What I’m Thinking: The Criterion

In the 25th chapter of Matthew, Jesus tells a series of stories about judgment. At the close of this address to his disciples, he makes it clear what the basis for judgment is. It’s love.

Here’s a transcript:

I’m thinking this week about the end of the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew, the story we usually call “The Sheep and the Goats” (Matthew 25:31-46). With it, we finally learn what the criteria are for the fairly harsh judgments that are implied in the previous stories of the twenty-fifth chapter. What the light is that the five foolish bridesmaids did not have enough of, were not prepared to share. What the riches and the investment is that the foolish servant buried in the ground rather than striving to make grow.

And it’s fairly simple, and it’s fairly clear.

When I was hungry, you fed me. When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was naked, you gave me clothing. When I was sick or in prison, you visited me.

Well, when they ask, “When did we do these things?” then the Son of Man says, “When you did it for the least of these, you did it for me.”

So what are the criteria? What is the criterion?

Compassion. Love. Aloha.

And every person is as valuable in the sight of God as the very Son of God himself.

That’s what I’m thinking. I’m curious about what you’re thinking. So leave me your thoughts in the comment section below; I’d love to hear from you.