Byzantine Mosaic depicting Matthew 25:31-46

Matthew 25:31-46 is known by several names, the most well known ones being the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats and The Judgment of the Nations. Jesus reminds us that the faithful not only know him but follow him into the world to love and to serve those in deep need. In doing so, they are also ministering to Jesus himself.

This simple, but effective reader’s theater version of the text uses six readers, two with larger parts and four with very small parts. Consider making this a moment for intergenerational leadership in an upcoming worship service. – Lisa <><

For a PDF of this worship resource, click here: Reader’s theater- sheep and goats

Matthew 25:40 (NRSV)
The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Loving as He loves,
Helping as He helps,
Giving as He gives,
Serving as He serves,
Rescuing as He rescues,
Being with Him twenty-four hours,
Touching Him in his distressing disguise.
– Mother Teresa of Calcutta

God of mercy,
give me eyes to see your face.
God of mercy,
give me ears to hear your cry.
God of mercy,
give me hands to reach out to you.
God of mercy,
give me a heart to know your presence.
God of mercy,
give me mercy.
that I may draw near to you.
– Steve Garnaas Holmes, Give Me Eyes

Click here for a terrific sermon on this passage by Nadia Bolz Weber entitled Sheep and Goats.

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Reader’s Theatre compilation- Sheep and Goats © 2011 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
You are welcome to use this work in a worship setting with proper attribution.
Please contact Lisa for information and permission to publish this work in any form.