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).

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 12:19:38 PM

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