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Introduction: Approaching Worship and Judgment
As we gather in worship—whether singing, giving, or hearing the Word—my prayer is always that it all be pleasing to God. Today, I want to share some reflections rooted in Matthew 25:31-46 and the Apostles' Creed: "He will come to judge the living and the dead." This is a line we often breeze past, but it's essential to our faith and hope.
A Personal Story: Facing Judgment
I remember when my husband, Bob, in his early twenties, was driving on Chicago's beautiful Lakeshore Drive. He was pulled over—not for speeding, but because he had truck plates on his van, which aren’t allowed on that road. On top of that, he already had two recent tickets. A third meant losing his license.
When Bob showed up for his court date, he saw a stranger passing out pieces of paper in the hallway. He watched as each person took the paper to the judge, read it aloud, and heard their case instantly dismissed. When Bob got his turn, he was told by this stranger that Illinois law required a hearing within a set period—and his was past due. Bob read the statement to the judge, and his case was dismissed. No fine, no lawyer fee. The gratitude he felt that day resonates with how many feel when facing judgment: we know we’re guilty, but hope for mercy.
The Weight of Judgment
Many of us carry small or large regrets: a little white lie, a questionable claim on taxes, or cutting ethical corners. We know that every one of us will answer for these things—not just the acts, but even our thoughts. There will be a day, like sitting outside that courthouse, when our names are called, and we’re aware of our shortcomings.
The Judge Who Paid Our Debt
As we explore the Apostles' Creed, we're reminded: Jesus will come to judge the living and the dead. This isn’t something to mumble through or fear. The judge who is coming has already paid our debt. Before our names are called, he has acted on our behalf.
In Matthew 25, Jesus paints the scene. The Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, gathering all nations. He separates people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats—sheep on his right, goats on his left. To the sheep, he says: “Take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” This inheritance is not earned; it’s given before any good deed is done. It’s about being named, being chosen.
Jesus lists compassionate acts—feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, visiting the sick and imprisoned. The righteous are confused; they didn’t keep score. They simply loved those in front of them. Jesus reveals the truth: what is done for the least, is done for him.
Wrestling With Judgment and Grace
These words challenge many. People struggling to believe in a God who judges often ask: “How can God let bad things happen?” Tim Keller, a pastor and author, points out that the very idea of a loving God comes from Scripture—the same book that teaches about judgment. God’s judgment isn’t arbitrary. The fire is prepared for evil, but the kingdom has been prepared for his people since the world's creation.
We’re tempted to ask, “Did I do enough? Was I a sheep or a goat this week?” Some of us grew up thinking we must earn our place with deeds. But that’s not how grace works. Jesus, the one who will judge, is also the one who was judged on our behalf. In the very next chapter of Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples he will be handed over and crucified. Before he judges, he is judged, carrying our sins and paying our debt at the cross.
Illustrations of Grace
I’m reminded of the story of Billy Graham. After getting caught speeding in a small town, the judge recognized him, but said, “The law has been broken and the fine must be paid.” Then the judge paid the fine out of his own wallet and treated Billy to dinner. This is a picture of the cross: the fine is paid, not ignored, and Jesus pays it himself.
The reason the sheep are on the right isn’t because of what they’ve done, but because of what the King has done. Our acts of compassion flow from belonging to Jesus, not from tallying good deeds.
Living Out the Truth: Faith That Acts
It’s important to clarify—being forgiven doesn’t mean we live however we want. Jesus teaches that our lives bear fruit as evidence of following him. Our place with him is settled by grace, but we’ll still account for what we did with what he gave us.
So, what if we actually lived as if these words are true this week? We could put down the scorecard, knowing our standing with God is settled. This frees our hands and hearts to serve and notice others—not out of obligation, but as a sign that we belong to Jesus. The sheep in the parable aren’t keeping track; they’re surprised because loving others became second nature.
Assignment: See and Serve
This week, I challenge you to notice someone you usually walk past. It might be someone different from you, someone difficult, or even someone in your own home. When you show love and compassion, you notice Jesus.
Remember: when we say, "He will come to judge the living and the dead," we don’t fear the courtroom. The King has already paid our debt. Judgment is real, but so is grace, and grace gets the final word.
Stewardship: What Will You Do With What You’ve Been Given?
