Sheep And Goats
Matthew 9:35-9:38 (ESV)
The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers Few
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Study Guide Questions:
Observation Questions
Observation Questions focus on gathering facts and identifying key details. This can include repeated words, themes, and characters). Observation asks "what does the text say?" not "what does the text mean?" It is not intended to go into interpretation or life application yet. Observations provide a crucial foundation for accurate interpretation and application, preventing misconceptions.
What observations do you note in today's passage?
Please note that these questions are intended to help the community group member learn what types observations could be made in the passage...
What specific needs are named in Matthew 25:35–36, and what kind of care is described for each need?
What is the response of the people who represent the sheep and goats?
In Matthew 25:40, who does Jesus identify Himself with, and what does He say happens when someone cares for “the least of these”?
Interpretation Questions
Interpretation Questions focus on interpreting what has been observed. The goal is to try to understand the original author's intended meaning and purpose for the intended audience. Interpretation bridges observations with life applications. It will consider key terms, explores context, and answers "why" to uncover the main point.
What are some key points that resonated with you from the message or from your observations above?
The disciples ask for signs of Jesus’ coming in Matthew 24:3. How does Jesus’s parables in chapters 24 and 25 redirect attention from trying to predict events to knowing and trusting Him?
Matthew 25 says the kingdom was prepared “from the foundation of the world.” How can this truth give a believer humility about salvation and security in God’s mercy?
If feeding, welcoming, clothing, and visiting do not earn salvation, why are these works still so important in Matthew 25?
Jesus calls the needy people in Matthew 25:40 “my brothers” (or "my brothers & sisters"). How does this language expand care for vulnerable neighbors while also giving the church a particular responsibility to care for fellow believers?
Life Application Questions
Life Application questions are intended to transform knowledge gleaned from observations and interpretations to practical application in your life. These questions are intended to move the facilitator and the participant from understanding what the text meant to how it applies to daily life. Life application questions are intended to transform listeners into doers, bridging biblical truth with current circumstances to foster personal transformation and spiritual maturity.
What is your key take away from the message?
When thoughts about the end times, world events, or uncertainty fill your mind, do they draw you nearer to Jesus or mostly make you anxious and distracted? What would it look like this week to focus on the Savior rather than obsess over signs?
Where are you most tempted to treat God’s love like something you must earn—through serving, being useful, knowing enough, or appearing spiritually strong? How does receiving the kingdom as an inheritance speak into that pressure?
When you encounter someone in need, do you tend to act mainly to relieve your own discomfort, or do you pause to consider what would genuinely help that person? What might it look like to offer time, attention, dignity, or a thoughtful question along with practical help?
Think about someone who may feel unseen, isolated, sick, grieving, overwhelmed, or spiritually discouraged. How could you move beyond simply saying, “I’ll pray for you,” and show tangible care this week?
How well do your relationships in the church family include deeper spiritual conversation, encouragement, accountability, and practical support? What is one relationship in which you could take a step toward more genuine love and care?
Jesus says that what is done for His brothers and sisters is done for Him. How might that change the way you view ordinary acts of service—welcoming someone, preparing a meal, visiting, listening, helping with a need, or serving on a Sunday?