The so-called parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46) is set down for the last Sunday of the church year, 22 November 2020. This Sunday is known as ‘Christ the King Sunday’ in which we keep in view Christ’s reign over all, and his return and last judgement. Frank Senn, an American Lutheran Pastor, in his book An introduction to Christian Liturgy makes the following observation: ’The last judgment is not just a judgment on individuals; it is judgment on human history… If we want to get “in” with the coming administration of Christ the King, we had better come to terms with the witness of Revelation: that the one seated on the throne is the Lamb who was slain, and that self-giving love is the agenda throughout his dominions.’ (P155; 2012, Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis MN) While we never earn our salvation, at the same time, the ones who are already his ‘sheep’ in today’s parable go about life in the care and service of others. Self-giving love in other words. It’s motivated and fed by Christ, but as it turns out, it is also directed at Christ who is hidden in the hungry, thirsty, new to town, naked, sick and imprisoned we care for and serve. What an honour and what an unfathomable gift. And all because Jesus loved us enough to die for us so we could be his own and say, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father: take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).