who needs food, clothes, or housing? Step in with hands-on help or financial support just as you would if Christ himself were in need.
“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). The way we care for “the least of these” shows what we value most.
Personal Challenge: Take time during the holidays to visit shut-ins, prisoners, or the sick. As part of your Christmas gift-giving, support individuals and ministries that care for the homeless, the imprisoned, and those who need clean water and nutritious food.
Author: David Faust
David Faust serves as contributing editor of Christian Standard and senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years.
