In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus wraps up his public teaching ministry with three parables about the end of the age — each one encouraging us how to live here and now. What kind of life does God want us to live? A mindful, joyful life (the parable two weeks ago), a daring, fruitful life (last week’s), and finally, a generous, compassionate life (this
week’s climax).
As Matthew says, this is Jesus’ final teaching before his journey to the cross in earnest—these words he wants ringing in his disciple’s ears as he takes his leave.
Virtually all stories about “The End” are meant to clarify the stakes of our lives and decisions here and now - and “eternal life” and “eternal fire” are about as high as stakes can get.
In many ways, Matthew’s depiction of the last judgment is not to condemn or scare but to provide a snapshot of our current state and an alternate vision that should lead to new habits and ways of life. After all, our Creator God wants us to flourish with abundant life.
At first glance, the story constrains salvation as a matter of righteous action and reward. And yet, with a closer look, the story does the
opposite: when the shepherd-king summons the sheep, he calls them to “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” God’s blessing isn’t a reward for their actions; rather, the blessing precedes their actions. The blessing makes their efforts possible.
Furthermore, this famous story warns against looking down on another person or group for doctrinal, liturgical, or other religious
reasons. For Matthew, Jesus’ final teaching declares that salvation does not and will not fall along exclusionary lines such as the ones we love to create. This passage has no word about theology, creeds, or doctrines. There is only one criterion here for God’s approval: whether or not we saw Jesus Christ in the face of the needy and whether or not we chose to respond to this observance with love, compassion and mercy.
Have we been guilty of playing the role of judge towards ourselves or others? How does Jesus’ story about the separation of the sheep and goats encourage us to live more loving, compassionate, merciful lives right now?
Reflections by Rev Joe Taylor
