Worship Tools

Worship Outline 1

Additional Scriptures

Psalm 100; Ezekiel 34:11–16, 20–24; Ephesians 1:15–23

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship Responsive Reading

Leader: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.

People: Serve the Lord with gladness;

Leader: come into God’s presence with singing.

People: Know that the Lord is God.

Leader: It is God who made us, 

People: and we are God’s people and the sheep of God’s pasture.

Leader: Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving and God’s courts with praise.

People: Give thanks to God; bless God’s name.

Leader: For the Lord is good;

ALL: God’s steadfast love endures forever and God’s faithfulness to all generations.

—Psalm 100, adapted

Song of Rejoicing

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” CCS 87

OR “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” CCS 101

Invocation

Response

Prayer for Peace

Light the peace candle

Prayer

God, 

We ask for insight into ways that we can be instruments of your peace in our communities. Give us courage like Jesus, the courage that comes from inner peace. Help us show our world that peace will exist when you are resident within each of us.

May we always be willing to kneel before you in true repentance, at the same time, extending forgiveness to others. With the Holy Spirit, cleanse our hearts of prejudice and hate that separate us from one another. Let us know peace with each other—your sweet shalom. We pray. Amen.

Confessional Reading

Leader reads “Is There One Who Feels Unworthy?” CCS 526. After each stanza the group reads or sings the refrain.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:31–46

Moment of Silent Reflection     

Project or print the question for all to see:

Do we see through God’s eyes when encountering others?

Ministry of Music OR Community Hymn

“Leftover People in Leftover Places”  CCS 275

OR “When the Poor Ones/Cuando el pobre”  CCS 290/291

Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

Sermon

Based on Matthew 25:31–46

Disciples’ Generous Response

Hymn of Generosity

“Take My Life and Let It Be” CCS 608

OR “God of Creation” CCS 147

Story: The Cobbler

An old cobbler lived alone in his shop. One day he asked God, “Please come to my lowly shop today, and show me your face.” Outside the cold winter winds brought new snow and the old cobbler saw a beggar shivering in the cold. He invited the beggar inside to warm up, and he offered a meager meal from his cupboards. The beggar thanked him and left.

Later that same day, a young child whose feet were wrapped in old dirty rags stuffed with paper sought shelter from the snow. The cobbler invited the child inside, made some warm milk and offered a sandwich from his own meal. He then went to his shop and found a pair of shoes that fit the child. With gratitude, the child left and promised to visit him again.

As dusk approached, the cobbler lost hope of a visit from God. A woman with her baby appeared in the window of the shop. She was dressed in a thin dress, and she looked as if she might freeze. The cobbler invited her inside and made her some tea then went to his closet to find a heavy woolen coat that had belonged to his wife. The woman thanked him and after he shared the rest of his dinner with her, she and the baby left.

That night the cobbler anguished, “Why didn’t you come and visit me today, God?” 

A voice spoke to him: “But I did come to you. When you invited in the beggar, the child, and the mother and her baby, I was there with you. In each of their faces you looked into my eyes.” The cobbler then remembered the scripture: “When I was hungry, you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing.” In the faces of his visitors he had looked into the eyes of God.

That night the cobbler slept happy and at peace for the first time in many months.

—adapted from “Where Love Is, God Is” by Leo Tolstoy

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Song of Commitment

“O Living God” CCS 183

OR “Bring Forth the Kingdom” CCS 387

Sending Forth

God has given us a spirit of wisdom and revelation. With the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we know the hope to which we are called from the immeasurable greatness of God’s power for us. Grace and peace to you from God the Eternal Source.

—Ephesians 1:2, 17–23, adapted

Sung Doxology Response

Use the tune of “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow,” CCS 53.

Praise God by whom our faith is led.

Praise God for vision now ahead.

Christ’s new creation may we be.

By Spirit live in harmony.

