The Least of These
Matthew 25:31-46
Main Idea: True disciples of Jesus are so transformed by the gospel that the King’s interests joyfully become their own.
I. The Sheep
The ‘sheep’ are sorted from the ‘goats’ at the coming judgment, evaluated by their care & concern for the “least of these.” The sheep provided the basic necessities for human life to those in need: food, water, clothing, shelter, and companionship.
Jesus indicates that the ‘least of these’ are ‘my brothers,’ having in mind needy Christians. If we can’t begin with caring for the ‘least of these’ within the church, we will be unable to move outward to those in need in the world. Galatians 6:10: So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
On the surface, the sheep and the goats seem to contradict the message of salvation by grace. A few important observations from the passage that push against this:
The surprise of the sheep (25:37-39) reveals their actions were evidence of their citizenship in God’s kingdom, not the cause. Their tangible care was the fruit of salvation, not the root (cf. James 2:14-17).
The sheep are rewarded their ‘inheritance’ from the Father (25:34), which is not earned but received.
“A man does not fear to lose that which he wins by descent from his parent. If heaven had been the subject of earning, we might have feared that our merits had not really deserved it… but we do know whose sons we are; we know whose love it is that makes glad our spirits, and when we “inherit” the kingdom we shall enter it not as strangers or as foreigners, but as sons coming to their birthright.” ~ Charles Spurgeon
The Kingdom is prepared “from the foundation of the world” (25:34)
II. The Goats
On the other hand, the “goats” failed to act when they had an opportunity to do so, and are equally as surprised as the “sheep” at the judgment from the King. Their lack of concern for the least of these shows their misunderstanding of the gospel of the Kingdom.
In Jesus’ final teaching in Matt. 25, a common theme develops in his parables:
The foolish bridesmaids failed to prepare for the groom (25:1-13)
The wicked servant failed to increase the talent entrusted to him (25:14-30)
The goats failed to act when they saw those in need (25:41-43)
Each group is guilty of sins of omission (cf. James 4:17). Indifference to the needs of fellow brothers, sisters, and neighbors (cf. Parable of the Good Samaritan) is ultimately an indifference toward the interests of Jesus himself.
“Hell is real and eternal because God’s holiness is real and eternal… the frightening thing is that, to enter hell, all one has to do is nothing… all you have to do to go to hell is not rock the boat. Accept the status quo. Hell is quite easy to enter. Because outside of Christ we stand condemned already (Jn. 3:18), we need simply do nothing.” ~ Jared Wilson
III. The King
Though Jesus is “hidden” right now to most, a promised day is coming where all will recognize his universal kingship as he sits on his “glorious throne” to judge the nations.
To be transformed by the gospel we must first look at the King. This passage shows us that Jesus identifies profoundly with his people (cf. Matt. 12:46-50, Acts 9:4). For the King to identify with the “least of these” in his Kingdom is an incredible picture of his character and nature.
In order to be transformed in this way, we must recognize ourselves in the least of these. When we are swept up in the reality that Jesus has met us at our worst and in our place of need with his grace, the interests of our King will joyfully become our own. Have you recognized yourself in this place of need?
