Perhaps one of the most familiar parables of Jesus in the New Testament is the Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46). Though it only appears in Matthew’s gospel, has captured the hearts of preachers and readers alike. It is simple. The dividing line of faith and action is clear and contrasting. Sermons abound investigating and describing the unwitting service of the faithful. Much is made of the types of service rendered or overlooked by the sheep and the goats. The clandestine and representative presence of Christ is both a surprise and a sober reminder for all the generations who have ministered throughout history. The bottom line is clear between real and fake gospel. Many have noted the clear and almost indistinguishable association of serving/loving Christ and serving/loving others.
What is often missed is the reward. Don’t forget that Jesus mentions one in the parable. There is a kingdom waiting as an inheritance for the sacrificial and loving servants of God. It was created specifically for this group from before the creation of the world (verse 34). The ultimate gift, created before the creation of the recipients themselves. It was an inheritance before there was anyone to inherit. It is almost as if God figured out the perfect gift and then needed to create someone to receive it.
It is amazing to see such detail placed upon the preparation of that gift by God and such little mentioned of it by those (including me) who have told and retold this story. I suppose it is somewhat like a six year old on her birthday receiving a $100,000 college scholarship certificate. I don’t know any six year old that would be delighted or impressed with such a gift. In fact, I am certain that a shiny $5 toy would be much more thrilling. In fact, they would likely ask “What do I do with it?” Or, “What is this good for?”
In the same way, most folks think the ultimate reward is their healing or receiving much needed resource for surviving trying times or the restoration of something lost. But, the kingdom? What can I do with it? What is this good for? Well, since Jesus used most of his parables to tell about the kingdom, I would imagine it is good for something.
I do not want to labor over a deep description of the kingdom. But, we do need to remind ourselves from time to time that there is a King (God), a dominion (this one has no physical boundaries or beginning or ending), a citizenry (the church), a foundation (righteousness in Christ); and power (not politically centered but both physically and spiritually transformative). Unless one receives direct benefit from the Kingdom, it is quite imperceptible. Once one becomes a member and begins receiving the full compliment of benefits, appreciation becomes profound.
When I think of the Kingdom of God I often am reminded of Hebrews 2:8 that parenthetically adds a germane thought. “. . . God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But, we see Jesus . . . .” Sometimes it does not look like a fully formed Kingdom. But, when we see and come to relate to Jesus, everything changes- for the better.