—Doctrine and Covenants 164:9a–b, adapted

Postlude

Worship Outline 2

Additional Scriptures

Psalm 100; Ezekiel 34:11–16, 20–24; Ephesians 1:15–23

Praise

Prelude

Welcome

Call to Worship: Psalm 100

Hymn of Rejoicing

“Amen, Siakudumisa!/Amen, Sing Praises to the Lord!” CCS 109

Sing several times, encouraging participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “All Things Bright and Beautiful” CCS 135

OR “Each Breath Is Borrowed Air” CCS 144

Prayer of Praise

Response

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:31–33

Disciples’ Generous Response

Statement

Our Disciples’ Generous Response this morning is in the praise portion of our worship. With our offerings, we praise God and express our gratitude for God’s generosity.

As stewards, we are not the owners of creation, but God trusts us with the care of everything—creation, gifts and talents, money, or other forms of currency such as seeds or livestock, time, the gospel—for the sake of God’s vision of shalom for the world. Community of Christ believes that who we are and all that we have are gifts from God. Life and all creation are God’s gifts. God’s grace and love for all creation is generous and unconditional. We see God’s grace and love represented in the life, ministry, and continuing mission of Jesus Christ.

—Choose Generosity, Discovering Whole-Life Stewardship, 2019, p. 10

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Confession

Scripture Challenge: Doctrine and Covenants 165:6

Centering Hymn

“Meet Me in a Holy Place” CCS 162

OR “Spirit Fill Us” CCS 160

OR “In the Quiet of This Day” CCS 161

Prayer for Peace

Light the peace candle

Scripture Reading for Peace: Matthew 25:34–40

Prayer

Peacemaking God,

We recognize you as the God of Peace and the source of our peace. The example of Jesus motivates our movement toward peace within ourselves and within the various communities of the world.

Yet peace is so difficult. Our response to wrong and injustice tends toward retaliation and even violence. We expend resources and we live in conflict and war even as we recognize that this is not your way. War and victory are so much easier to celebrate than peacemaking and cooperation.

Help us as we seek to live your way, in your peace. In your forgiveness, move us to respond with nonviolence and peace in the situations we encounter. Help us recognize the Christ among us. Amen.

Sing for Peace

“Peace among Earth’s Peoples” CCS 448

“The Peace of Jesus Christ” CCS 317

Proclamation

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:41–46

Focus Moment

Let’s be clear, Jesus has nothing against goats or left hands; but he does point out those who don’t help others. This scripture says that Jesus wants us to give…food to the hungry, something to drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, and a visit those who are in prison. This may sound familiar because it is like the Mission Initiative—Abolish Poverty, End Suffering. How do we have time for this service to others amid of our busy lives?

In his book The Wounded Healer, Henri Nouwen explores the idea that we are most able to offer ministry out of our own woundedness. In our present world we might rename this the “Busy Wounded Healer”—a person who is very busy with work and home responsibilities and cares for an ailing parent. Or it might be a young person busy with school, sports, music, and friends, but who is struggling with self-esteem. In any case, these Busy Wounded Healers make time to help others who are hungry, thirsty, a stranger, or in prison, even though they have their own issues and problems to face. Why? Because they are disciples of Jesus, and they see others as Christ among us.

OR Story

Share Old Turtle, a story by Douglas Wood, Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers, 1992, ISBN: 0938586483. Be sure to secure permission to project the images.

Discuss where those present have seen God among us.

Ministry of Music OR Community Hymn of Mission

“When I Can Ache” CCS 590

OR “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me” CCS 581

OR “Holy Wisdom, Lamp of Learning” CCS 55

Morning Message

Based on Matthew 25:31–46

Pastoral Prayer

Commitment

Hymn of Commitment

“Hidden Christ, Alive Forever” CCS 24

OR “Christ’s Word to Us” CCS 632

OR “When We Lift Our Pack and Go” CCS 634

Sending Forth: Ephesians 1:15–19

Postlude

Worship Outline 3

Additional Scriptures

Psalm 100; Ezekiel 34:11–16, 20–24; Ephesians 1:15–23

Preparation

As people enter, give each one a small piece of colored paper and a pen or pencil. These will be used in the Disciples’ Generous Response. Provide a large glass bowl or container to hold the slips of paper.

