I want to dig in a bit to these 15 verses or so. Why? They are often quoted by folks, some of whom, want to suggest the Gospel, and Jesus, is only about helping people. They love verse 34-36:
34 Then the King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;35 for I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in. 36 I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me.’
Yet there is a much larger context.
First, in verse 31 we read that Jesus returns—this time not in a lowly manger—but in His Glory. If you want one picture of what Jesus might look like, check our Revelation 1:17.
Second, in verses 32 - 33 he comes to judge—and not just anyone—but everyone: all the nations.
The word we translate “the nations” refers to all those not part of God’s family—a number of Bible translations literally uses the word pagans (vice “nations”). The Greek here is clear. This judgment is for those who do not know Jesus.
Third, verses 34 – 36 confuse many Christians. They sure sound like people are “getting into heaven” by their good works. Isn’t that the exact opposite of the Gospel?
This is a good question, so let’s press in a bit more.
Verses 37 – 40 provide more context. In verse 37 we read “the righteous”. Who is righteous before God? Those who know and love Jesus, see Philippians 3:9. Those who know and love Jesus are those who do the will of God. It is not that they are perfect. It is that they have a heart that cares for others. Faith and works are not separate.
We also see their “shock”. They are shocked not because of their good works, but rather they cannot remember when they did those good works for Jesus.
In verse 40 Jesus answers them by referring to “my brothers”. Jesus’ brothers and sisters are those who profess him as Lord and Savior.
The text therefore is pointing to how “the people of the nations” treat Jesus’ followers.
Many people love to quote a part of this scene, pointing out that we are to be about what some call the “social Gospel” – just help people and don’t talk about Jesus.
But the larger context of this teaching is clear. Jesus is on his way to die for the sins of the world—so that we might become righteous, 2 Cor. 5:21. Jesus has just had some intense days arguing with the religious. People must get right with God for judgment is coming. Verses 41 – 43 literally has Jesus sending people to the eternal fire, to hell.
We must avoid the temptation to avert our eyes and ears from the seriousness of the entire situation—for when we do, we are averting our eyes from the seriousness of our own destiny—it is why Jesus has come to die.
When you think of your destiny, what do you think of?