Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 25:31-46

## Lutheran Lens Reading of Matthew 25:31-46

### Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read this passage as a vivid depiction of the final judgment where the distinction between Law and Gospel is profoundly clear. The Law is apparent in the separation of the sheep and goats — it exposes our inability to live perfectly as Christ commands. Yet the Gospel emerges as we see Christ as the one who has fulfilled these demands on our behalf. This passage is not a roadmap for earning salvation but a portrayal of the fruits of faith that flow from justification by faith alone. The sheep are not justified by their works but are recognized by them, as these works are the evidence of faith given by the Holy Spirit through the means of grace.

### Key Language Decisions