Matthew 25.31-46
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ 25.40
Jesus ends his fourth major section of teaching on the end of the age with a sobering description of final judgment. At His first coming, Jesus came to the world as a servant King, intending to die for those who received Him. At His second coming, Jesus will come to the world as a conquering King, intending to judge those who rejected Him. Upon His return, Jesus will separate His sheep from the world’s goats—believers from unbelievers. The distinguishing difference between the two will not be their mighty knowledge or their many works. It will be their love for the helpless and the hopeless—the least of these. Jesus’ sheep are characterized by an unworldly compassion birthed out the love their own shepherd has shown to them. They are active in their love, yet, unaware of how it glorifies God proving that love for the unlovable is the natural response to God’s love.
- What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Where were you most encouraged, intrigued, or challenged?
- What does Jesus mean when he says “…as you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me?” In what way are these acts of love connected to loving Jesus?
- Jesus condemnation of the goats is severe. How does it make you feel when Jesus says, “…as you did not do it to the least of these you did not do it to me.” Why do you think you feel this way?
- Read 2 Corinthians 5.14-15. What does this passage teach us about love? How will we know if we have truly believed the gospel?
- Who is the “unlovable” that you struggle loving most? Poor? Imprisoned? Sick? Rebellious? Religious? How can this change?