Prelude

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:31–46

Hymn of Peace

“For the Healing of the Nations” CCS 297

OR “Help Us Express Your Love” CCS 621

Prayer for Peace

Light the peace candle

Prayer

Dear God,

Lead us, supply our needs as we strive to follow in answer to your call to bring your peace to your suffering world. Weed our hearts of weariness and cares; permit us to feel your affirming Spirit in our lives that we will take courage and continue in your light. Help us reflect the peace that comes from knowing of and striving to understand your ways, even as we meet clamor, chaos, troubles, or griefs. We ask for and need your blessings in grace, strength, compassion, and love as we reach out to other lives. Grant these, we ask in your son’s name. Amen.            

—Evalina L. Gustin

We Saw You Hungry and Thirsty and Gave You Food and Drink

Call to Service

…they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were thirsty, or that were sick; or that had not been nourished. And they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need…

—Alma 1:45–47, adapted

Hymn of Hunger

“Through All the World a Hungry Christ” CCS 213

OR “When I Can Ache”  CCS 590

Prayer for the Hungry and Thirsty

Confessional Response

Allow a moment of silence for participants to offer silent prayers of repentance for times when they overlooked those in need.

Testimony

Arrange for someone who has worked in a food pantry or served meals to homeless or hard-living people to share their experience.

We Saw You a Stranger and Welcomed You

Hymn of Welcoming

“like a child” CCS 403

OR “Strong, Gentle Children” CCS 233

Testimony

Ask a child or youth who has invited one or more people into community with a positive result to share their experience.

Sermon or Scripture Reflection

Based on Matthew 25:31–46

We Saw You Sick and in Prison and We Visited You

Hymn of Healing

“Healing River of the Spirit” CCS 232

OR “I Have Called You by Your Name”   stanzas 1 and 3  CCS 636

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “Lay Your Hands” CCS 545

Testimony of Healing

Ask for someone who has a testimony of healing to share.

Invitation

Anyone who needs to visit with elders for a special prayer or the sacrament of laying on of hands for the sick, is invited to meet with them after the service.

Arrange ahead to have an appropriate number of elders and rooms available.

Disciples’ Generous Response

Hymn of Generosity

“For Everyone Born” stanzas 1, 3, 5 CCS 285

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

OR “Soften My Heart” sing twice CCS 187

Our Commitment

Announce that now is the time to give back to God. Ask people to write on their paper talents, time, treasure, and testimony that they are willing to give to God. Ask ushers to collect the offering using two plates, one for tithing and one for the papers. Bring all the plates to the front and put the colored papers in a glass bowl so everyone can see them. Thank people for giving themselves to God.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Sending Forth Hymn

“Who Is My Mother, Who Is My Brother?” CCS 336

OR “Welcome, Jesus, You Are Welcome” CCS 277

Benediction

Sending Forth

Leader: Come, you that are blessed by your God, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

People: When did we feed you, welcome you, and visit you?

Leader: Just as you did it to one of the least of these…you did it to me. Go and share freely of your blessings.

Postlude

Sacred Space: Small-Group Worship Outline

Gathering

Welcome

Reign of Christ Sunday is the final Sunday of Ordinary Time and the Christian calendar year. On Reign of Christ Sunday, we celebrate God’s peaceable reign made manifest in our lives, relationships, the church and the world. This is what we understand as Shalom, God’s healing and restoring activity in the world. 

Prayer for Peace       

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

God, we gather here today to unite our prayers and our hope in your great mercy, and to petition your grace for the pursuit of peace on Earth. The vast universe—the planets and stars—demonstrate your great power and majesty. The beautiful Earth—with shining seas, great mountains and canyons, forests and flowering meadows—exhibit your love of beauty and grandeur. We also are your creation, but we have fallen short of your wonderful promise and plan for our well-being. Many times we are not as beautiful as when we were created.

