What did Jesus mean when He separated the sheep from the goats?

Matthew 25:31-46 contains one of Jesus' most serious teachings about judgment. The Son of Man sits on His throne, the nations are gathered before Him, and people are separated according to the way they treated "the least of these my brothers."

What does that mean? Is Jesus teaching salvation by good works? Who are "the least of these"? Why are both groups surprised by the judgment they receive?

What Does the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats Really Mean? works carefully through the passage in its setting within Matthew's Gospel.

Pastor Ellis Carrow examines Jesus' teaching about final judgment, mercy, discipleship and the way our response to Christ becomes visible in ordinary life.

Inside the guide:

• Matthew 25:31-46 explained in context • The meaning of the sheep and the goats • Who Jesus meant by "the least of these" • The main Christian interpretations of the passage • Whether the passage teaches salvation by works • How Matthew connects mercy with genuine discipleship • What "eternal punishment" and "eternal life" mean in the passage • Reflection questions and a closing prayer

A focused, readable Bible study for Christians who want to understand one of Jesus' most important teachings about judgment and faithful living.