28. SHEEP AND GOATS (Matt.25:31-46)
BACKGROUND: This parable has usually been interpreted in three ways: the least brothers of Jesus mean A. suffering Christians, B. suffering Jews, C. all the suffering people in the world.
- What do you find especially frightening in the parable of the last judgment?
- What, if anything, do you find comforting in this parable?
- What would you think about God if he wouldn't ever punish the wrong done against
you?
- What does this parable teach us about heaven and hell (vs. 34, 41, 46)?
- Based on common sense, what kind of people should end up in hell?
- According to this parable, what is the sin that "throws" a person to hell?
- Why is hell spoken of and believed in less and less in our time?
- How many groups of the "least brothers" appear in this parable (vs.35-36, 42-43)?
- How many of these groups have you helped?
- Which of these six groups do you find most difficult to help?
- Why is it so difficult to see Jesus in a hungry, thirsty, homeless, naked, sick and (especially!) imprisoned person?
- What does your Christian fellowship do for each of these six groups?
- How did "the goats" perhaps defend their behavior: why didn't they help these six groups?
- "The goats" were honestly surprised when hearing their verdict. Why had they expected it to be different
(vs.44)?
- Why were "the sheep" also surprised at the words of the king (vs.38-39)?
- Where did "the sheep" get the power to love even those who in fact were not very
lovable?
- Which of the interpretations mentioned above do you consider to be the right one?
- What are the consequences of each of these interpretations on our
behavior?
- The parable of the last judgment seemingly deals only with our deeds. Where does faith enter into the picture? (How are the people divided into goats and sheep in the first
place?)
- When did Jesus himself experience the fate of his least brothers: when was he hungry, thirsty, homeless, naked, sick and imprisoned?
- Why was the same sentence pronounced for Jesus as for the goats in verse 41?
GLAD TIDINGS: In the whole history of mankind, there are two crucially important trials: the trial of Jesus, and the last judgment. Every one of us must give account, in one of these trials or the other, for our shortcomings towards our least brothers. As surely as you rely on your sins having been condemned in Jesus' trial, you will be declared not guilty on the last day.