The Gospel According to Matthew - Week 37

This teaching is from Matthew 25:31-46 with a review of Matthew 24:3, 30-31 with 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

Pastor Dodge opens on the topic of the “Rapture?” Yes, he adds the “?” as his purpose is to plant in our minds' questions that need to be addressed around the topic of the rapture.

The word rapture is not used in the New Testament, but Pastor takes a look at the teaching in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 in the light of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24:3, 30-31.

Many believers hold to a quiet, unannounced, silent rapture that’s only noticed after people have disappeared and that happens before the tribulation.

The Rapture is a young teaching going back to the 1830s by John Darby who brought forth the teaching of the a Pre-Tribulational Rapture.

Pastor believes in a rapture - but does not believe it will be silent or unseen, nor does he believe it will take place before Jesus’ final appearing.  Why? He bases his view on scripture and draws a comparison between the two sets of verses using some of the original Greek words to impart additional insight that shows both are talking about the same day - the final coming of Christ. - Not a quiet or unobserved coming but rather something all will see and hear. (Take a listen to the teaching for further insight by going to the link below.)

Pastor then moves on with our progression through the book of Matthew by exploring Matthew 25:31-46 - the Parable of the Sheep and Goats.

Pastor shares a personal story that taught him the difference between sheep and goats.  There are physical differences like sheep graze, eating grass and goats are browsers, eating anything and everything. Sheep tails go down, goat tails go up. But there are other significant differences: Goats butt heads to gain control, they go off on their own and are fiercely independent. Sheep view the shepherd as in control, follow him and thrive under his care and put themselves under the authority of the shepherd. As we dig deep into the differences between sheep and goats it becomes very apparent why Jesus chose the illustration of sheep and goats for this parable on His Return.

Now let’s examine the story. The parable tells how when Jesus returns He will separate the goats from the sheep.  Goats to His left and sheep to His right. He separates them not by what they have done but ON WHO THEY ARE and whose they are. The sheep belong to Him, the goats do not.

After the separation, He talks about what each did or did not do showing the difference between those who have received Him as Savor and Lord (sheep) and those who have not (goats). 

Followers of the Lamb
 vs
Those who are followers of the devil 

To those on the right (where the sheep are - the ones who have put themselves under the authority of the Good Shepherd.) Jesus gives them an inheritance, eternal life forever with Him.

To the goats on the left (those who did not hear or heed the Shepherd’s voice) He commands them to depart from Him to eternal punishment.

Noteworthy: Jesus does NOT say, “I know my goats and my goats know me.” He does Not say, “I lay down my life for my goats.” And He does NOT say, “I am the good goatherd.”

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and who laid down His life for His sheep and we, as His sheep, will follow Him.

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