PODCAST
The Right Side?
February 24th, 2022
Matthew 25:31-46
The scene is a vast judgement hall. Jesus, “the Son of Man,” appears in His divine glory with all His angels. He is seated on a glorious throne to judge all nations, literally all humanity. He divides them into two groups “as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats” (v. 32). Sheep to His right, goats to His left.
The scene is unusual, less like a trial, more like a sentencing hearing. Jesus, now speaking as the all-powerful “King,” invites the sheep to “take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” (v. 34). The goats are commanded to “Depart . . . into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (v. 41). Both have been judged on how they responded to the revelation of Jesus in the neediest ones.
Jesus identifies himself with the hungry, thirsty, the stranger, the inadequately clothed, and the prisoner, really anyone who has a need. How do we respond? Which side are we? Or, rather, will we be on?
Author: Duane Brush
