Jesus describes the events in detail. In Matthew 25 He reveals that when the Son of Man comes into His glory there will be reckoning. Christ's faithful disciples, who's very lives witness their love and faithfulness, will be place on His right. Those who lived their lives in rejection of Him will be placed on His left. Then judgment will be pronounced. Those on His right are accounted righteous and are given their inheritance - the Kingdom prepared for them. Those on His left receive eternal punishment.

Jesus also does this in Matthew 7. Here we find people who involved themselves in religious activity, even in the Lord's Name, but did not know Him. On this Day they call Him Lord and recite all they have done. But Jesus does not know them and they are sent away from Him.

These are not favorite passages. This is not the future we really wanted to catch a glimpse of. The justice and severity of God are topics we would rather avoid. But, we cannot. Jesus unveiled this for our benefit. In His describing this event He graciously heralds warning and promise. We need to heed both.

As Jesus describes the three groups a couple of things about the group on His right that catch my attention. First, He refers to them as "sheep" denoting that they are His disciples. He often spoke His being the Shepherd and His followers as His sheep. Second, they are surprised at His announcement about the things that had done to Him. Why were they surprised? Why did they have to ask about when they had done the things He had said they did?

The other groups were surprised too. The group on His left had been blinded to Jesus by their self-absorbed lives. Their eyes are blind to the hurting, suffering, imprisoned, and naked. They went on their merry way watching out for number and taking care of their own business. They hadn't the time. Religion for them was nothing more than a self-help, self-actualizing exercise. It didn't make much difference what religion or faith system they adopted, as long as it served their purposes. Their surprise was really shock. They were sure that they had it all together.

The self-righteous list keepers were surprised as well. They had diligently worked at making themselves righteous through their works. That is why the list keeping was so important. They were sure that the more they did the better their crown. Ministry activities were not about compassion and love. They were about notches in their spiritual belts. They did not know Jesus. Their Christianity was self-centered in the end. It was a way to deserve the biggest and best room in the place that was being prepared. They too are shocked for they were sure their good deeds would land them a place of honor. The desired it.

But, the surprise was special for group on the right. The King tells them that had ministered to Him by ministering to the least. Their ministry had a special character. It flowed out of a heart of love. They were not keeping records. They were not attempting to win the King's favor or to impress Him. Self was not at the center. Love was! You get the impression that not only were they surprised about ministering to the King, but also about the list of things that had done. Their life of giving service was no big deal. That's what Christians do.

This is a picture of the people of God. This is a picture of Jesus' disciples. They are a people who minister without keeping records or demanding to be ministered to. They love God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength and this loves flows to their neighbor. In serving others we serve our Lord. It is wonderful when our work is noted, but it is a surprise too. For it's no big deal, that's what Christians do.

Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry