Sheep or Goat

Discussion Questions

1. Today we are in the sixth and final week of a Sermon Series called “Parables.” Jesus

often taught using parables, these short dense stories that are packed with meaning.

Between Palm Sunday and Good Friday, in the last week of His earthly ministry, Jesus

told at least six parables. The sixth teaching is about “Sheep” and “Goats.” Read it for

yourself, Matthew 25:31-46. What stands out to you as you read?

2. Jesus is teaching about what it will be like when He returns. He says that upon His

return He will separate people like “Sheep” and “Goats.” Look at the text, what criteria

will Jesus use to decide if someone is a “Sheep” or a “Goat?”

3. It’s very common for modern Christians to interpret this passage to be about helping the

poor. It appears at first that what separates the “Sheep” from the “Goats” is their

treatment of the poor. Jesus certainly does care about the poor, we get that clearly in

scripture, but is that what this passage is about? The key comes down to this phrase:

“Whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Who is Jesus talking about? Hint: look up Matthew 10:42.

4. It’s Jesus’ disciples who will be sent out to share the Good News of a Savior. As a result,

these disciples will be poor, hungry, in need of clothing, and likely even imprisoned. And

according to this passage, how people respond to the disciples, and receive the gospel,

will determine if they will be counted as “Sheep” or “Goats.” How do you think the

message of this teaching encouraged the disciples? How does it apply to us today?