MATTHEW 25:31-46 (COVID-19 Version)

Sometimes I think about how Jesus might have told his parables if he shared them today…

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THE PARABLE OF THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS

When Jesus returns, he will sit at his throne and every nation will gather in front of him. Like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, he will divide everyone into two groups. One will be on his right and one will be on his left.

King Jesus will say to those on his right, “Welcome home, friends! I have been preparing this place for you since the beginning of time. When my refrigerator was empty, you made me a meal. When I was out of toilet paper, you shared some of yours. When my wedding was postponed and my graduation ceremony was canceled, you found ways to celebrate me. When I was out of work, you looked for ways to help me. When I was sick, you supported the responders who were tending to me. When I was quarantined, you took the time to call me.”

Then those on his right will ask, “When did we see you and help you?”

He will answer, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for those in need, you did for me.”

Then King Jesus will say to those on his left, “You are not welcome here. When my refrigerator was empty, you let the food in yours go to waste. When I needed toilet paper, you hoarded. When my wedding was postponed and my graduation ceremony was canceled, you told me to get over it. When I was out of work, you told me to wait for my stimulus check. When I was sick, you downplayed the disease. When I was quarantined, you forgot about me.”

Then those on his left will ask, “When did we see you and not help you?”

And he will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for those in need, you did not do for me.”