Greed, envy, pride, and jealousy have led us into wars and suffering. This is why we come to you now in earnest prayer. Save us from ourselves. Bestow upon us your grace and guide the leaders of nations so that with your help they, and we, may know that you are our God, Creator, and Shepherd, and our Hope. We pray that your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven. May your will embrace us; may it lead us into love for each other and infuse peace in our hearts. We offer this prayer in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Hymn Meditation

Read the following: 

Reflecting on hymns can bring new insight into our life in community with each other and with the Divine. The following meditation is an opportunity to read through a hymn instead of singing it. As we read we will focus on the words and the meaning of the song. 

Our hymn meditation focus today is Community of Christ Sings 130, “For the Beauty of the Earth.” 

We will read this hymn aloud together, one time through. Then we will read it through once silently. After the period of silent reading and meditation, there will be time to share some of our meditation reflections.

I invite you to consider these questions as we engage in our hymn meditation: 

What might the message of this song be for us today? How is the Spirit stirring within us to respond to this message? 

Read the hymn aloud together. 

Instruct the group to read the hymn silently. Continue a period of silence to include time for meditation. 

Close the silence by saying aloud, “Amen.” 

Read the questions above once more and invite the group to share their meditation reflections as they feel led. 

Close the time of sharing with a brief prayer of gratitude for all that has been shared and for the blessings of this day. 

Sharing Around the Table

Matthew 25:31–46 NRSVue

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You who are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels, for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment but the righteous into eternal life.” 

—Matthew 25:31–46 NRSVue

The writer of Matthew and his community lived during the last decades of the first century (around 80 CE) under stress and transition. To such a community, issues of the Christian message and mission were important. The gospel writer addressed these concerns with a series of teachings and parables that encourage vigilance in living out one’s discipleship.

The message is clear, when disciples act in ways of mercy and hospitality toward others, they are offering hospitality to Jesus Christ. When they fail to act, they are in turn neglecting Christ. 

We are called to be faithful disciples engaged in Christ’s mission. The community of disciples is called to be countercultural, choosing to practice radical compassion and hospitality. This passage takes discipleship well beyond simple belief and calls Jesus’ followers into a life of inclusive, merciful, and missional service. Today’s passage pointedly stresses what lies at the heart of Christian community—service to others, specifically those in need.

Questions

1. How is radical hospitality countercultural? 
2. When and where have you encountered Jesus in the form of the “least of these”?
3. What steps do you take to follow Jesus as a merciful and missional servant?

Sending

Generosity Statement

Note: If you are using Thoughts for Children, now is a good time for the kids to share with the group their representations of God.

Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.

—Doctrine and Covenants 163:9

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing, small-group ministries as part of your generous response. This offering prayer is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

God of our discipleship, 

As we navigate our world of debt and consumerism, help us to save wisely, spend responsibly, and give generously. In these ways may we prepare for the future and create a better tomorrow for our families, friends, the mission of Christ, and the world. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 290, “When the Poor Ones”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on the Group

• Communion
• Thoughts for Children

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Communion Scripture

Choose one scripture to read from this selection: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; Matthew 26:17–30; Mark 14:12–26; Luke 22:7–39.

Invitation to Communion

All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

We share in Communion as an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community. In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings (select one):

• 515, “In These Moments We Remember”
• 516, “Coming Together for Wine and for Bread”
• 521, “Let Us Break Bread Together”
• 525, “Small Is the Table”
• 528, “Eat This Bread”

Bless and serve bread and wine.

Thoughts for Children

Say: In today’s scripture story, Jesus reminds us that we should treat everyone with love and kindness. One way we can do this is by committing ourselves to do God’s work in the world. Today, I want to invite you to participate in a prayer with me. In this prayer, we will ask God to use us to bless others around us.

Stand up where you are and make sure you have enough room so you won’t hit anyone else while we pray. As we pray, we are going to be moving our bodies. 

Move through the prayer, instructing the kids to join you in the motions as you pray:

Reach high above your head with your hands. 

God, please use my hands to heal others.

Move your head from side to side and roll it around in a circle. 

God, help me to think and act like Jesus.

Open your eyes big then close them tight. 

God, help me to see the world and the people in it the way you do.

Massage your ears with your fingers. 

God, help me to hear the needs of others and respond with love.

Open your mouth like you are about to yawn. 

God, help me to speak words of love and peace.

Finally, place your hands over your heart. 

God, let your love flow through me and help me share it with others.

Amen.

Thank everyone for participating.

Sermon Helps

Exploring the Scripture

Today’s passage is Jesus’ conclusion to his last major instructional speech to his disciples. The teaching ends a series of cautions and parables, which encouraged responsible choices and vigilance in living out one’s discipleship. The writer of Matthew and his community lived during the last decades of the first century (around 80 CE). They were under stress and transition. Also, they questioned their own self-understanding because of the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem in 70 CE.

Issues of the Christian message, mission, identity, and lifestyle were important. The Gospel writer encouraged the reader to live a life counter to the world and to resist its claims. He believed Christians were called to be active, as well as countercultural. To the writer of Matthew, Christian community consisted of inclusive, merciful, and missional servants. Today’s passage pointedly stresses what should matter to the Christian community—service to those less fortunate. Jesus identified with these “the least ones.”

Our passage uses four major images: shepherd, king, goats, and sheep. The books in the Bible contain multiple references—both figurative and literal—of the shepherd. Earlier in Matthew, Jesus teaches a parable about lost sheep and the importance of finding the one lost sheep. In another parable in John, Jesus refers to himself as the “good shepherd” who “lays down his life for his sheep.” Other Biblical writers refer to Jesus as the “the shepherd and guardian of your souls” (1 Peter 2:25), “the chief shepherd” (1 Peter 5:4), and the “great shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20).

Contemporary Near Eastern literature often called kings shepherds. Matthew identified Jesus as a Jew whose lineage comes from King David. His use of the word king was consistent with his overall view that Jesus was the Messiah, who deserved to be worshiped. Matthew, like the other Gospel writers, used “Son of Man” as Jesus’ self-designation and highlighted Jesus’ royal claim to the title “Messiah, the Anointed One.”

The writer’s allegory using goats and sheep would have resonated well with the early Christians. Sheep and goats, were the most common domesticated animals of the time. Flocks in Palestine would contain both goats and sheep. Owners raised sheep for wool, milk and its by-products, dung, meat, bones, and horns. Although goats were hardier, they were not as desirable or valuable as sheep. The early Christian listeners would clearly understand the king, as a shepherd, would separate the more valuable sheep from the goats. One interesting part of this story is that Matthew writes that righteous (the sheep) and the accursed (goats) are surprised at what the king said. Each group asks the king, “When did we see you and then, fail to serve you?” In both cases Jesus replied that their lack of mercy to “the least” was to also neglect him.

Specific actions of the righteous—or inactions of the accursed—are key points in today’s passage (for example, feed the hungry, give drinks to the thirsty, offer hospitality, and give clothes). The Gospel writer highlights them four times. Parallel to these works of compassion and ministry is Jesus’ understanding of his own mission (Luke 4:18); the mission of Community of Christ.

Central Ideas

1. Jesus is a loving shepherd who cares deeply about his flock.
2. Our choices matter. We are called to serve “the least.” The acts of mercy outlined in this text are our mission, the mission of Jesus Christ, which matters most.
3. Our lives have meaning. Our actions either of Christian service or of inaction impact others.
4. God is in the world in the form of people who are dispossessed, vulnerable, and weak.

Questions for the Speaker

1. Do you see Jesus as a shepherd or a king? How does each perspective influence your own Christian discipleship?
2. When and where have you encountered Jesus in the form of the “least”?
3. Is your congregation engaged in acts of compassion, as outlined in this text?
4. Is your congregation hospitable to strangers?
5. Have you ever been surprised in your service and ministry to others?

Lessons

Adult Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Matthew 25:31–46

Lesson Focus

Whole-life commitment results in uncalculated acts of compassion.

