Matthew 25:34 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

NIV: "Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

NASB: Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

CSB: Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

NLT: Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.

KJV: Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

NKJV: Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Jesus, on His throne following a time of great tribulation (Matthew 24:21–22) and at some point during the end times (Matthew 24:3), will separate a massive group of people into two groups. Scholars debate whether those judged are all the peoples of earth, non-believers, or non-Jews. Interpreters also disagree on whether this event is separate from the great white throne judgment of nonbelievers (Revelation 20:11–15) and the believers' judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), or if it is a general description of each person's eternal fate (Matthew 7:13–14; John 3:36; 14:6).

In this event, Jesus has labeled each person using one of two categories: "sheep" on His right, and "goats" on His left (Matthew 25:31–33).

Now the King turns to those in the "sheep" group and welcomes them into His kingdom. Some see this as a depiction of the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:1–6). Others interpret it as a general idea of eternity with God, and salvation. Christ describes this group as blessed by His Father and declares that they have inherited a place in His kingdom that has been prepared for them since the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). That reference strongly echoes other biblical statements referring to "the elect" (Matthew 24:22; Mark 13:27; Romans 11:7; Titus 1:1). These are those who have put their faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord: they are true Christians, chosen by God to receive His gracious forgiveness for their sins based on their faith in Christ.

As Jesus will indicate, those who have trusted Him have demonstrated that faith (John 14:15) through obedience (Matthew 10:40–42).

Matthew 25:31–46 describes Jesus' epic judgment, to take place when He returns as King with His angels and takes His place on the throne. He will divide those judged into two groups: "sheep" and "goats." The sheep will be welcomed and praised for serving those in need. The goats will be sent away from Jesus to eternal fire and condemned for not serving those in need. This comes at the end of the Olivet Discourse, which began when disciples asked Jesus about the end days (Matthew 24:3). This passage is notoriously difficult to interpret, making it especially important to handle with caution. Though it is referred to as a "parable," thanks to the use of shepherding terms, the situation it describes seems to be very real.

Jesus uses two additional parables to illustrate a state of constant readiness for His return after He has gone. His followers should be working for Him while they wait. They must not be like the foolish young women who missed a wedding feast because they forgot oil for their lamps. They must be like the servants who doubled their harsh master's investments while He was away. Jesus concludes with a third descriptive passage, showing how He will judge between the righteous and evil when He returns as King.

Matthew 25 concludes the "Olivet Discourse:" Jesus' teaching to the disciples about future things as they sit on the Mount of Olives. This follows His dire predictions about the Temple and Jerusalem in chapter 24. He gives two more parables to emphasize that they must be prepared for His return. Finally, Jesus describes the moment of His return, after a time of tribulation, when He will judge all who live on earth at the beginning of His kingdom. This leads into Matthew's account of Jesus' Last Supper, betrayal, and arrest in chapter 26.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.