The Great Compassion

Matthew 25:31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46 This is referred to as Olivet Discourse, which includes chapter 24. It is the last month of the life of Jesus and He is focused. In this passage, two groups are coming before the same judge. The right side of the equation is where the great compassion is fulfilled.

What separates the “sheep” and "goats" is their spiritual motive, which leads to everyday obligation. Where am I on the scale of Christian compassion?

We all would like to be on the side of “sheep”. How do I know which side I am on? This isn't a self-directed test; Jesus has a test with criteria. What does it take to be a "goat"? What makes someone “really bad” and is that the test?

Why did Jesus teach this to His disciples? He was giving instruction.

The prequel to this passage is a parable (moral story based on a truth) about the bridegroom and the wise virgins and their lamps. He says this is like the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 25:14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28 The talent was a measure of weight that had value. Each was given something. The master's instruction was to spend or invest for the benefit of the master (kingdom). Not just their families. The individual with one talent said, “I knew you were stern so I hid it and didn’t lose it. I was careful with it.” He had the same opportunity as the others. He didn’t misuse the money, but the master was expecting more. He covered his cost, but this is not the way to stay in business and profit. Just presenting myself as living free from sin, but not investing in the kingdom does not make me a "sheep".

Most people do not believe there will be a seperation. I cannot simply judge myself, that I am a good person, and declare that I am going to heaven because I don’t want to go to hell. Eternity is the function of what is happening right now.

Matthew 6:16,17,18 Do not act with righteousness to be admired by others. It’s a secret between you and God.

The righteous asked the same question as the unrighteousness. They all had the same opportunity.

I could worship regularly and go home and worship and not engage in sin. I could be faithful and live right. If there is another that is in need, even if they are different than me, I should be meeting that need. I should spend my talent for the benefit of another.

The sheep and goats are subject to the same tests. They are evaluated the same way. What do I feel called to do to meet the need of another for the profit of the Kingdom of God?

One of the tests is not whether I am able-bodied. There are not exceptions for someone has physical or mental difficulty or lack of time. It’s about motive. How do I personally fulfill the great compassion? God has given everyone a talent to spend or invest. If I have difficulty, I may need help in finding a way to meet this necessary obligation.

Although it is my first obligation, the Kingdom of Heaven is larger than my family. I must be willing to treat the stranger as my family.