Objectives

The learners will…

• recognize God’s love and concern for the weak and vulnerable.
• identify ways to live authentic discipleship.
• consider ways to be of one heart and mind with God.

Supplies

• Bible
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)

Notes to teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Matthew 25:31–46 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: New Testament (with focus on the Gospel according to Matthew), p. 120, available through Herald House.

Gather

Use “I Am Standing Waiting” CCS 298 as a guided mediation. Ask class members to close their eyes and visualize the scenes as the stanzas are read slowly.

Allow for a moment of silence; ask a few people to share their experience. Close with a prayer.

Engage

Matthew 25:31–46 is the final lesson in a series of parables and teachings about Jesus’s expectations of responsible disciples. The twelve understood Jesus’s analogy of sheep and goats as they were part of the economy. Palestinian flocks often contained both sheep and goats. At the end of each day, the animals were divided into separate pens. Sheep enjoyed the open pasture while goats were enclosed to protect them from the cold. Sheep had greater commercial value than goats. They offered more saleable, usable products such as wool, milk, meat, bones, horns, and dung.

Providing food for the hungry, water for the thirsty, clothes for the naked, welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick, and tending to those in prison were familiar acts of mercy required by Jewish law. In Jesus’s allegory, persons identified as “sheep” and “goats” seem surprised at the king’s observations. When did we see you and do these things for you? When did we see you and not do these things for you? They are clueless! They did not remember the king ever coming into their presence. Perhaps they are even questioning whether they are sheep or goats.

According to Jesus, the answer is simple. When you have compassion for a fellow human being, especially the weak or vulnerable, you serve Jesus. The “sheep” simply shared who they were without calculation or expectation. The “goats” calculated acts of mercy to reflect a certain image rather than serving in an outpouring of love and compassion.

We expect and prepare for Jesus’s presence in church on Sunday mornings, but Jesus is always found with “the least of these”—in the midst of street people, a soup kitchen, or a fox hole. This is where we, too, will find him.

As Jesus has repeatedly taught, discipleship is a whole-life commitment. Those who live the heart and mind of Christ act compassionately—always. A response to those in need does not include a check-off list or reward system. It is the result of living love that bears good fruit.

• Where have you discovered Jesus in the “least”?
• Discuss ways we can create a new world by modeling the values of Jesus.
• How does this lesson relate to Responsible Choices?

Respond

We all can identify as a “sheep” or a “goat” at points in our lives. “Goats” are not evil and have good intentions. But committed disciples must strive to go deeper in relationship with God until God’s heart and mind become their heart and mind, and their actions reflect God’s love without thought.

Doctrine and Covenants 161:3a reminds us to “open your hearts and feel the yearnings of your brothers and sisters who are lonely, despised, fearful, neglected, unloved. Reach out in understanding, clasp their hands, and invite all to share in the blessings of community created in the name of the One who suffered on behalf of all.”

Discuss the following questions:

• What acts of compassion are lived in your congregation?
• How do you and your congregation deepen your relationship to God?

Send

Consider those in your circle of influence—family, friends, co-workers, extended community. Consider those who remain nameless to you across the globe. Reflect on God’s love for them. Reflect on your love for them.

Name one thing you will do for someone in need this week without counting the cost.

Bless

Close with this Benedictine Blessing.

May God bless you with discontent with easy answers, half truths, superficial relationships, so that you will live from deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, abuse, and exploitation of people, so that you will work for justice, equality, and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you will reach out your hand to comfort them and to change their pain to joy.

May God bless you with the foolishness to think you can make a difference in this world, so that you will do the things which others tell you cannot be done.

—Benedictine Sister Ruth Fox of Sacred Heart Monastery, 1985
Association for the Rights of Catholics in the Church

Youth Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Matthew 25:31–46

Lesson Focus

Our choices matter in the mission of Jesus Christ.

Objectives

The learners will…

• describe responsible choices.
• examine who are “the least.”
• demonstrate acts of mercy.
• analyze what it means to live as a disciple.

