The final scene in our Olivet discourse is one of those that can cause us to cringe, pull away, and think, “Well, I sure hope I’m not a goat!” After reading this final judgment teaching, our human tendency tends to lean toward, “So how do I make sure I’m in? I don’t want to miss it!”
The main point of this final part of Jesus’ discourse is not about who’s in and who’s out. It’s all about the Son of Man (as referred to here in the Gospel) as the ultimate judge. And thank God for that! You and I don’t decide who’s in (or out). And better than that, we don’t earn our place. It was all up to Jesus.
As Jesus heads toward his crucifixion, he needs his disciples to understand that the final judgment is not a weight they need to carry. Jesus is about to take on everything for everyone; their final destination is secure in him and his work!
When we confidently understand and acknowledge the truth of Jesus’ work for you and me, we enter a life of freedom! As abundance and freedom work in us, they flow out of us. Of course, we’ll have a heart for the hungry, the poor, the stranger, and the sick! How we live says far more about what we believe than what we say.
Ultimately, Jesus is the judge. It is not my place or yours to determine who’s in or out. We’re simply invited to trust that his divine judgment is perfect, that his work is finished (Good Friday is coming!), and now, our freedom in him will live on through service and love to all around us.
Reflection:
- What’s the meaning of your life? It’s a big question … and Jesus speaks to our call and purpose in this final part of his teaching. (Spoiler: If your life is just about you, you missed the point!)
- In what ways can you serve or love “the least of these” in your life? What is one small but significant step you can take today in showing someone the love of God?
- Do you feel freedom knowing God is the ultimate judge?