…

Matthew 25:31-46 The Parable Of The Judgment Scene

Setting  In Jerusalem during Jesus’ last week  Most likely, late Tuesday afternoon or early Tuesday evening  Jesus has finished His public ministry  His last words = a lament for Jerusalem’s destruction Mt 23:37-39 The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

Setting  In Jerusalem during Jesus’ last week  His comments in Mt were spoken privately to the disciples  The Ten Virgins Parable = preparation  The Talents Parable = “work & wait”  This parable = eventual judgment The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

The Parable  This parable is the “natural conclusion” to the previous 2  However, there seems to be 1 difference  The first 2 Ù Jesus is addressing His disciples  This one focuses on all of humanity The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

The Parable  The “certain” return is emphasized again v. 31a 24:36-39, 42, 44 25:6, 13, 19  He is an “enthroned King” v. 31b  Not a bridegroom or a master of slaves  Entitled to pass judgment Acts 17:31 The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

The Parable  All nations will be gathered before Him… He will separate them like a shepherd does his flock v. 32  “Sheep” on His right  “Goats” on His left The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46 Humble; submissive; willingly follow [OBEY] Stubborn; headstrong; resistant [DISOBEY]

The Parable  The King addresses the “sheep” on His right…they are “blessed” v. 34a  “COME…” Ù Invited to share  A prepared kingdom “…from the foundation of the world” v. 34b Jn 14:2-3  Heaven = a place made for humans The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

The Parable  The “sheep” are praised vv  They actively served the King and the needs of His other subjects vv  “I was hungry …I was thirsty …”  Criteria many might deem irrelevant, unimportant The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

The Parable  The “sheep” are praised vv  “I was hungry …I was thirsty …”  “Small things” must not be discounted (cup of water, encouraging word,…)  An established N.T. principle Jas 2: Jn 3:17-18 Gal 6:7-10 The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

The Parable  The “sheep” are praised vv  “ I was hungry… I was thirsty…”  The King involves Himself personally  He views services rendered to His subjects as rendered to Him v. 40  Loving God = loving man 1 Jn 4:20-21 The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

The Parable  The “sheep” are praised vv  Their motivation is also seen vv  They did not serve others “…to be seen of men” cp. Mt 6:1-18  Even good deeds done wrongly are bad  They helped because others were needy The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

The Parable  The King addresses the “goats” on His left…they are “accursed” v. 41a  “DEPART…” Ù Cast away as unfit  Eternal fire “…prepared for the devil and his angels” v. 41b Rev 19:20 20:10  Hell = not a place made for humans The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

The Parable  The King addresses the “goats” on His left…they are “accursed” v. 41a  If Heaven is real…Hell must also be real  This is why even 1 soul lost is tragic  God is forced to send someone made in His image to a place not made for them The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

The Parable  The “goats” are condemned vv  They were under the same standard as the “sheep”…only they had not acted in the same way as the “sheep” vv  The King continues to speak personally (equal, fair judgment) The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

The Parable  The “goats” are condemned vv  The “goats” respond with the same question as did the “sheep” v. 44  Yet, from a different motivation  They did not see themselves as obligated to help other subjects of the King The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

The Parable  The judgment’s final verdict vv. 46  The disobedient “goats” were sent away into eternal punishment Mk 9:43-48  The obedient “sheep” were brought into everlasting life  Judged on “bodily deeds” 2 Cor 5:10 The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

The Lesson  Where will the King place me…on His right (“sheep”) or on His left (“goat”)?  Am I rendering services to others in need…even “small gestures?”  Am I ignoring the needs of others?  Do I see the King’s personal interest? The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46

…