Supplies

• Bible
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)
• Pictures of faces (See “At First Glance.”)
• Chart paper
• Markers

Note to teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Matthew 25:31–46 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: New Testament (with focus on the Gospel according to Matthew), p. 120, available through Herald House.

Gather

At First Glance

Prepare pictures of several familiar faces, not extremely well known by today’s students, from magazines, copied from library books, or printed off the internet. Select a mix of ethnic groups, races, and cultures. Make enough black-and-white copies of the pictures so several will be left over, and no one will be forced to take the last picture. On the back note the reason the people are known and why they are valued by God. Spread the pictures out on the floor of the room. When group members arrive, ask them to select a picture of a person with whom they would be willing to eat a meal. Instruct them not to turn over the picture, and when they’ve made their selection, sit down.

Whom they have chosen is not so important as the thoughts and judgments they make in their selection process. Start the discussion by asking the whole group why the leftover pictures were not chosen. Then ask each person why they chose the picture they took. Include these questions in the discussion:

• What do you look for in another person when you first meet them?
• What impresses you most?
• Do you go through an elimination process? (ugly or fabulous; black, white, or brown; rich or homeless; dating material or freaky) Describe your process.
• Why do you make first impressions of others?
• Do your thoughts indicate how these people will be treated?

After the discussion, ask group members to turn their pictures over to reveal that person’s information. Was anyone surprised? Were any first impressions inaccurate? What message comes from this activity?

Engage

Sheep and Goats

If possible, divide the class into two groups. Designate the group on the right as the sheep, and the group on the left as the goats. Read the scripture passage to the class. Ask for reactions from each group. How did the sheep feel about the outcome of the story? What did the goats think? What questions does this story raise?

This parable, the parable of the ten bridesmaids, and the parable of the talents were told by Jesus to his disciples just days before his death. Jesus knew he was nearing the end of his public ministry and was leaving instructions for his closest circle of friends, the disciples, until he would return. The author of Matthew thought these stories were important enough to include them in his writing. Read Matthew 25:31–46 again, and search for answers to the questions following.

• What are the characteristics of the sheep described in the scripture passage?
• What are the characteristics of the goats?
• What was the criteria Jesus used for judgment?
• What does the phrase “the least of these” mean?
• How did the disciples respond to this parable and to human needs?
• Can you find examples in the Bible where the disciples chose to act as sheep or goats? Begin with these:

Mark 6:7–13 (Jesus gave the disciples authority to go out two by two to heal and preach and they did.)

Luke 9:54 (“Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”)

Make a chart of the information you find.

Respond

When Did We Meet You?

Act out the following scenarios for the others to identify the situation and describe how ministry might be provided in the situation. Begin with these, and then have the group create some of their own.

1. You have several pieces of clothing that you don’t wear any more. They are in good condition, but they are too small for you. A family living close to you recently had a lot of smoke damage in their home due to a fire.
2. A teenager from another congregation is visiting your church this morning and they might feel out of place. You do not know them personally. Your friends are sitting on the other side of the church.
3. A person at your school was severely hurt in a motorcycle accident. They have a broken leg and must stay home for a while. You wonder if they would like to know what is going on at school, but you don’t know them very well.

Send

Choices: Sheep or Goats

How do we become part of all Jesus promised his disciples? Where do we fit on the sheep-and-goats chart? Jesus created for the disciples a visual image they could easily understand as he taught them about moral choices and judgment at his final return. What images might Jesus use today to help us understand the same message? Discuss ideas.

Our positive response to Jesus’s instruction to reach out to “the least of these” is expressed in our acts of compassion and mercy. What have we failed to do even when we already knew the expectation? When have we met Jesus in the form of the homeless, the hungry, the thirsty, the child, the stranger, the sick, or the prisoner? Jesus taught us to love our neighbor, to treat all we meet with respect. How will you reach out and touch others in the name of Jesus Christ this week?

Bless

Be Jesus’ Hands and Feet

Sing “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love” CCS 367 or “Whatever You Do” CCS 355.

