Matthew 25 and the Judgment
Matthew chapter 25 has three parables that depict the Savior being away on a long journey, as He is right now. Upon His return, which will be His second coming, it shows how He deals with His followers, not those who don’t believe and reject Him in this life, but His followers.
The first is the Ten Virgins.
It shows two types of believers, wise and foolish.
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The wise show their faith by being prepared and waiting.
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The foolish…not.
"so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.") (Matthew 25:13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."
The second parable is the Talents,
Three are given talents according to their abilities.
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."
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The first two immediately get busy and vigorously use their talents for their master.
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The third buried his talent, not using it and did nothing for his master the entire time he was gone.
Upon the master’s return he settles accounts with each servant, the first two he congratulates them for being fruitful with their talents and welcomes them in to his joy.
"By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."
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The third servant made ad hominem excuses and returned the talent back to his master. The master pronounced judgment on him and called him a wicked and lazy servant, he did not enter his masters joy.
The final parable which we will go over in detail this coming Wednesday bible study, is called the Final Judgment, or the Sheep and the goats, and it may surprise you just who exactly are the goats.
— Jim