Christmas Season · New Year's Day · Year B
Matthew 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
January 1, 2027
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 25:31-46 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary's New Year exegesis of the sheep and the goats judgment scene.
Matthew 25:31-46 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed reading framing the passage as the King's final judgment.
The Least of These SALT Project
An ecumenical commentary drawing the prophetic thread of serving the vulnerable.
Christ the King, Cycle A Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
A Catholic reflection and discussion questions on this Gospel of the King and the least.
Christ the King sermons Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
An Anglican preaching collection on the Matthew 25 judgment text.
Matthew 25 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An evangelical verse-by-verse study of the parable and its call to compassion.
Classic commentaries on Matthew 25 BibleHub
A classic aggregator stacking historic commentators on the passage side by side.
Background & Word Study
The Being of the Son of Man Left Behind and Loving It
Fresh Greek translation and grammatical notes on Matthew 25:31-46.
The 'parable' of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25 Psephizo · Ian Paul
Unpacks the genre and who 'the least of these' really are.
Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) Theology of Work
Reads the judgment through the lens of everyday work and service.
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
Worship & Prayers
Art & Music
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.
What is Christ the King Sunday?
The last Sunday of the church year (also called the Reign of Christ), the week whose date falls between November 20 and 26, before Advent begins a new year. In Year A the Revised Common Lectionary appoints Matthew 25:31–46.
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