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If Jesus is the Creator of all things (including ALL PEOPLE), then this makes sense as to why HE JUDGES ALL people for all time.

This is what the Son of Man would do with people. The phrase “Son of Man” comes from Daniel 7:13-14, and this passage is super significant in light of that text from Daniel.

While sheep & goats often grazed together during the day, shepherds eventually would separate them.

If Jesus is the “son of man” from Daniel 7, then He is also the KING of the KINGdom. That fits the story that Jesus is telling about the final judgment of all nations.

The sheep refer to the genuine followers of Jesus. JJesus often used the imagery of sheep to refer to his followers (Jn 10:14, 21:16).

The goats refer to those who are NOT genuine followers of Jesus. 

The sheep (genuine followers of Jesus) are welcomed into their inheritance = entrance into the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 

The majority of Bible commentators from the 2nd through the 19th centuries believed that the least represent Christian “brothers and sisters”. Many Bible commentators over in the 20th-21st centuries think this refers to anyone in need - Christian or not.

• When Jesus uses “brothers” and “sisters” in the Gospels, He always points to those who follow Him and obey the Father (Mt 28:10, Lk 22:32, Jn 20:17).

“You did this for me” first applied to followers of Jesus who met the needs of other followers of Jesus when they were experiencing tough times. The 1st century Jewish followers of Jesus were sometimes fired from their jobs, run out of town, and persecuted - hungry, thirsty, in need of a place to stay, and fresh clothes to wear - because they were viewed as blasphemers - claiming that Jesus was both Messiah & the Son of God. This is why Saul of Tarsus (later known as “apostle Paul”) was chasing down other Jews who followed Jesus. 

The risen Jesus struck Paul blind and said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:5a) According to Jesus, when Paul persecuted followers of Jesus, he persecuted JESUS.

• The apostles of Jesus faced persecution - being beaten and being thrown into prison as well (Acts 4-5). King Herod imprisoned the apostles Peter & James & several other followers of Jesus (Acts 12:1-2). Then he had James beheaded. 
• After Paul followed Jesus, he and other believers often went hungry, wearing rags, brutally treated, & even homeless at times (1 Cor 4:11).
• When Jesus had sent his apostles out to do ministry He said that those who welcomed his apostles welcomed Him. Even those who give a cup of cold water to the least significant follower of Jesus (“little ones”) would be rewarded (Mt 10:40-42). Those who RECEIVED the followers of Jesus, RECEIVED HIM and His good news. 
• First, followers of Jesus are to meet the needs of other believers, and in doing so, minister to Jesus.

Not only are we commanded to love our brothers & sisters, we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves, and even love our enemies (i.e. to have their best interest in mind). The apostle Paul makes this super clear in his letter to the Romans, where he writes:

The King recognizes simple acts of servanthood (Mt 25:35-40), where people - created in the image of God - are treated with VALUE & kindness. In doing so, we bless Jesus!

This is NOT a works-based salvation. 

• If we could be good enough, then why did Jesus have to die? - We have sinned against God, but He has loved us so much that Jesus came to give His life as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
• We DO good works because our King commands us, enables us, & expects us to do for others - brothers & sisters, neighbors, & even…enemies. When Jesus lives in and through us, we will care about people HE cares about.

Ultimately, sinners will be judged for their sin. Those who put their trust in Jesus as their KING, their JUDGE, should so appreciate the GOOD NEWS that Jesus actually PAID for your sin and those who follow Him are forgiven, clean, righteous. 

• Those who follow Jesus are those who care about people that He cares about.
• Those who don’t follow Jesus, those who don’t acknowledge Him as KING of their lives, don’t care about the people He cares about.

The fruit of those who don’t belong to Jesus, shows that they don’t serve HIM, but serve themselves or whatever ‘god’ has the focus of their lives.

The day is coming when it will become evident that…JESUS JUDGES ALL - every person of all time.

On that day there will be only one of 2 options - 1) you either have turned from your sin and turned to Jesus - forgiven & free OR, 2) you are still in your sins and will be held accountable for them.

No one lives right to become righteous. Instead, Jesus gives us His righteousness, giving us the ability to live RIGHT.‌

• Jesus judges and gives eternal life to those who turn to Him.
• OR, Jesus sentences people to eternal punishment. If your view of God doesn’t allow for this, then you need to ask, “Where did I get my view of God from?”.

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Take some time to discuss these questions with your family, friends, or group.

1. What stood out to you from today’s teaching - answering questions or stirring up questions for you? Consider looking back through your notes to come up with your own questions or insights.
2. Read John 1:1-3 & Daniel 7:13-14. Why is it that Jesus is the one who is given the authority to judge all people for all time?
3. Read Matthew 25:33-40. In light of the entire gospel of Matthew, is this teaching that our good works make us right with God? If not, what does this teach us? (Consider looking back at todays “BIG TRUTH” for some help answering this question.)
4. Reflect on a time when you helped someone in need. How did that experience shape your understanding of serving Jesus through serving others? 
5. How can we ensure that our acts of service aren’t out of obligation but are genuine reflections of our faith and love for Jesus?
6. Reflect on the role of gratitude in your life. How does being thankful for what you have influence your willingness to give and serve?
7. We spent time considering what Jesus meant by “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Mt 25:40) While this certainly can refer to anyone (friend, foe, or acquaintance), why must we really consider how we can meet needs inside the household of faith” (Gal 6:9-10). Do you KNOW of any needs we can meet for another brother/sister?
8. Read Matthew 25:41-45. What sentence does Jesus give to those who don’t follow His commands to care for others? 
9. John MacArthur wrote: “Scripture is very clear in teaching that the evidence for assurance of true salvation is not found in a past moment of decision but in a continuous pattern of righteous behavior.” Discuss this significance of this statement.
10. 10.Read Matthew 25:46. Note the term used to describe “punishment” and “life”. What is the significance of that word, and why should this add weight to considering whether we or our friends are genuine followers of Jesus?
11. 11.How can we teach and encourage the next generation disciples to value and prioritize serving others in their lives?
12. 12.How can we pray for/care for one another this week? (Pray for one another.)