Matthew 25:31-46

In Matthew chapter 25 we find three different parables about preparing for the end-times, which Jesus told in the final week of his earthly life. The final of the three is about the Sheep and the Goats.

As the editors compiled the Spark Story Bible for children, they included all three of the Matthew 25 parables. This is how they recounted this last parable:

Jesus told his disciples they were like sheep when they cared for each other, and Jesus was their shepherd. They would be like goats if they didn’t listen and didn’t care.

He said, “Do you remember when you fed the woman who was hungry?” “Yes,” they replied.

“Do you remember when you visited the old man in prison?” he asked. “Oh, yes. He was lonely,” they answered.

“Do you remember when you gave clothing to the children who didn’t have anything to wear?” Jesus asked. “Yes, they were very cold,’ they remembered.

“Every time you care for someone, it is like you are caring for me too,” Jesus explained.

“God will welcome you into the kingdom of heaven.”

The disciples wanted to be like sheep. They knew they would be welcome in heaven.

Before Jesus left His followers, He told them to take care of other people just like they would like to take care of Him. In that spirit, soup kitchens, clothing closets, and visits to the lonely and alone happen each day by Christ’s followers.

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for letting me show my care for Jesus as I care for the least of His brothers and sisters in the human family. Amen.