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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