Understanding the Sheep and Goats in Matthew 25: A Modern Approach

Understanding the concepts of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25, as described in the 2015 article from the 'Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom,' involves clarifying several key elements. This passage from the Bible is not only a theological discussion but also a profound illustration of humanity's response to Christ's teachings.

Key Elements of the Illustration

To fully grasp the illustration of the sheep and the goats, it is essential to understand the identity of those mentioned, the timing of the judgment, and the rationale behind the classification. These elements are crucial for a deep and accurate understanding of the passage.

The Identity of Those Mentioned

In 1881, Zion’s Watch Tower identified "the Son of man," also called "the King," as Jesus. The early Bible Students believed that the expression "my brethren" (rendered in the King James Version) referred not only to those who would rule with Christ but also to all of mankind after their restoration to earthly perfection. This interpretation significantly shifted in the early 1920s when Jehovah’s Witnesses began to refine their understanding of the passage. The Watch Tower of October 15, 1923, clarified that "the Son of man" is Jesus, and that the expression "brethren" specifically refers to those who will rule with Him in heaven, while the sheep are those who hope to live on earth under the rule of Christ’s Kingdom.

The Timing of the Judgment

The timing of the judgment was another critical point of discussion. Early in the 1920s, it was understood that the separating of the sheep from the goats would take place during the Thousand Year Reign of Christ. However, this view changed as Jehovah’s Witnesses understood that Christ's brothers could not be helped or neglected by an earthly class since they would be ruling from heaven. Therefore, the separating would have to occur before the beginning of the Millennial Reign. Accordingly, it became clear that the judgment would take place before the beginning of the Millennial Reign, as detailed in the Watch Tower article from October 15, 1923.

The Reason for Classification

The reason for being classified as a sheep or a goat also underwent significant refinement. Initially, people were believed to be judged as sheep because they lived by God's law of love. However, the Watch Tower articles from the mid-1990s noted the similarities between Jesus' words as recorded in Matthew 24:29-31 and those in Matthew 25:31-32. The lead article concluded definitively that the rendering of judgment on the sheep and the goats is future and will occur after "the tribulation" mentioned in Matthew 24:29-30. This judgment will take place just before the end of the great tribulation, when Jesus will establish His Kingdom in full glory.

Current Understanding and Its Implications

Today, Jehovah's Witnesses have a clear understanding of the illustration. The "sheep" and "the goats" represent individuals from all nations, with the "goats" being those not anointed by holy spirit, while the "sheep" are spirit-anointed men and women who will rule with Christ from heaven. The judgment will occur toward the end of the great tribulation, and the outcome hinges on how each person has treated the remaining spirit-anointed brothers on earth.

With the end of this system of things so close at hand, the guidance and clarity provided by Jehovah through these successive revisions are invaluable to followers of Jesus Christ. Understanding and applying these insights can lead to deeper faith and a stronger commitment to living by the principles of the Kingdom of God.

Keywords: Matthew 25, Sheep and Goats, The Kingdom of God