Jesus tells this story after a series of parables that tell people how to live in order to be prepared for the time when Jesus comes back again. Jesus is trying to paint a picture of the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of God. The divine judgment of the sheep and the goats in this text is difficult for many of us to understand and accept. Jesus tells us that our response to those in need is our response to him. When we serve others, we serve Jesus. When people care for each other as if caring for him, this world will look more like the kingdom of God.