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…. The Parable Of The Judgment Scene. Matthew 25:31-46. The Judgment Scene. Matt 25:31-46. Setting In Jerusalem during Jesus’ last week Most likely, late Tuesday afternoon or early Tuesday evening Jesus has finished His public ministry
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The Parable Of The Judgment Scene Matthew 25:31-46
The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46 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 24-25 were spoken privately to the disciples • The Ten VirginsParable = preparation • The Talents Parable = “work & wait” • This parable = eventual judgment
The Judgment Scene Matt 25:31-46 TheParable • 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 TheParable • 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 Humble; submissive; willingly follow [OBEY] Stubborn; headstrong; resistant [DISOBEY] TheParable • 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 TheParable • 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 TheParable • 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 Scene Matt 25:31-46 TheParable • 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 Scene Matt 25:31-46 TheParable • 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 Scene Matt 25:31-46 TheParable • 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 Scene Matt 25:31-46 TheParable • 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 TheParable • 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 TheParable • 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 Scene Matt 25:31-46 TheParable • 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 Scene Matt 25:31-46 TheParable • 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 TheLesson • 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?