Earlier in Matthew 25, Jesus tells another parable—about servants handed money to steward while their master is away. Each must answer for what they did with what was entrusted to them. Everything we have—our time, our gifts, our finances—is given by God for us to steward, not for our own sake, but to bless and serve others.
If you’re part of our church family, your giving—of time, talent, and treasure—enables us to feed the hungry, help the hurting, and share hope. Whether you have much or little, it’s between you and God, but we’re all accountable for what’s in our hands.
Conclusion: The Judge Has Already Paid
Take this with you: the judge who is coming has already come—and he has paid your debt. We serve and give not to earn God’s favor, but in gratitude, because we belong to him.
Let’s notice the least of these this week. Let’s serve freely, without keeping score, knowing the cross settled our place with Jesus once and for all.
Thank you for joining in worship, reflection, and service. Live this week knowing your Judge is also your Savior—and that’s very good news.
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Sermon Overview
This discussion guide is designed to help individuals and groups reflect on the theological truths presented in the sermon based on Matthew 25:31-46, focusing on Jesus as the coming judge, the nature of grace, and our practical response as followers of Christ in light of the final judgment.
Opening Prayer
Begin your time together by inviting God’s presence and asking for wisdom to understand His Word, just as the speaker did:
“Let it all be pleasing to you today. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”
Warm-Up Questions
Courtroom Stories: The message opened with a light-hearted courtroom story. Can you recall a time you feared being judged or held accountable? How did it make you feel?
First Impressions: When you hear the word “judgment,” what thoughts or emotions come to mind?
Scripture Reading
Read Matthew 25:31-46 aloud together.
Reflection & Discussion Questions
1. Jesus: The Judge Who Paid Our Debt
The sermon emphasizes, “The judge who is coming has already paid your debt.”
How does this truth change your perception of Judgment Day?
Do you ever struggle with keeping “a tally” of your good and bad deeds? Why is it tempting to do so?
2. Grace and Works
The distinction between earning and inheriting is made clear: “You don’t earn an inheritance; you get named in an inheritance.”
What is the difference between serving God to earn favor versus serving God out of gratitude for being named in Christ’s inheritance?
The sheep in the parable are surprised by Jesus’ commendation—they weren’t keeping score. What does this say about the Christian motivation for good works?
In what ways have you experienced God’s grace freeing you from performance or comparison with others?
3. Living as People Who Know Their Debt Is Paid
“When God looks at us on this Judgment Day standing before him, He’ll never see anything we did. He’ll never see anything of our sins because when He looks at us, all He’s going to see is Jesus Christ.”
How does this idea align with the Gospel and the theology of salvation by grace through faith?
How does this assurance of pardon empower us to live differently in our daily lives?
4. The Evidence of Faith
“The evidence that we follow Jesus shows up in our everyday lives, in how we treat people, in how we give.”
What are practical ways your faith has shaped your relationships, generosity, or attitude toward others?
The sermon challenges: “Who is the person this week that you keep walking past?”
What types of people are easy for you to overlook or avoid, and what might Jesus be inviting you to do differently this week?
The fruit (evidence) of following Jesus is not keeping score but responding naturally to God’s love. What obstacles keep you from this kind of response, and how can you overcome them?
5. Stewardship and Accountability
The parable of the talents reminds us: “None of the money they ever had was theirs in the first place. They were given to steward for a while.”
What resources (time, talent, treasure) has God given you to steward in this season of life?
How are you investing what God has entrusted to you for His kingdom?
Are there areas of your life where God is inviting you to deeper generosity or service?
Personal Application
Consider the phrase: “Stop keeping score.” What spiritual practices could help you live more freely and joyfully in God’s grace?
Identify a specific person you tend to overlook. Commit to pray for them and, if possible, serve them in a tangible way this week.
Closing Prayer
Thank God that “the judge who is coming has already come and has paid your debt.” Pray for the Spirit’s power to trust Jesus’ finished work and to imitate His love and mercy in your daily interactions.
(Optional) Further Study
Reflect on Romans 8:1 (“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”) and Ephesians 2:8-10.
Explore the ECO Essential Tenets, especially the sections on Grace, Election, and the Call to Holiness. How do these truths shape your understanding of judgment and Christian living?
End your discussion by sharing prayer requests and lifting one another up before the Lord.
He Will Come to Judge | Matthew 25:31-46
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