The answer is: Goats

Matt 25:32

In the eleventh chapter of Matthew, amidst vivid imagery and engaging parables, the following verses draw a powerful picture of accountability and care. Jesus, the master storyteller, uses the analogy of a shepherd sorting his flock. It's fascinating to consider why sheep and goats were chosen for this imagery. These two animals were prevalent in Israelite agriculture and society, each symbolizing different traits. Sheep are often seen as gentle, obedient creatures, while goats carry a reputation for being more independent and willful.

This distinction reflects human nature too. When it comes to judgment, there’s a suggestion that our choices and behaviors separate us, much like the gentle nature of sheep contrasts with the more rebellious spirit of goats. It's thought-provoking to note that lambs are often a symbol of new beginnings or sacrifice you’ll see frequently throughout scripture—like when John the Baptist referred to Jesus as "the Lamb of God."

Additionally, this passage echoes back to Ezekiel 34, where God promises to gather His flock, tending especially to the strays—an assurance of compassion that spans the entirety of the biblical narrative. The blend of justice and mercy showcased here reinforces the idea that there is space for every kind of person in the shepherd's care. So, whether gentle like sheep or challenging like goats, the message is resounding: tend to one another with love and kindness; that's what really counts in the end!