ACTIVE FAITH
Matthew 25:31–46
Matthew 25 is a continuation of the previous chapter as Jesus continues to share parables about the Kingdom of God. He emphasizes preparation and vigilance with the parable of the 10 virgins waiting for the bridegroom. In the parable, being prepared is described as having enough oil for their lamps. Five were foolish and five were wise. The unprepared virgins were refused entrance to the banquet.
The next parable deals with stewardship. The master is going on a journey and entrusts his wealth to his servants. He gives different amounts to his servants to manage according to their abilities. When he returns, he expects a return on his investment. Two servants who invested their talents are praised by the master, but the lazy servant is condemned to outer darkness because he did nothing with his investment.
The Judge (31–33)
Jesus shares with His disciples what has been labeled the Olivet Discourse. He describes for them what will happen when He returns. He uses His favorite title for Himself — Son of Man. He states that He will come in His glory with all of the angels, and the nations will be gathered before Him for judgment. In John 17, Jesus prays to the Father to “glorify Your Son so that the Son may glorify You.”
At that time, He will function as a shepherd, separating the sheep from the goats. Ezekiel prophesied these events in Ezekiel 34:17.
Judgment is coming. We don’t know the exact date. However, it is one day closer than it was yesterday. All people will stand before Christ the Righteous Judge and will be separated based upon their treatment of “the least of these.” The sheep will be separated for blessing while the goats will be separated for condemnation.
The Righteous (34–40)
The King will send the sheep to His right and welcome them to a place prepared for them since the foundation of the world.
It is an inheritance that signifies that we are part of God’s family. The righteous ones are believers who demonstrated their faith by clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger and visiting the sick and those in prison.
These righteous ones are confused by the King’s explanation. They don’t recall ministering to Him. The King explains, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these … you did for Me.”
The Faithless (41–46)
Next, Jesus turns His attention to the unrighteous and unfaithful. He identifies them as the goats. They may have felt like they were just as good as those Jesus previously commended. They may have even talked a good talk, but they didn’t walk the walk. They are not commended and blessed. Instead, they are chastised and condemned to outer darkness.
They try to defend themselves by questioning the King, “Lord, when did we see You … and not help You?” He responds, “Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.” The homeless, the helpless and those in great need are all important to Jesus, and they should be important to us.
The Christian singer Steve Archer has an excellent song that reflects this view titled “Unto Me.” Listen to it on YouTube.
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
