Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
Week 9: Part II, Chapter 8 — Jesus, the Coming Judge
Read Part II, Chapter 8 of Surprised by Hope. Key passages: John 5:22–30; Matthew 25:31–46; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:1–16.
Previewing Week 9 of Surprised by Hope
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 17-week guide when you’re ready.
The doctrine of final judgment is deeply unpopular in modern culture and often soft-pedaled in the Church — Wright argues that it is, in fact, genuinely good news.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Wright argues that the New Testament's picture of Jesus as the coming judge is not primarily a threat but a source of hope. In what sense is the promise of judgment good news — particularly for the poor, the oppressed, and the victims of injustice?
2.Wright points out that the Church, in large parts of its history, has been embarrassed by the doctrine of judgment and has quietly shelved it. What happens to the Christian vision of justice and hope when judgment is abandoned? What fills the vacuum?
3.Wright discusses the 'great divide' in Matthew 25:31–46 — the sheep and the goats — and the famous criterion of caring for 'the least of these.' How does he read this passage, and what does it tell us about the relationship between faith and works in final judgment?
a.Is Wright saying that works of mercy save us? How does he hold judgment-by-works together with justification by faith?
b.What is the surprising element in Matthew 25 — the thing both the sheep and the goats fail to notice?