Why the Church Matters: Sheep, Goats, and the Call to Serve

November 16th, 2025
by Pastor Bob

Based on Matthew 25:31–46
This week we continued our series Why the Church Matters by exploring a striking passage from Matthew 25 — a passage filled with images of sheep, goats, judgment, and the return of Christ. It’s part of what’s known as the Olivet Discourse, a section in which Jesus teaches His disciples about the end times from the Mount of Olives.

Though Jesus’ imagery may seem unusual, His message is clear: when He returns in glory, He will separate all people as a shepherd separates sheep and goats — and the distinction reveals the true nature of our hearts.

The Son of Man Returns in Glory
Matthew 25:31–32 paints the scene:

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. Before Him will be gathered all the nations…”

“Son of Man” is one of Jesus’ favorite titles for Himself — and here He’s describing His own return. When Jesus comes again, He will come as King, seated on His throne, and all people will stand before Him.

This is not a parable but a prophetic picture of final judgment. All nations, all people, all generations will be gathered. No heritage, nationality, or background provides a free pass. Every person stands accountable before the King.

Why Sheep and Goats?
Jesus describes separating people the way a Palestinian shepherd separates sheep and goats. In most parts of the world, flocks are raised separately. But in ancient Palestine, they were commonly kept together and divided only when needed.

Why?
Because sheep and goats behave very differently:

Sheep tend to follow — they stay near the shepherd, responding to his voice.
Goats tend to wander — independent, stubborn, doing what they want when they want.

This picture is woven throughout Scripture. God’s people are often called sheep (John 10; Isaiah 53:6; Psalm 23). He is the Shepherd; we are the ones He leads, cares for, and protects.

Jesus places the sheep at His right hand — the biblical place of honor and authority. The goats stand at His left — a symbol of rejection and distance.
What Separates the Sheep From the Goats?
Jesus explains the distinguishing mark:

“I was hungry and you gave me food… thirsty and you gave me drink… a stranger and you welcomed me… naked and you clothed me… sick and in prison and you visited me…” (Matthew 25:35–36)

The sheep cared for the King — not directly, but through caring for “the least of these.” When they served the poor, the hungry, the sick, the imprisoned, the stranger, they were serving Jesus Himself.

The sheep respond with surprise: “When did we do these things for You?”
Jesus answers:

“As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (v. 40)

In contrast, the goats did not care for those in need — and by withholding mercy, they revealed their lack of love for the King.

Does This Mean We Are Saved by Works?
This passage can feel confusing if we forget the rest of Scripture. It may sound like Jesus is saying that good deeds earn salvation — but that contradicts the clear teaching of the New Testament.

Paul writes:

“We are justified by faith apart from works” (Romans 3:28).
“We are justified by faith, not by works of the law” (Galatians 2:16).
“By grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works” (Ephesians 2:8–9).

So what is Jesus saying?
Our works do NOT save us — but they DO reveal us.
Good works are the evidence of a transformed heart.
They show what kingdom we belong to.
They show whom we truly love and follow.

Ephesians 2 continues:

“We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (v. 10)

We are not saved by good works — but we are saved for good works.
Why Serving Matters in the Life of the Church

So why does the local church matter?
Why does Bethany Church matter?
Because Christians are called to serve — and the local church is where that calling becomes real, visible, and lived out.
Service is not optional.
It is our identity.
It is our mission.
It is our witness.

1. We Serve Each Other Inside the Church
This is the first meaning of our mission statement: Serve Our Community.
Our first community is right here — the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).
We love, support, and care for one another:

Watching each other’s children during medical appointments
Visiting the sick and homebound
Preparing meals for families in crisis
Serving in kids ministry, on worship teams, committees, or the coffee bar
Showing up for one another in ordinary and extraordinary ways

These acts of love are not random kindnesses.
They are evidence of allegiance to the King.

This is the church being the church.
It’s also why small groups matter — not just for studying Scripture, but for praying, connecting, and supporting one another. You cannot experience the fullness of Christian life alone. We need one another.

2. We Serve the Community Outside the Church
The second meaning of “Serve Our Community” is outward.
Scripture calls us to hospitality, compassion, and mercy toward strangers (Hebrews 13:1–2). Sometimes this looks formal — participating in nonprofits, school programs, or community boards. Other times it’s simple:

Welcoming a new neighbor
Lending tools
Helping after a storm
Caring for a family in crisis
Offering practical help in moments of need

As a church family, we serve our town together:

The Haven of Mercer food pantry
Community food drives
Summer Play Days

These may seem small, but they build community, create trust, and open doors for the gospel.

A servant earns the right to be heard.
When we serve people, their hearts open — and opportunities to share Christ naturally follow.

Serving Shows the Heart of the Kingdom
The ultimate truth of Matthew 25 is this:
Service doesn’t save us — but saved people serve.
The sheep serve because they love the Shepherd.
The goats don’t serve because they don’t.
Service flows from a heart transformed by grace.
It is a response to Jesus, not a replacement for Him.
And the promise remains:

“The righteous [will go] into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46)

Scripture References Used in the Sermon
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