The "Parable of the Sheep and the Goats" is a story told by Jesus in the New Testament of the Bible. It describes a future judgment where people are separated into two groups: the sheep, representing the righteous, and the goats, symbolizing the unrighteous. The sheep are rewarded for their good deeds, such as helping the needy, while the goats are punished for their failure to act compassionately. In this parable, the criteria for judgment are based on how individuals treated others, particularly the vulnerable. It emphasizes the importance of kindness and service, illustrating that serving those in need is akin to serving Jesus himself.