Judgment: The Parable of Sheep and Goats

In this blog post, we will look into some profound biblical concepts, focusing on the teachings of Jesus and how we can better understand and apply them in our lives. We will be exploring various verses, their context, and the importance of reading the Bible with an open mind and heart. Let's have FUN together exploring the Good News. Understanding Jesus' Teachings Jesus, in His teachings, emphasized the Kingdom of God more than the concepts of Heaven and Hell. He used parables, as Kingdom messages, how to live this new life in the Kingdom. One such parable is the story of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46. However, before we delve into the parable, it's crucial to remember a few key guidelines about Bible Study. Key Points about Bible Study 1. Bible Study is different from devotional reading. 2. Context is king. 3. Remember, Matthew is writing to the Jews, but that doesn't mean we can't listen in. 4. Do your best to listen to the Gospel of Matthew like a first-century Jew would have. 5. We are more concerned about Heaven and Hell than Jesus or His listeners are. 6. Jesus was most concerned with the Kingdom. 7. Parables are Kingdom messages about the Kingdom. The Sheep and the Goats: Unraveling the Parable The parable of the Sheep and Goats is a teaching about judgment. Judgment in its simplest terms is a judgment call, a decision to be made. That is what the parable is about both the sheep and the goats have made a decision to follow a way of life based on their belief in the shepherd. It tells a story about what separates His followers (the sheep) from those who refuse to follow Him (the goats). The sheep are blessed by the Father and inherit the Kingdom because they are open to following and listening to the Shepherd. This is what makes a sheep in their hearts, is that they listen and hear the Shepherd’s direction. Most of all they believe in the Shepherd. Because that is their true nature and their true identity. While the goats decide on a different path altogether. A path that shows off their true nature and identity; one of unbelief in the Shepherd. The separation of the sheep and the goats is not based on their works but on their identity. The sheep know Jesus, and Jesus knows them (John 10:14). It's not about the works they've done but their relationship with Jesus. This relationship is characterized by belief in Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Jesus said in John 10:26, "You do not believe because you are not of my sheep." On the other hand, goats are those who reject Jesus, don't know Him, and don't want to know Him. Their identity is not characterized by faith in Christ but by their lack of it. This shows who they truly are from a heart perspective. The Lesson in the Parable So, what lesson can we glean from this parable? The main takeaway is about our identity in Christ. We are His sheep, identified not by our deeds but by our faith in Him. As sheep, we can't be anything but sheep. The Good Shepherd knows us by name, and He calls us by our names. Let's remember that eternal life is a gift, not a wage. It's an inheritance, not something to be earned. The work has been done on the cross; all we need to do is believe. We do good works, not out of fear of judgment but out of love for God and others. The Good Works, just like Heaven is a by-product of our true nature and identity. It will naturally come. Conclusion In conclusion, understanding Jesus' teachings requires us to go beyond a superficial reading of the text. We must consider the context, the audience, and the main message. We must remember that our identity in Christ is not determined by our works but by our faith in Him. As His sheep, we are secure in Him, for no one can snatch us out of His hand. Discover Your Brand New Identity Remember that God has placed a sense of eternity inside of you. This reminds me of the beautiful image of Jesus carrying the lost sheep on his shoulders. As he rescues the sheep, he gently whispers the sheep's true identity into its ear.