Matthew 25:38 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?

NIV: When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?

NASB: And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?

CSB: When did we see you a stranger and take you in, or without clothes and clothe you?

NLT: Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?

KJV: When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

NKJV: When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?

The King and the Judge, Jesus, has returned in the end times to sit on His throne and address a group He has designated as "sheep" (Matthew 25:31–33). These blessed ones have proven their election (Ephesians 1:4; Matthew 24:22; Mark 13:27; Romans 11:7; Titus 1:1) to salvation in this prepared kingdom (Matthew 25:34) by their obedience to Christ's commands (John 14:15). Jesus has applauded these people for providing Him with food, water, clothing, and care during His times of need. Those people are replying to Jesus' praise by repeating His comments, in the form of a question.

Since this occurs in the end times (Matthew 24:3), at least the majority of these people will not have seen Jesus in person until His return. They're unsure as to how, or when, they would have performed these good deeds for Jesus. Christ will go on to explain that it was their service to other believers (1 John 3:11) which was, in effect, love shown to Him (John 14:15; Matthew 10:40–42; 25:40).

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.

Accessed 12/21/2024 1:04:44 PM