The answer is: Sheep and goats

Matt 25:31-46

The "Sheep and Goats" parable found in Matthew 25 serves as a powerful story about judgment and mercy—depicting a future time when individuals will be separated based on their deeds, symbolic of how they treated "the least of these." It's fascinating to note that in ancient shepherding culture, sheep are closely associated with positivity—softness, warmth, and domesticity—while goats might embody a more rebellious or spirited energy.

What brings this parable to life is not just its vivid imagery but the nuance of inheritance: "Come, you who are blessed by my Father." The unfolding tradition throughout history aligns with the Jewish perspective of blessings associated with righteous living over ritualistic observance. Ideals of kindness, compassion, and care resonate through the pages of both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, establishing a cornerstone of ethical living that spans these texts.

Not something to overlook: the timing within the gospel–this conversation about the final judgment emerges just days before the crucifixion of Jesus, hinting at core themes of sacrifice and redemption. It resonates today, pouring into modern questions about social justice and the responsibility we hold toward each other. Each act of kindness seen as a direct reflection of a deeper understanding of one’s connection to humanity is transformative, making this parable a timeless call for compassion, echoing throughout generations.