The Double Meaning of the Narrative of Universal Judgment in Matthew 25.31-46

Abstract

The scene of universal final judgment in Mt. 25.31-46 operates with a double mean ing in which the audience is encouraged to behave first like the righteous sheep and then in a different way also like Jesus' least brothers. The judgment of the goats indi cates that helping the needy least ones is a necessary requirement not just an option. Jesus' identification of himself with the needy least ones means he is not really absent and adds to the Matthean theme of his abiding presence.