Come, You Blessed

Small Groups

Gathering Time (5 minutes). Divide participants into groups of two or three and ask,  “What are the things (actions, attitudes, behaviors, etc.) that you think God blesses? Why do you think that?”

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes). You likely won’t get through all the questions in the time you have together. Consider inviting group members to work through any remaining questions on their own throughout the week.

Prepare to read Matthew 25:31-46 by sharing the following: “This text is a parable that is the last of four that are considered ‘warning parables' (Matthew 24:45-51, Matthew 25:1-13, 14-30, and 31-46). Bring your questions and your curiosity as we approach this passage.”

• Read Matthew 25:31-46. Invite participants to have the scripture in front of them, either in a Bible, on a phone app, or printed on paper. After reading it, ask the following questions:
  • What are your first impressions of this parable? Feel free to share interpretations that may make you uncomfortable or that are confusing.
  • What questions emerge  as you read this passage?
• This is a scene of the “final judgment” of Christ of the nations. [For a longer study, it may be helpful to read this section (starting in Matthew 24) with portions of Revelation (20:11-22:21).] Below are themes that are connected to the Final Judgment. Identify what this passage says about the following:
  • All the nations gathered
  • The Son of Man seated on the throne of his glory
  • Separation
  • Righteousness
  • Eternity (damnation or life)
• There is repetition in this passage for the sake of comparison. The sheep (the “righteous,” those who fed the hungry, gave the thirsty something to drink, welcomed, clothed the naked, visited the sick and those in prison, etc.) and the goats (the “accursed,” those who did not do those things). How do you understand this comparison? What possible interpretations arise for you?
  • John Wesley connected these actions as works of mercy, which was a “means of grace.” How do you think these actions are avenues for grace?
• The Preaching Notes for November 22 say:
  Some might argue that this teaching in Chapter 25 is the application of the Beatitudes in Chapter 5. It takes someone poor in spirit to serve the least of Christ’s brothers and sisters. It takes those who mourn the world's brokenness to want to serve those who are broken. It takes the meek to be willing to bend low enough to see those who are hurting. It takes … well, you can follow the pattern. It makes a compelling argument that Matthew and Jesus are bringing the story to its logical conclusion, or the most appropriate application.
  • What do you think about the connection between the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 being exemplified by this parable about how the righteous and unrighteous are identified?
• Read back through the scripture passage. Is there a word or phrase that stands out? Write it down for consideration in the week ahead.
• Just One Thing: What is one action you might take because of our conversation/study today?
• Going Deeper on Your Own: This week, consider studying one of the other lectionary texts in the following pattern:
  • Prayerfully ask God to open your eyes to the scripture. (Psalm 119:18)
  • Read the text of your choice [Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 and Psalm 100, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 and Psalm 95:1-7a, Ephesians 1:15-23] out loud.
  • What do you notice about the text?
  • What questions arise?
  • What do you think God might be saying to you in this text?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer:

Holy and Righteous King, as we ponder the judgment to which your Word speaks, we confess that there is much that we do not understand. Will you root us to your love and your righteousness, that we might demonstrate both to the world around us? And may we always see and serve “the least of these” as an expression of your love and generosity. We pray with gratitude and hope, Amen.

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Rev. Dr. Ashlee Alley Crawford, Director of Adult Discipleship, an elder in the Great Plains Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, served in campus ministry for twelve years and in leadership with the Great Plains Conference for over a decade. She has a passion for connecting people with resources and encouraging them to nurture their faith and walk in step with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. She has a D.Min. in spiritual direction from Asbury Theological Seminary. Ashlee also has a Certificate in Discipleship Coaching through Discipleship Ministries.