Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Thursday prior to Proper 29 ( Christ the King)

 

Matthew 25:31-46 – Most people have an interest and curiosity of what will happen to us at the end of the world. Is there or is there not a judgment? Is there really a heaven and a hell? Jesus’ words make certain affirmations concerning the end. People need to be assured of these facts, for they make a difference in our way of life.[1]

Jesus will judge the nations. Christ the King will judge the nations. At the end of time Christ is to come as judge of the nations. As Shepherd-King, Jesus will separate the sheep and goats, the good and the bad. The basis of the separation is the nations’ ministering or lack of ministering to the hungry, thirsty, sick, and imprisoned. The passage is not primarily an appeal for social justice or economic aid.

The main point of the parable is the coming separation of the good and the bad who are destined either for heaven or hell. It should also be noted that what was done to Christ was done not to people in general, but to “the least of these my brethren.” The brethren are Jesus’ disciples.

The word “Me” is used fourteen times in this lesson. It refers to Christ. Is Christ the one who is hungry, naked, and in prison? The sick “brother” is not Christ himself; the hungry man is not Christ.

When we help the needy, we do it as to Christ. This is because Jesus identifies with the afflicted. When we love someone, we say to one who helps the beloved, “What you do for him, you do for me.” Anyone who befriends your child is automatically a friend of yours. Thus in everything we do we do it unto the Lord.

Lord God, heavenly Father, send forth your Son, we pray, that he may lead home his bride, the Church. That we with all the redeemed may enter into your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. [2]

 

 



[1] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series A, John Brokhoff, © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
[2] Collect for the Last Day of the Church Year, Lutheran Worship © 1980 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
Image of Christ the King, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things


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