What does Matthew 25:46 mean?

On this ominous note, Jesus reaches the end of His description about the judgment that will come at the end of the age (Matthew 24:3). At some point, and in some way, He will sit on His throne and judge people by separating them into two categories. The first are those who proved their faith by their actions, who served others in their distress (Matthew 25:34–40). These are welcomed into eternal life (Matthew 25:34).

The other group, though, has been sentenced to eternal separation from the King in fire and punishment alongside Satan and his demons (Matthew 25:41). Because they were faithless toward Jesus, they refused to serve His brothers and sisters who suffered so greatly during the times of tribulation before His return to earth. Their actions prove their lack of saving faith (1 John 4:20).

This is the end of what is called the Olivet Discourse. Jesus has finished describing to the disciples the future events they originally asked about. As Matthew's account continues, Jesus will turn to fulfill His destiny as the sacrifice for sin (Matthew 26:1–3).