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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 SceneMatt 25:31-46

Setting In Jerusalem during Jesus’ last week

His comments in Mt 24-25 were spoken privately to the disciples

The Ten Virgins Parable = preparation The Talents Parable = “work & wait” This parable = eventual judgment

The Judgment SceneMatt 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 Jesus is addressing His disciples

This one focuses on all of humanity

The Judgment SceneMatt 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 SceneMatt 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 SceneMatt 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…” 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 SceneMatt 25:31-46

The Parable The “sheep” are praised vv. 35-40

They actively served the King and the needs of His other subjects vv. 35-36

“I was hungry…I was thirsty…” Criteria many might deem irrelevant,

unimportant

The Judgment SceneMatt 25:31-46

The Parable The “sheep” are praised vv. 35-40

“I was hungry…I was thirsty…” “Small things” must not be discounted

(cup of water, encouraging word,…) An established N.T. principle Jas 2:14-17

1 Jn 3:17-18 Gal 6:7-10

The Judgment SceneMatt 25:31-46

The Parable The “sheep” are praised vv. 35-40

“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 SceneMatt 25:31-46

The Parable The “sheep” are praised vv. 35-40

Their motivation is also seen vv. 37-39 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 SceneMatt 25:31-46

The Parable The King addresses the “goats” on His

left…they are “accursed” v. 41a “DEPART…” 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 SceneMatt 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 SceneMatt 25:31-46

The Parable The “goats” are condemned vv. 42-45

They were under the same standard as the “sheep”…only they had not acted in the same way as the “sheep” vv. 42-43

The King continues to speak personally(equal, fair judgment)

The Judgment SceneMatt 25:31-46

The Parable The “goats” are condemned vv. 42-45

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 SceneMatt 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 SceneMatt 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 SceneMatt 25:31-46

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