The answer is: Goats

Matt 25:32

In Matthew 25, we find a striking parable known as the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. It captures an intense scene where Jesus shares His vision of final judgment—an event that evokes powerful imagery and lessons about morality and compassion.

Imagine a shepherd tending to his flock of sheep and goats. The sheep often symbolize the righteous, those who embody goodness, mercy, and hospitality. Goats, with their mythological associations and rebellious nature, represent those who shy away from compassion and selflessness. This vivid separation is an echo that resonates throughout Scripture. To many, it’s an evocation of the world’s inherent dualities—the easy path of love and service versus one of selfishness and disregard.

Christian readers through centuries have often buzzing over the implications of this passage. Did you know that in Biblical times, sheep were exceedingly valuable animals for their wool, milk, and meat, making this distinction especially pertinent? While goats were also useful, they weren't as universally esteemed.

This parable underscores a profound moral: what we do unto the least of society—serving, nurturing, and uplifting—has eternal ramifications. It invites each of us not merely to Christian thought but to embody love, common humanity, and egalitarian principles, inspiring a wider legacy of compassion and understanding amidst diversity. So, during your reflections, keep in mind the powerful lessons hidden within.