Jesus’ Return: The Powerful Judgment of the Sheep and the Goats

 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;”

Matthew 25:31-32

Dear Friends,

Warnings are meant to be heeded—especially when they come from the Son of God.

In response to a question about the end times, Jesus issued multiple warnings, urging His followers to be ready for His return. These admonishments, spoken out of deep love, are not to be ignored.

As a mom, giving warnings has become a regular habit of mine. I know it can be annoying—sorry about that!—but it’s because I care deeply. I want to ensure my loved ones stay alert to danger. It would break my heart to know someone I love experienced avoidable harm simply because I stayed silent.

Yet, as much as I wish I could make the decisions for them, each person must choose for themselves to stay alert and aware.

A Coming Day of Separation

As Jesus sat with His disciples, He described a future moment when He would return in glory, surrounded by angels, and take His place on a glorious throne. At that time, all nations will be gathered before Him to be judged.

To illustrate this, Jesus used a powerful agricultural metaphor: just as a shepherd separates sheep from goats, so the King will divide those who truly belong to His Kingdom from those who do not.

The sheep, true believers, will be placed at His right hand. The goats, those who never truly followed Him, will be placed at His left.

Outward Similarities, Inward Realities

One of the most sobering truths in this passage is how closely believers and unbelievers can appear to resemble one another.

Like sheep and goats grazing together in the same field, they often coexist in the same churches and communities. They may speak the same language of faith and participate in good deeds, yet the difference lies not in outward appearance but in the inward transformation.

To the untrained eye, they may seem similar. But the Shepherd knows His flock.

Actions Reveal the Heart

The King was not fooled by appearances. He pointed out that the actions of each group revealed their true identity. Those who treated the hungry, sick, naked, and imprisoned with love and compassion did so because their hearts had been transformed by faith.

Their works did not save them, but they showed the fruit of a genuine relationship with Jesus. As Jesus said, “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for Me.”

In contrast, those who ignored the suffering around them demonstrated a lack of understanding of the King’s heart. Their neglect exposed a life not truly aligned with His Kingdom.

A Warning That Still Stands

The outcome of this judgment is eternal: those who belong to the Kingdom will inherit eternal life, while those who don’t will face everlasting punishment. No wonder Jesus gave so many warnings!

Those who first heard this message have long since passed and now know the reality of Jesus’ words. But we still have the chance to respond.

Are You Ready For Jesus’ Return?

There is a way to be sure you’re counted among the sheep: it all hinges on what you do with Jesus.

He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

When someone comes to Jesus in faith, He forgives their sins, transforms their heart, and adopts them into His family. True members of God’s family begin to reflect their Savior. While good works cannot save anyone, they are the evidence of a changed heart. As James writes, “I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18).

Warnings are given for a reason. But no one else can respond for you.

Jesus has made it clear: He will return as King to judge the world. On that day, He will separate those who belong to Him from those who do not. That day will be either one of great joy or deep regret—depending on whether or not you’ve heeded His warning.

Love,

Mama

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