Housegroup study on Matthew 25 v 31 – 46
Icebreaker (to warm up)
List all the differences between sheep and goats that you can think of. A picture of each might help!
Looking at the text (for exploration and understanding)
· Look back at the preceding verses in chapter 25 to see what has gone before.
· This is the last parable that Jesus tells in Matthew’s Gospel. But is it a parable? Or just a picture of what will happen at the end of time? Share your thoughts.
· Why do you think Jesus talked about animals rather than humans? Is this what makes the story a parable rather than an actual happening? Why do you think the sheep are the good guys and the goats the bad ones?
· This parable has been interpreted different by different people at different times. ‘These brothers of mine’ has been understood as a. the Jews b. Christian believers c. anyone and everyone. What do you think?
· Why do you think Jesus told this long story at the end of his ministry and life?
· How do you react to verse 46?
Applying it to ourselves (for discussion)
1. This story is only in Matthew’s Gospel. What would we be missing if Matthew had not written it?
2. Does this passage contradict our Christian gospel that people are saved by faith and not through their ‘works’? Are the sheep in the story acting out of duty or out of a sense of grace? What makes you act as you do, and does the carrot of heaven, or the stick of hell, come into it at all?
3. Jesus himself is quite clear about the perils of hell. This is not the only parable that mentions punishment after death! However, such things are virtually never mentioned in our contemporary church life. Should they be?
Optional further exercise/opportunity for action
If you have access to the internet in the group, you could try and find a charity that is engaged in each of the good deeds that Jesus mentions. Or, someone could do this research in advance. Why not send a letter of encouragement – with a donation – to each charity?
Action (for thinking about)
Take time, individually, to think of one action or thought or change in attitude that you are going to take away with you. Then move into prayer.
© Jacqui A. Horton 2011