Our scripture this morning is Matthew 25:31-32 (NLT).
But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
In this prophecy of our future Jesus returns to fulfill the promise of God’s kingdom. Matthew 25:31-46 often carries the heading “The Final Judgement”, He will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. This imagery reflects human nature – goats who are stubbornly independent and follow their own way and sheep who “know their Shepherd’s voice” (John 10:27).
We mustn’t think that good works alone are the standard for judgement. The New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition says “the criterion of judgment is not mere philanthropy (good as that is), but people’s response to the kingdom of heaven.” Are we doing good things “just because”? Unless we have a relationship with Jesus, they do us no good. We can’t earn our way into eternity.
Our good works are a response to the free gift of salvation we have been given, an expression of our love returned to God. They are not eternal life bargaining chips or an account where we store up credit for ourselves. Accepting Jesus as our Savior and following faithfully as one of His sheep is the only way.
Loving Lord, in Your mercy You sent Your Son to love and save and free us. Forgive us the times we have failed and send us to share Your love everywhere. Amen.
