What does the phrase "divide the sheep from the goats" allude to?

The phrase "divide the sheep from the goats" alludes to a time of judgment, specifically referencing a teaching from the Bible, found in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 25:31-46). In this passage, Jesus describes a final judgment where people are separated based on their actions, symbolized by sheep on one side and goats on the other. The sheep represent the righteous, who are rewarded for their good deeds, while the goats symbolize the unrighteous, who are criticized for their failures to help others.

This imagery serves to illustrate the concept of moral accountability and the consequences of one's actions in life. The phrase has since become a metaphor in literature and conversation, representing any situation in which a distinction is made between those who are virtuous and those who are not. The context of the other options does not align with this judgment motif, focusing instead on celebration, unity, and peace, which are not central themes of the biblical passage.