What does Matthew 25:35 mean?

In one of Matthew's most difficult passages to interpret, Jesus is telling His disciples about when He will return to the earth as King and Judge (Matthew 24:3). In that role, He will separate people into two groups. The first group are welcome into His kingdom, as planned by God the Father since the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:31–33). The reference to God making preparation for these people since the dawn of time references those who are "the elect" (Matthew 24:22; Mark 13:27; Romans 11:7; Titus 1:1), strongly indicating these are believers in Christ.

In delivering this judgment, Jesus will tell this group of Christians they have served Him well during their lives. Their faith has been proven by obedience to Jesus' commands (John 14:15). They provided for Him when He was in need. Obviously, this will raise questions, since people in the end times will not have seen Christ, in person, until this moment (Matthew 25:37–39). A later response will explain how it is these people provided for Christ (Matthew 25:40).