Working While We Wait for Christ's Return

 

Sheep and Goats

Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy

Welcome to this weekly study of Matthew's Gospel, a collaboration between Mary Barmore and Alice C. Linsley. To prepare, read Matthew chapter 25. When you have finished, answer the 8 questions. Scroll to the bottom to check your answers.


Introduction

Matthew 25 is a continuation of the Olivet Discourse that begins in Matthew 24. This chapter contains three parables that illustrate the necessity of being ready for the Lord's return. They are the parable of the Ten Virgins, the parable of the Talents, and the parable of the Sheep and the Goats. While waiting for Jesus' return, his followers are to be faithful stewards of what he has given us, active in ministry, especially to "the least of these", and aware that some among us are not of Christ's sheep fold.

Questions

1. What does the Parable of the Ten Virgins/Maidens illustrate about the Kingdom of God?

2. Why is Jesus described as a bridegroom?

3. What does the Parable of the Talents teach about the Kingdom of God?

4. What principle of stewardship is emphasized in this Parable of the Talents? 

5. Who will be with Jesus when he returns?

6. After the sheep and goats are separated, Christ commends those at his right hand. For what actions are they commended?

7. What fate awaits those at Christ's left hand at the time of the Judgement?

8. The description of Christ's return speaks of his enthronement. Who will be gathered before the throne?

Answers

1. The Parable of the Ten Virgins illustrates that the Kingdom of God requires steadfast resolve and spiritual readiness because the timing of Jesus’ return is unknown. It highlights that Christians must be proactive, not slothful or spiritually lazy. We cannot lend to others what they have cared so little to acquire. The parable reminds us that our preparation ends when the bridegroom arrives for the wedding feast, a time of celebration.

2. In the Bible, marriage is often used to describe the relationship of God to his people. When Jesus describes himself as the bridegroom, he is speaking of the unique covenant relationship that He has with the Church. That same covenant relationship was offered to the people of Israel, many of whom expressed faith in Jesus as the Messiah, and the Son of God.

3. The Parable of the Talents speaks of how God provides resources to his servants. It illustrates the profound nature of our responsibility to be good stewards of those resources. The slothful servant lived in fear of his Master. His relationship to the Master was not one of love and devotion. Therefore, that servant is to be cast into the outer darkness (v. 30).

4. The Parable of the Talents emphasizes that those who use their spiritual gifts and resources faithfully will receive an abundance, while those who do not will lose what they have. This was expressed in Matthew 13:12 where Jesus stated that "whoever has will be given more". An analogy can be made in reference to the human body. A muscle that is not used will atrophy. 

5. Jesus stated that he would come with all the angels. The appearance of "all the angels" at Christ's second coming testifies to his absolute victory. Matthew 16:27 says that "the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." 2 Thessalonians 1:7 describes how Christ will appear from heaven with "mighty angels" in flaming fire. In Revelation, Christ returns with angels and the armies of heaven to judge the world and to reign. 

   

Throughout Jesus' life, his identity as the incarnate Son of God was proven by the appearance of angels. The Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce the conception of Jesus by divine overshadowing (Luke 1:35). A host of angels appeared to the shepherds of Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus. Angels ministered to Jesus after his time of fasting and temptation in the wilderness. In Matthew 26:53 Jesus speaks of how the Father could send more than twelve legions of angels to deliver him. 

6. Jesus commends those at his right hand (the sheep) for their acts of compassion toward the "least of these", for feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned. These actions are in the service of Christ Himself. They testify to the faithfulness of those servants.

7. At the final Judgement those at Christ's left hand (the goats) are separated from God and destined for the "everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels". They are described as "cursed" because their lives produced no fruits of righteousness.

8. All the nations will appear before the throne of judgement because Christ's rule is universal. His authority is over every authority and over every individual. All will be held personally accountable for what they have done with the life God gave them.

Join us next week as we continue our study of Matthew's Gospel. A blessed Palm Sunday to all our readers!

If you are just now joining this study, you will find links to the previous lessons below.

Why the Name Jesus?
Matthew Chapter 1: A Closer Look
Matthew Chapter 2: The Magi Worship the Christ and Defy Herod
Matthew Chapter 3: Jesus and John Fulfill Righteousness
Matthew Chapter 4: Jesus Exposes the Devil's Tactics
Matthew Chapter 5: Jesus Teaches with Superior Authority
Matthew Chapter 6: True Kingdom Seekers
Matthew Chapter 7: Entering by the Narrow Gate
Matthew Chapter 8: The Uniqueness of Jesus
Matthew Chapter 9: Christ the Compassionate Lord
Matthew Chapter 10: The Apostles' High Calling
Matthew Chapter 11: The Messiah Brings Relief
Matthew Chapter 12: Greater Glory Resides in Jesus
Matthew Chapter 13: Perceive His Kingdom Coming
Matthew Chapter 14: Christ Rules Over Nature
Matthew Chapter 15: The Power of Persistent Faith
Matthew Chapter 16: Preparing for the End
Matthew Chapter 17: Behold the Glory of the Son of God!
Matthew Chapter 18: Living as a Child of God
Matthew Chapter 19: The Demands and Rewards of Righteousness
Matthew Chapter 20: The Parable of the Laborers
Matthew Chapter 21: The Corner Stone Rejected
Matthew Chapter 22: The Parable of the Wedding Feast

Matthew Chapter 23: Woe to False Religious Leaders!

Matthew Chapter 24: Learning to Read the Signs