Read together: The mission of Jesus Christ is what matters most for the journey ahead.

—Doctrine and Covenants 164:9f

Children’s Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Matthew 25:31–46

Lesson Focus

Jesus is a loving shepherd who cares deeply about his flock. Our choices matter. We are called to serve “the least.” God is in the world in the form of people who are dispossessed, vulnerable, and weak.

Objectives

The learners will…

• understand the analogy of the sheep and the goats.
• discuss what it means to help the “least” in society.
• identify opportunities for acts of service.

Supplies

• Bible
• Items for sorting (such as blocks, silverware, art supplies, etc.)
• Construction paper or card stock
• Art supplies (crayons, markers, stickers, etc.)
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)

Notes to teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Matthew 25:31–46 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year A: New Testament, pp. 120–121, available through Herald House.

Gather

Welcome children to class and invite them to sit in a circle. In the middle of the circle place a pile of items that could be sorted (such as socks, blocks, silverware, or art supplies). It is preferable to have items that could be sorted in more than one way (color, shape, size, or use). Ask the children how they could sort the pile into two groups. Take suggestions and have several children show how the items could be sorted.

Engage

Share with children that in today’s scripture story Jesus did a bit of sorting, too. Tell the students that in Jesus’s time sheep and goats were the most common domesticated animals. Flocks in Palestine would contain both goats and sheep. Owners raised sheep for wool, milk and its byproducts, dung, meat, bones, and horns. Although goats were hardier, they were not as desirable or valuable as sheep.

Read Matthew 25:31–40 from the NRSVue Bible. When you have finished reading, let the children know that the early Christian listeners would understand that the king, as a shepherd, would separate the more valuable sheep from the goats.

Ask:

• Why sheep and goats? What characteristics do sheep have? (listen and follow their leader) What are goats like? (stubborn and resist being told what to do, eat almost anything, even garbage)
• What message is Jesus teaching in this scripture story?
• When and where have you encountered Jesus in the form of the “least”?

Going Deeper

Ask students these additional questions:

• Is your congregation engaged in acts of compassion, as outlined in this scripture?
• Does your congregation show hospitality to strangers?
• Have you ever been surprised in your service and ministry to others?

Respond

Ask children to make a list of Community of Christ Enduring Principles. Write the list in a place where all can see and refer to later in the lesson.

Grace and Generosity

Sacredness of Creation

Continuing Revelation

Worth of All Persons

All Are Called

Responsible Choices

Pursuit of Peace (Shalom)

Unity in Diversity

Blessings of Community

Verbally share with students a list of actions and have them decide if the action is more like a sheep or a goat. Examples might include:

• Help a neighbor rake leaves (sheep)
• Ignore a new student at school (goat)
• Donate food and clothes to a shelter (sheep)
• Take flowers to someone in the hospital (sheep)
• Keep all your money for yourself (goat)
• Make cards for the sick (sheep)

Let the children know that today you will be working on your sheep skills by creating cards for members of the congregation who are sick or homebound. Help students generate a list of people who might appreciate receiving a card. Spend time decorating and writing meaningful messages on the cards. While the children are working on their cards, discuss which Enduring Principles they are practicing by helping others.

Send

Ask each child to share at least one way they will be a sheep in the coming week.

Bless

Read the following selection from “Whatever You Do” CCS 355 as a closing prayer. Go around the circle with each child reading a line until the prayer is complete.

1. Whatever you do to the least ones of these, I tell you in truth that you do unto me!
2. Lord Jesus, you taught us! May we learn anew that when we serve others, we also serve you.
3. When poor, waiting children pray hunger will end, when those long forgotten cry out for a friend,
4. when thirsty ones whisper, “O Lord, where are you?”
5. we hear, in their longing, that you’re calling, too.
6. “Lord, when did we see you?” Your teaching is clear that when we serve others, we’re serving you here.
7. And when your church heeds you and helps those in pain,
8. then out of the chaos, hope rises again! Amen.