The parable of the sheep and the goats is found in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 25:31-46. In this passage, Jesus describes the final judgment where he separates people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats.
The “sheep” represent the righteous, who are blessed for their acts of kindness and compassion toward others, such as feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, and visiting the sick. In contrast, the “goats” symbolize those who neglected to do these things and are thus condemned.
The overarching message emphasizes the importance of how we treat others, particularly the least among us, as it reflects our relationship with Christ. It’s a powerful reminder of the call to serve and care for one another.