Matthew 25
July Memory Verse: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Read: Matthew 25
I don’t think I have ever said this, but I am so thankful to be a sheep.
Jesus begins Matthew 25 picking up where He left off in Matthew 24. He is speaking of the Kingdom of God, and specifically, He speaks about those who will enter His Kingdom.
Jesus starts by telling two parables:
1. The first parable is about the Ten Virgins. As we see in the story, five Virgins were ready for when the Bridegroom came and five were not. The five that were not ready missed out on the feast. This illustrates the fact that people who “wait to get right with Jesus”, might run out of time. Those who are prepared and seeking after Him will get to go to the feast (Heaven).
2. The second parable is about three servants who are all entrusted with money. Two of the servants double their money, while the other hides it. The owner is pleased with the two, but displeased with the other servant. Jesus uses this story to illustrate the importance of faithfulness. It was not about how much money they earned, instead it is about how the servants were faithful with what was given them. And because they were faithful, more was to be added to their responsibility (v. 29a). The other servant was cast out (v. 30).
In verses 31-46, Jesus describes the Final Judgement. He explains that He will know who belongs to Him and who does not. Those who do will inherit the Kingdom (v. 34), and those who do not will be cast out (v. 45-46).
Matthew 25 is both heartwarming and troublesome. It’s heartwarming in that I know that I am a sheep. How can I know that for sure? Because I know I have a relationship with Jesus (1 John 5:13). But it is also troublesome in that I know people who are not sheep. These are people I love and care for, and if Jesus came back today, they would not go to be with Him.
We need peace for ourselves and others who do have a relationship with Jesus. But, we also need urgency for those around us who do not have a relationship with Jesus.
Who do you need to share the Gospel with? Are you being obedient with what Jesus has entrusted you? Are you ready for His return?
By: Brice Stockton
Read: Matthew 25
I don’t think I have ever said this, but I am so thankful to be a sheep.
Jesus begins Matthew 25 picking up where He left off in Matthew 24. He is speaking of the Kingdom of God, and specifically, He speaks about those who will enter His Kingdom.
Jesus starts by telling two parables:
1. The first parable is about the Ten Virgins. As we see in the story, five Virgins were ready for when the Bridegroom came and five were not. The five that were not ready missed out on the feast. This illustrates the fact that people who “wait to get right with Jesus”, might run out of time. Those who are prepared and seeking after Him will get to go to the feast (Heaven).
2. The second parable is about three servants who are all entrusted with money. Two of the servants double their money, while the other hides it. The owner is pleased with the two, but displeased with the other servant. Jesus uses this story to illustrate the importance of faithfulness. It was not about how much money they earned, instead it is about how the servants were faithful with what was given them. And because they were faithful, more was to be added to their responsibility (v. 29a). The other servant was cast out (v. 30).
In verses 31-46, Jesus describes the Final Judgement. He explains that He will know who belongs to Him and who does not. Those who do will inherit the Kingdom (v. 34), and those who do not will be cast out (v. 45-46).
Matthew 25 is both heartwarming and troublesome. It’s heartwarming in that I know that I am a sheep. How can I know that for sure? Because I know I have a relationship with Jesus (1 John 5:13). But it is also troublesome in that I know people who are not sheep. These are people I love and care for, and if Jesus came back today, they would not go to be with Him.
We need peace for ourselves and others who do have a relationship with Jesus. But, we also need urgency for those around us who do not have a relationship with Jesus.
Who do you need to share the Gospel with? Are you being obedient with what Jesus has entrusted you? Are you ready for His return?
By: Brice Stockton
2 Comments
"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field." The time is so short, and the urgency is great.
I love Jesus's parables! They are simple, yet the meanings to these stories are deep. Love your commentary on Matthew 25!