November 26, 2023

Today’s Reading: Matthew 25:31-46

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 20:1-18, Matthew 24:29-51

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matthew 25:34)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Some folks read Jesus’ teaching on the Last Day in Matthew 25 like The Hunger Games: “Last one standing is a sheep, and may the odds be ever in your favor!” For many, it’s a day of judgment, doom, and gloom; “everyone, save yourselves.” But that’s not what Jesus teaches about his second coming. When Jesus teaches about the Last Day, there is warning. But, Jesus also preaches good news at his coming.

The Son of Man comes, enthroned in glory. All the nations are gathered and he’s separating people one from another. Sheep to the honorable right; goats to the dishonorable left.

This is the eternal Sorting Hat. Notice, works are mentioned after the separation. The sheep and goats are not separated on the basis of what they did or didn’t do but who they are. 

The sheep are the righteous. Jesus’ righteousness was reckoned, imputed to them. Sin covered in the blood of the Lamb. They hear the words, “Come, you who are blessed by Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you before the foundations of the world.” Pure gift. Jesus’ inheritance is yours because He dies and leaves you with everything. 

The sheep are astonished: “Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, naked or imprisoned?” “As you did these things for the least of these my brothers you did it to me.” A blessed befuddlement: Jesus is hidden in the lowly losers. The sheep aren’t busy counting good works because they know they have the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for them.

The goats are surprised too, but for different reasons. They’re as ignorant of their sin as the sheep were of their good works. “Lord, when did we see you?” They’re outraged. “If only we had known it was you, Jesus.” Goats are busy counting their works, like a social media influencer counting followers. The goats are for the goats..

So, what are you? Sheep or goat? In Adam, we’re all natural born goats. Naked, caught with our fig leaves down. Starving, thirsting, sick with sin and prisoners of death. The mirror of the Law only reveals a stinking, stubborn goat. But in Christ Crucified you are a righteous sheep, made woolly white by Jesus’ blood. By water, word, and the Spirit, you are Jesus’ little lamb. Hear the Good Shepherd’s voice: ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

My Savior paid the debt I owe And for my sin was smitten; Within the Book of Life I know My name has now been written. I will not doubt, for I am free, And Satan cannot threaten me; There is no condemnation! (LSB 508:5)

-Pastor Samuel Schuldheisz is pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

Study Christ’s words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.