Sheep and Goats

N.T.#276 "Sheep and Goats"

April 2, 2024 

Matthew 23-Part 3

LET IT GLOW 

There is no substitute for spiritual preparation. It equips us for unforseen crises or opportunities. Christ will sustain us when we have developed a quality relationship with Him. If we are unprepared, we will be vulnerable in life's unexpected events. (Blackaby)

Have you had an encounter with God through Jesus? First comes the Rapture of the Christian Believers, then the Great Tribulation, then,, the return of Christ for His millennial reign as King, finally, the Great White Throne Judgment of all nations.. Chances are, we will be alive during one of those events.

In verses 31-46, we read about the judgment of the nations, which involves:

• The son of Man (Jesus Christ) comes in His glory and with all the angels to sit upon His glorious throne. 
• All the nations (Gentile; heathen; people; a foreign non-Jewish) will be separated, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. Sheep will be on the right and goats will be on the left. 

What is the contrast between the sheep and the goats?

Then shall the Kiong say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (verse 34)

Their acceptance seems to be according to their acts of kindness: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, caring for the stranger, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned. They asked when they did such things. Jesus said, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done in unto Me. (verse 40)

Are we showing love to others through our words and works, thus showing love to our Savior? How we treat others is how we are treating Jesus. What a joyful time for those faithful servants! Are we showing practical love and service, expressing our faith in Jesus? 

LET IT GROW

The contrast is with the goats on Jesus' left. They did not do those things listed, so there will be no rewards because of their unfaithfulness in using God's resources. they have nothing to show for their life, so they have no eternal rewards.

The goats will have eternal fire with the devil and his angels. (verse 41)

Those faithful sheep, righteous, will have life eternal, but the goats will have everlasting punishment.

Keep in mind that love for others glorifies God by reflecting our love for Him. 

In which group will we be?

LET IT GO 

Help us stay faithful to You, Jesus.

Fill us with Your love for others.