Pentecost Season · Year A
Christ the King
November 22, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
Chapter 24 concludes and chapter 25 begins with a call to be prepared, since there will be no precursor signs for Jesus’ reappearing (24:36–51). Matthew 25:14–46 continues with this theme of readiness by narrating two more parables of Jesus, one focusing on faithfulness as the way to continually stay prepared (25:14–30), and one on actions of mercy and justice as the way to live out covenant faithfulness (25:31–46). Themes of faithfulness, mercy, and justice have already been introduced as hallmarks of Torah adherence (23:23), which are to typify Jesus’ followers. Chapter 25 concludes the fifth and final Matthean discourse of Jesus’ teachings (chaps. 24–25). The final words of Matthew’s Gospel will make clear that Jesus expects his followers to obey all his teachings (28:20; see 26:1).
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Commentary
Matthew 25: The Sheep and the Goats Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the judgment of the nations.
Matthew 25 Commentary Precept Austin
A deep gathering of word studies and cross references worked verse by verse through Matthew 25.
Matthew 25:31 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries on the King who judges the nations in one place.
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 25 StudyLight
Albert Barnes' notes on the whole of Matthew 25.
Commentary on Matthew 25:31-46 (Christ the King) Working Preacher
A seminary scholar reads the judgment of the nations as the Christ the King Gospel.
Matthew 25 Scripture Reflections Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Catholic homiletic reflections gathered on Christ the King and the least of these.
The Solemnity of Christ the King (Year A) Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre walks through the feast readings and the King who judges the nations.
Christ the King, Cycle A, Sunday Connection Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic background, reflection questions, and family prayer for the feast.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: Matthew Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the Gospel of Matthew, its structure and themes.
Gospel of Matthew Overview (Matthew 14-28) BibleProject
An animated overview of the second half of Matthew, where the judgment discourse sits.
Matthew 25:31 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for the Son of Man in his glory.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the judgment of the sheep and the goats?
The Son of Man, enthroned in glory, separates the nations as a shepherd separates sheep from goats, and the criterion is mercy shown to the hungry, the stranger, the sick, and the prisoner, “one of the least of these” (Matthew 25:31–46). The King identifies himself with the needy.
Where does this fall in the Catholic lectionary?
This is the Gospel for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the last Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A (November 20 to 26), before Advent begins a new year.
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