Matthew 25:31-46
Todays Gospel reading is one many of us are familiar with and many of us dont like to hear. The reading talks about judgment and punishment. Wait a minute. What about grace? Well, lets look more closely at what weve read and see what we can find out.
The Gospel tells us about a topic Jesus really doesnt 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, its tempting to let someone else or something else rule our lives; in fact its 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 lifes challenges.
We are often reminded of these resources by the people who surround us. Whether its 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 well think about becoming a Stephen Minister who listens to people in times of trial. Maybe well consider being a Sunday School teacher so the next generation can see us being joyful in the Lord. Maybe well be moved to add a little extra to our offering so others may be warmed with a blanket. Maybe well 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. Theres a warning in these words. Jesus, our judge, will know the true motivation behind everything we do. Wouldnt you rather do something because you love doing it than because its 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 hes presenting the roses he needs to choose his words carefully. He could say, Its our anniversary...
- so Im obligated to give you a gift, or
- and youd be mad if I didnt recognize it with flowers, or
- and I want to look good to our neighbors, or
- and I love you so I wanted to do something that brings us both joy.
Jesus doesnt want us doing good for others because
- we feel obligated to do so, so we can simply go through the motions to meet some set of expectations, or
- we fear consequences if we dont do good, or
- we want to put on a good mask for others consideration.
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. Dont worry whos a sheep and whos 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 Gods 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 Matthews Gospel where the judge asks the question at the end of history, What have you done? its the same kind of question Paul asks the Ephesians in todays second lesson: Do you really trust Jesus Christs 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 Gods judgment and grace. He writes:
- I love my children too much. Do any of you have that problem? Do any of you love your children too much? ...love your children immensely? ...love your children unconditionally? ... love your children graciously? That is just the way it is! But I still ask my children the question and so do you, Have you done your work today? Have you done your jobs today? Have you taken out the garbage? Did you do the dishes? Did you make your bed? Did you clean your room? Did you do your homework? Did you do your confirmation lesson? Do you know how many times I have asked my children, Did you do the work that I gave you to do? My excessive love for my children is great but I still ask the question, What did you do today?
This is also true of God. Gods love for us is great, but God still asks you and me the question: Have you done your chores today? Did you take care of the sick, the poor, the orphans, the starving, the thirsty, the refugees, the homeless, the hungry, the lonely in the nursing homes? Have you done your chores today?
That God asks you that question does not mean that God doesnt love you. Its just the opposite. Because God DOES love you unconditionally, God then asks you that question. Have you done your chores? Do you know what the Father wants to have done around the house today and do you do it? (1)
Let Christ be King of your life and serve him with joy and gladness. Amen.
- 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