Monday 02 March 2009
- Bible Book:
- Matthew
"Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me ... Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me." (v.40, 45)
Background
In this passage, the Gospel writer Matthew explains to thereader that when Jesus comes for a second time, he will separatepeople into two groups "as a shepherd separates the sheep from thegoats" (verse 32).
Our author is talking about the end of the age. This separation ofsheep from goats determines who will be allowed to enter thekingdom of heaven: who will sit on the right (sheep) side of God.The metaphor of shepherding sheep and goats was helpful visualimagery that Matthew's audience would understand. As well as beingused for sacrifice in biblical times, goats were symbolically'burdened' with the sins of the people, and cast out into thewilderness on the Day of Atonement - the 'scapegoat' (
At the time of Jesus, and in certain cultures today, goats wereused for sacrifice and were also kept for their milk. Their hairwas used to make the curtains of the Tabernacle - the temporarytemple housing the ark of the covenant the Israelites used in thewilderness (Exodus26:7); their skin was made into a vessel for carrying water andthe flesh was eaten.
On the other hand sheep were protected from wild beasts at night bymen who closely watched over them. The sheep would, and still do,follow closely behind their master as they instantly recognisetheir voice.
There are two common interpretations of this passage. It can bethought of as concerning the end of time, or as the beginning ofthe kingdom of God. Everyone will be judged by the way they treatthe Jewish people - "these who are members of my family" (verse40).
The reward of the kingdom of heaven is given to those who servewithout thought of reward. There is no hint of merit here as Godgives out of grace, not debt.
To Ponder
How much do you truly treat others in the way youwould want to be treated?
How could you live life as though Jesus is in theeyes of those you meet?
Would you treat your worst enemy differently ifyou knew your entry into the kingdom of heaven would be solelyjudged on that relationship?
Why do some of us forget to live life by thisjudgement rule?