The way we treat Jesus’s followers reveals the nature of our relationship with Him.
Matthew 25:31-46
What are the advantages of knowing the criteria by which you will be evaluated?
Context:
Beginning in Matthew 24:45, Jesus told three parables about preparedness.
The first contrasted the actions of a wise, sensible servant
with the actions of a wicked servant while the master was away
The second parable concerned ten virgins who were part of a wedding celebration.
The third parable tells of a master and servants
The bottom line is that we are to be prepared
and faithfully carrying out the work given to us by our Master.
We should live our lives knowing we will stand before Jesus one day.
Matt. 25:31-33
this is a parable set at the end of time. All decisions have been made. All the second chances have been used up. It’s time to settle up accounts. At this point the time for atonement and reconciliation are over.
Jesus the shepherd, creator, and highest authority over his creation makes his first decision as he calls all the nations to him. He recognizes who his followers are, and places them at the position of honor and blessing, at his right hand. At the same time he sorts out those who are disobedient and shameful to his left.
We demonstrate our love for God when we minister to other believers.
Matt. 25:34-40
The king is about to reward his followers. He tells them the standard that was met. His followers ministered to his physical needs.
It’s important to understand that the deeds and reward here have nothing to do with salvation. Atonement was accomplished at the cross. The deeds are a matter of identity. The identify who and what a sheep is. In fact the sheep are surprised they did anything at all. It was just inherent to their nature that they performed the acts that were described in this passage. The simple act of administering to other brothers and sisters was the same as ministering to the king.
Unbelievers will be eternally separated from God and will face everlasting punishment.
Matt. 25:41-46
Turning to those who remain at his left, those who are disobedient and shameful, he delivers his judgment. Not only will they be eternally separated from him, but they will be in a place of real torment.
The standard was the same. Ministering to the king. They even had the same reaction as the sheep. How could we have done these things, we never saw you in our lifetime. The explanation is the same. Doing these acts of kindness to a fellow human is the same as doing them to the king. Since they missed their chance, and missed their chance to serve on all points, their fate was sealed.
They would not be allowed to come with him. Instead they were to depart. Instead of blessings, they were cursed. Instead of a kingdom, there was eternal fire prepared for them.
While this teaching is done in metaphor, it still relates real truths about eternal destiny.
Live life knowing that we all will stand before Jesus one day.
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