Matthew 25:31-46

Matthew 25:31-46

The last picture of the Judgment that Jesus presents is sadly often misinterpreted. There are two words that are critical for correct understanding of this passage. First is the word “nations” in verse 32. Generally, it is agreed that this is the universal Judgment of all mankind. The second is the word “brothers” in verse 40. Some interpret this word as anyone in need, humanity in general. This interpretation makes the criteria for salvation doing good deeds to and for the poor. If “nations” represents the church of all nations or the world as a whole this interpretation makes works the terms of salvation. This is inconsistent with the rest of Matthew and with the teaching of Scripture as a whole. If, however, “brothers” represents disciples which is consistent with Matthew then the judgment on the nations is based on their reception of disciples and the message they bring. In Matthew 10:40 Jesus said The one who receives you receives Me, and the one who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. The picture of the Judgment is no call to a mere philanthropic, salvation plan. This is a message that the nations’ or individual's response to the disciples indicates his/her standing in the Judgment.

Note also that the punishment for those who have rejected the Gospel and its messengers was not what was planned for them. It was prepared for the rebellious angels. But in the rejection of the gospel and its messengers they have joined the fallen angels’ fate. As for the righteous they enter into the kingdom under the care of the Father. It is also worthy to note the central role of the Son of Man in this picture of the Judgment.

Finally, in our world philanthropic societies and organizations are common. This is part of the historical impact of Christianity and our Christian heritage. But in the ancient world this kind of care for strangers was much less common. It is a Christian revolution that makes strangers and foreigners who were believers closer to us than family members that do not believe. This teaching, which is not really a parable, is how to prepare for the coming judgment, accept the Gospel and its messengers as well.

"Lord, never let me lose sight of the truth that salvation is not about a good deed, but rather accepting the Gospel. AMEN"

Matthew 25:14-30

Matthew 25:14-30

The parable of the talents is one of the most powerful and convicting of Jesus's parables for us disciples. The two themes of eschatology are present. One is about not knowing when the Son will return and second being faithful in the meantime. These form the central themes of this parable. The parable of the bride mainly warns us that the Son's delay is no excuse for not being ready. This explains what to do during the delay.

A talent in the original context was a measure of money and as we consider this parable we need to keep the concept of a talent as an ability or skill at bay until we make a personal application. A talent as a measure of money was immense. It represented about 6,000 days of wages in our terms-almost a lifetime of earning.

Each slave was gifted according to his ability. God recognizes each disciple as an individual with unique abilities, capacities and opportunities. Having more or less opportunity is no excuse for unfaithfulness in fulfillment of our duties.

The reward of faithful servants is no retirement to idleness, but greater responsibility. The failure of the third servant was not that he didn't show a great return; but rather, that he did not try. There were two descriptions of why he failed, “wicked” and “lazy”. Speculation of motivation for his behavior beyond what is stated is only conjecture. Staying as close to the parable as we can, it represents a disciple using God-given resources for purposes other than what God intended. The characterization of the master as being a “hard man” may or may not have been fair. Guilty people often have a negative view of those in authority, but that is still no excuse. The disciple or slave represents that sort whose religion is focused on easy, keeping a clean slate or playing it safe and, therefore, doing nothing for the king. It is sadly the description of much of American Christianity where faithfulness is nothing more than attending church and keeping the doors open.

"Lord, may I serve you with my whole being every moment till you return. AMEN"

Matthew 25: 1-13

Matthew 25: 1-13

The division of chapters and verses are a great help in referencing locations in the Bible, but they sometimes give a sense of separation that is not in the Bible at all. The parable of the ten wedding maidens is not as removed from the temple cleansing and the disciples’ discourse about end times as we often treat it. This is not an evangelistic parable telling sinners to repent. This is a message to disciples telling them no one knows when the Messiah is coming. The dual themes of Jesus' end-times teaching occur again; “when” is unknowable, so be vigilant.

Oftentimes too much is made of the possible symbolism of this parable. Beyond Jesus being the bridegroom, the wedding being the end of times and the maidens as those who profess being the church we must be careful about symbolism statements. Jesus is not telling a detailed story, but by parable reinforcing and illustrating the two things of uncertainty and readiness.

The unwillingness of the five to share is not an act of selfishness; but rather, a statement that no one can prepare for someone else. Each disciple must make himself or herself ready. The moment of the Lord’s return is the moment that it is too late. When the five unprepared maidens come to the door the Lord's words are, “I do not know you.” This is far worse than a statement of ignorance. How would a groom not know the members of the wedding party? This is much worse; this is a statement of repudiation. This is a statement of utter rejection.

In the context of Jesus speaking to his disciples in response to their questions about the end of time, this parable is a warning to all of his followers. Profession of correct doctrines or beliefs may make a mind that knows the truth, but may leave a heart that is far from Him and not ready for the Messiah. Let this be a warning to indolent churches and believers.

"Lord, give me a passionate desire to know You and to be ready for Your return. AMEN"