That Your Joy May Be Complete
Christ the King

November 20, 2011

That Your Joy May Be Complete

by Linda Kraft

Matthew 25:31-46

Today’s Gospel reading is one many of us are familiar with and many of us don’t like to hear. The reading talks about judgment and punishment. Wait a minute. What about grace? Well, let’s look more closely at what we’ve read and see what we can find out.

The Gospel tells us about a topic Jesus really doesn’t spend a lot of time explaining. The scene is set on a day we hope is far in the future: judgment day. Jesus tells his listeners that on that day people will be divided, just as sheep are separated from goats. Of course this would have been an illustration the people of Jesus’ time would have understood with little need for imagination. But for us, in our urban culture, the example Jesus uses may take a bit of explaining. In those days, a shepherd would usually separate sheep from goats, to keep the goats warm at night while keeping the sheep in open air as they preferred. Also, sheep cost more than goats and because of their greater usefulness and value families usually owned more sheep than goats.

Okay... Now we know about sheep and goats, but what does that have to do with judgment? On this final Sunday of the church calendar, you and I are expected to acknowledge Jesus as our ruler, our king. Oh, it’s tempting to let someone else or something else rule our lives; in fact it’s very easy. Sometimes we let money (or the lack of money) determine our actions. Sometimes we get caught up in addiction to alcohol or drugs and let them rule us and ruin who we were intended to be. Sometimes we let fear rule and we fail to build relationships that could be beneficial to all. In our lives many contenders vie for our allegiance.

But our true loyalty needs to be where Jesus showed it to be most worthwhile. When our focus is on Jesus and his redeeming grace you and I can be strong against all temptations. We can find courage in the most terrible times. We can find peace in overwhelming situations. Jesus’ strength, courage and peace can see us through all of life’s challenges.

We are often reminded of these resources by the people who surround us. Whether it’s at the grocery store, the hospital, the church service or the gas station, you and I tend to recognize each other. We realize we have a bond as children of God. We get to know each other and form a relationship so that if we should pass on the street we will have that reminder: I am not alone. I am a child of God. God will give me the strength, courage and peace I need for today.

This realization, then, is likely to encourage us to share this good news with others. Maybe we’ll think about becoming a Stephen Minister who listens to people in times of trial. Maybe we’ll consider being a Sunday School teacher so the next generation can see us being joyful in the Lord. Maybe we’ll be moved to add a little extra to our offering so others may be warmed with a blanket. Maybe we’ll try offering an hour or two of time at the food pantry or bringing in canned goods for those in need.

These are the kinds of things Jesus is talking about in this illustration about the sheep and the goats. There’s a warning in these words. Jesus, our judge, will know the true motivation behind everything we do. Wouldn’t you rather do something because you love doing it than because it’s expected in some way?

Think of it this way. A man goes out and buys a big bouquet for his spouse on their anniversary. He brings them home and hands them over. While he’s presenting the roses he needs to choose his words carefully. He could say, “It’s our anniversary...

Now, which one of these phrases do you think the man’s spouse would like to hear?

Jesus doesn’t want us doing good for others because

Jesus wants us to do good because we are so filled with joy in the love of God that our natural response is one of generosity and compassion.

Jesus might be telling us not to be so consumed by the end result, our location after our death. But live each day in service to others out of the joy that comes from simply serving the Lord. Don’t worry who’s a sheep and who’s a goat. You and I are sheep and goat at the same time when it comes to judgment. You and I are saint and sinner at the same time in the eyes of God. We are tempted and fall short of God’s good wishes for us. We know we can turn to God for forgiveness, and we remember that God has promised to always love us and give us grace.

“In Matthew’s Gospel where the judge asks the question at the end of history, ‘What have you done?’ it’s the same kind of question Paul asks the Ephesians in today’s second lesson: ‘Do you really trust Jesus Christ’s never ending love?’ They are two sides of the same question. When we are asked that question, ‘What have you done for the least of these, my brothers and sisters?’ this does not contradict the grace of God, the pure gift of salvation.”

Reverend Ed Marquardt tries to explain God’s judgment and grace. He writes:

When we know our God loves us, even more than the most doting parent, we may live wanting to do what is asked of us. Our joy will be in doing our chores, because in doing what God asks you and I realize more and more the love of God for all.

Let Christ be King of your life and serve him with joy and gladness. Amen.

Reference:
  1. “Love Still Asks the Question” Edward F. Markquart, Our Final Day in Court or Here Comes 'da Judge. Esermons.com.

(Comments to Linda at Linda_Kraft@Ecunet.org.)

Linda Kraft, Pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Trumbull, CT