Matthew 25:44 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’

NIV: "They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

NASB: Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or as a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’

CSB: "Then they too will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or without clothes, or sick, or in prison, and not help you?’

NLT: Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

KJV: Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

NKJV: “Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’

At some point in the end times (Matthew 24:3), and in some way, Jesus will separate people into two groups (Matthew 25:31–33). The first group is depicted as blessed and welcome, as those elected to come to faith in Christ (Ephesians 4:1; Matthew 24:22; Mark 13:27; Romans 11:7; Titus 1:1). This is proven by their actions, which demonstrate that they do, in fact, have an obedient love for Christ (John 14:15; 1 John 3:11). Those actions, taken on behalf of others, are effectively kindnesses done to Christ (Matthew 25:40).

Christ has condemned the other group, however, banishing them to eternal fire alongside The Devil and his demons (Matthew 25:41). The people of this group failed to ever meet His needs when He was hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and in prison.

Since these people have, in a literal sense, never had the chance to see Jesus in person before, they ask how this is possible. The other aspect of their question suggests an excuse. This is somewhat like treating a person rudely, only to find out they are an authority figure, a potential customer, or a relative, and claiming, "if I had known it was you, I would not have…" True or not, this is still a sin (James 2:1; 4:17). When it comes to Jesus, this second group likely would not have served, even had they known the implications (John 5:39–40), because they were not willing to honor Christ (John 3:36).

That inaction proves the opposite of Christian love (John 13:31–35). It demonstrates that these people are not part of God's family (1 John 4:20).

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.