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Matthew 25 · a question people ask

Does Jesus say who the sheep and the goats are?

In the text

He doesn't name anyone. Here is what he says of them. "Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left." (25:32-33). Those on the right are called "blessed of my Father" (25:34) and "the righteous" (25:37, 25:46); to those on the left he says, "you cursed" (25:41). Each side is told what it did or didn't do (25:35-36, 25:42-43), and each answers with a question (25:37-39, 25:44). The chapter gives no names, and Favor identifies the sheep and the goats with no nation, church or people, then or now.

From Favor's study of Matthew 25

Matthew 25: Those who were ready

The lord says exactly the same words to the servant who gained two talents as to the one who gained five (25:21, 25:23). And at the King's judgment, those on his right and those on his left both answer him with a question that begins, "Lord, when did we see you" (25:37, 25:44).

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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions