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Matthew 25: 31-46
Today's reading gives us the mother of all previews. Jesus tells His disciples exactly what it will be like during the final judgment of our souls.
Here is where it pays to know your animals. Jesus uses yet another analogy, the basic meaning of which we will discuss here. However, be warned that my limited knowledge of animal behavior may very well miss some slight nuances.
In its essence, Jesus explains that (in the end) God will bring together everyone, and he will be like a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats. The basis of separation is how we have treated our fellow man.
Here is where it pays to know your animals. Jesus uses yet another analogy, the basic meaning of which we will discuss here. However, be warned that my limited knowledge of animal behavior may very well miss some slight nuances.
In its essence, Jesus explains that (in the end) God will bring together everyone, and he will be like a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats. The basis of separation is how we have treated our fellow man.
Why this analogy, and why this standard?
The analogy is clever. Think about what we know about sheep, for instance. Sheep are loyal and obedient whose physical image is one of whiteness (purity) and warmth. Now consider the goat. A goat is generally thought to be headstrong and obstinate, with a physical image of being dirty and gruff. In what sense are we either sheep or goats?
We are either sheep or goats by virtue of how we treat each other. We decide. What Jesus tells us is simple. What you do (or don't do) to your fellow man, you do (or don't do) to Me.
This is a very challenging notion if you stop and think about all of the interactions you have on a daily basis. The good thing, I suppose, is that each day we get ample opportunity to try.
In this passage, Jesus gives us very concrete examples-- feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the poor, care for the sick, welcome the stranger, visit the ill and imprisoned. It is one thing to be kind to those in our life that we love-- and even those in our life that we like. It is something else altogether to recognize the face of Jesus in those we don't love (or even like). . . and even harder still to see His face in those who despise us.
Try to think about it this way. . . one toe at a time. Each time you stub your toe (or someone else's) you stub His. My advice: keep your feet clean, put on your shoes and walk around awhile. Life is there waiting for your next step.
We are either sheep or goats by virtue of how we treat each other. We decide. What Jesus tells us is simple. What you do (or don't do) to your fellow man, you do (or don't do) to Me.
This is a very challenging notion if you stop and think about all of the interactions you have on a daily basis. The good thing, I suppose, is that each day we get ample opportunity to try.
In this passage, Jesus gives us very concrete examples-- feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the poor, care for the sick, welcome the stranger, visit the ill and imprisoned. It is one thing to be kind to those in our life that we love-- and even those in our life that we like. It is something else altogether to recognize the face of Jesus in those we don't love (or even like). . . and even harder still to see His face in those who despise us.
Try to think about it this way. . . one toe at a time. Each time you stub your toe (or someone else's) you stub His. My advice: keep your feet clean, put on your shoes and walk around awhile. Life is there waiting for your next step.
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