The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats

The Parable of the Sheep and Goats
Matthew 25:31-46

A homeless man walked into the coffee shop. A waitress who had seen many such walk-ins ignored him. The cashier thought to escort the man away from other customers as inconspicuously as possible. One customer felt the need to give some money to buy the man something to eat. A second customer thought about telling him where the homeless shelter was located. While each of the others thought about what they might do, a third customer smiled as he walked over to the homeless man to say, “Would you join me at my table as my guest?”
Where was Christ in that coffee shop scene? Not likely in the waitress or cashier. How about customer #1? two? three? Possibly. In todays lesson Jesus identified Himself with the one in need, the homeless stranger who walked in off the street hungry. In a very basic and bibical scence, Christ was present in any of the persons who were Christians. Christ lives by His Spirit in all believers.

Tonight think about times you may have encountered Christ in the form of a persons in need. Jesus demands more from His disciples that just a feeling of concern about the needs of the poor and destitute. He demands total action. Action that meets people's needs.

Matthew 25:31-33
(Make three columns on the board; Lable each “Us”, “God”, and “Needs”)
1) In what ways do we categorize or judge people? “Us” column (race, appearance, occupation, social or financial status, education, good vs bad, ect)
Does anybody want to share examples of times when first impressions based on appearances proved to be wrong and why?



1 Samuel 16:7

At the judgement, Jesus will categorize people as a shepherd separates sheep and goats.
2) What factors do you think God will use in making judgements?”God” column.

A. You are buying groceries and a very thin, filthy man steps in line, holding aa batch of green onions, and talks about how nice it must be to have that much food to eat. What do you say or do?
B. A family moves in next door. They don't speak English very well, their funiture is unusual, and strange odors come from their kitchen. How do you react to them?
C. A coworker is arrested and imprisoned. He has a wife and a young child. What do you do for the coworker and his family?

Matthew 25:34-36
In what class of Jewish society would Jesus' family be? (His family was poor and part of the lower class)
If Jesus were the person in the grocery store, or the new neighbor, or the coworker, what would you say or do?
Do we hesitate to become involved in the lives of others? Why?

Needs exist all around us. We can choose to ignore the needs, expect the government to help, or take action ourselves. If Jesus lives in us, we should see the needs with His eyes and heart and take action.
Ephesians 2:10
How significant is it that you or I meet the needs of one person? What are the consequences? (Their needs are met and we are doing what we were created to do, Others will see Christ in us.)

Matthew 25:37-40
Define "the righteous"
Why did Jesus put Himself in the place of the needy people?
Why is it difficult to serve the needy? (so many of them, their needs are so great, government agencies cannot solve their problems)
Who was He refering to when He said, "these brothers of mine"? Many people believe that Jesus was referring to those who were His followers, He set the example of meeting the needs of anyone He met.
What specific needs are their in our church/community? (put in "needs" column)

Matthew 25:41-46
Why do many adults avoid contact with those who most need help?
We as Believers must resist the temptation to see people as insignificant and underserving of ministry.
Why were the people on the left cursed? (not accepting Christ's Salvation)
John 3:18

Conclusion
Many people get confused and think that they can get to heaven buy doing good works or deeds. This is taught nowhere in the bible. Jesus did place a great emphasis in His teachings on the kind of lifestyle that His disciples will manifest, and one aspect of that is compassion and mercy to those in need, especially to other brothers and sisters in Christ. When we reach out to others in this way, we not only please our Savior but in a sense we minister to Him as well.

For futher study please visit this link:
1. The Division of the Sheep and the Goats
http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getCommentaryText&cid=1&source=1&seq=i.47.25.3