54: Jesus Judges All (Matthew 25:31-46)

SHOPLIFTING An old lady gets caught shoplifting. On court day the lady and her husband who goes with her stands before the judge and he says to her, "Why did you shoplift?"

And she says "I was hungry."

The judge says "What did you take?" She replies, "A can of peaches."

So the judge trying to figure out how to punish her says, "How many peaches where in the can?"

The lady says "6" so the judge says ok then 1 day per peach in jail that will be 6 days time served.

The judge says “Would anyone like to say anything?”

and her husband says, “Your honor, she stole a can of peas too.”

After doing some research, the typical number of peas in a standard 15-ounce can is around 400 peas. I’m pretty sure 400 days in jail would be UNJUST.

In just a few moments we are going to get a glimpse of what it will be like when JESUS JUDGES ALL - every person who has ever lived. But His judgment will be just & final to all people.

After all, the 1st century followers of Jesus wrote that Jesus was not only a great prophet, teacher, & miracle worker, but the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. And even more significant than that, they were convinced from the Scriptures that He was God…in skin.

Listen how the apostle John, a Jewish follower of Jesus, opens his Gospel.

John 1:1–3 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.

And so it is that Jesus - the Creator of all things - including ALL PEOPLE, will be the ONE who JUDGES ALL people for all time.

Let’s briefly catch the context before we jump into the last part of Matthew 25.

For weeks we have attempted to understand how 1) the Son of Man would “come” during the lifetimes of the 1st century disciples (Mt 10:23, 24:34), in a NEAR FUTURE fulfillment, but also considered the language that pointed to a FAR FUTURE event, likely well beyond the lifetimes of the 1st century disciples.

Last week we saw 2 parables Jesus used to illustrate His 2nd coming.

The 1st parable implied that Jesus, like the groom in the story, would NOT show up within the expected time, leading to some not being prepared for His return. Jesus then shares the point of that story, saying,

Matthew 25:13 (NIV) Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

In the 2nd parable the master did not return “for a long time” (Mt 25:19), and He holds His servants accountable for how they have GROWN what they were GIVEN where He either says,

Matthew 25:21 (NIV) His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

OR, He says…

Matthew 25:26a (NIV)

His master replied, “You wicked, lazy servant!

Matthew 25:30 (NIV) …throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

It’s in that context that Jesus now concludes his talk on the Mt of Olives with His disciples, with these words.

Matthew 25:31–32a (NIV) When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him,

Matthew 25:32b (NIV) and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Jesus used a well known illustration to describe what this judgment would look like. While sheep & goats often grazed together during the day, but shepherds eventually would separate them.

This is what the Son of Man would do with people. As many of you know the phrase “Son of Man” comes from Daniel 7:13-14, and this particular passage is super significant in light of that text from Daniel.

Daniel 7:13–14 (NIV) In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.

He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

In light of that last line, it should come as no shock that if Jesus is the “son of man” from Daniel 7, then He is also the KING of the KINGdom. And that fits the story that Jesus is telling about the final judgment of all nations.

Matthew 25:33–34 (NIV) He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

The sheep refer to the genuine followers of Jesus, as Jesus often used the imagery of sheep to refer to his followers (Jn 10:14, 21:16).

The goats refer to those who are NOT genuine followers of Jesus.

The sheep - genuine followers of Jesus - are welcomed into their inheritance - that’s what a father gives to his children. And this inheritance is entrance into the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

How did they come into their relationship with the Heavenly Father - you ask? - you ask great questions!

Matthew 25:35–36 (NIV) For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Matthew 25:37–39 (NIV) Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”

These people don’t remember doing any of that TO Jesus. Yes they fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, showed hospitality to strangers, clothed those who were without adequate clothing, cared for the sick, & even visited those in prison.

Many of YOU have done things like that too. Many of you help feed others through the food pantry. Several of you sponsor needy children - providing food, education, & clothing. Others have shown care to strangers in need. Many of you have visited others who are sick - even providing meals for their families. And some have passed through the razor-wire fences to visit people in prison.

BUT…WE haven’t had the privilege of caring for JESUS…or have WE?

Matthew 25:40 (NIV) The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Not to sidetrack us too far, but you need to know that the majority of Bible commentators from the 2nd through the 19th centuries believed that the least represent Christian “brothers and sisters”.

On the other hand, many Bible commentators over in the 20th-21st centuries think this refers to anyone in need - Christian or not”. [1]

When Jesus uses “brothers” and “sisters” in the Gospels, He always points to those who follow Him and obey the Father (Mt 28:10, Lk 22:32, Jn 20:17).

Remember that time when Jesus was told his mother & brothers were outside waiting to speak to Him? Jesus responded with these words.

Matthew 12:48–50 (NIV) He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Maybe you’ve never thought about the context of this before, but “you did this for me” first applied to followers of Jesus who met the needs of other followers of Jesus when they were experiencing tough times.

The 1st century Jewish followers of Jesus were sometimes fired from their jobs, run out of town, and persecuted hungry, thirsty, in need of a place to stay, and fresh clothes to wear - because they were viewed as blasphemers - claiming that Jesus was both Messiah & the Son of God. This is why Saul of Tarsus (later known as “apostle Paul”) was chasing down other Jews who followed Jesus.

You might even remember when the risen Jesus struck Paul blind and Paul asked who He was. The response? “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:5a) Wait a second! Paul never persecuted JESUS…did he? According to the Jesus, when Paul persecuted followers of Jesus, he persecuted JESUS.

Followers of Jesus were thrown into prison on multiple occasions - The apostles of Jesus faced persecution - being beaten and being thrown into prison as well (Acts 4-5). King Herod imprisoned the apostles Peter & James & several other followers of Jesus (Acts 12:1-2). Then he had James beheaded.

After Paul changed jerseys and followed Jesus, he says he and other believers often went hungry, wearing rags, brutally treated, & even homeless at times (1 Cor 4:11).

When Jesus had sent his apostles out to do ministry He said that those who welcomed his apostles welcomed Him. Even those who give a cup of cold water to the least significant follower of Jesus (“little ones”) would be rewarded (Mt 10:40-42). So, those who RECEIVED the followers of Jesus, RECEIVED HIM and His good news.

First, followers of Jesus are to meet the needs of other believers, and in doing so, minister to Jesus.

Of course, followers of Jesus are to serve not only believers, but also those who are NOT yet believers.

Galatians 6:9–10 (ESV) And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

In fact, not only are we commanded to love our brothers & sisters, we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves, and even love our enemies - to have their best interest in mind. The apostle Paul makes this super clear in his letter to the Romans, where he writes:

Romans 12:14, 17-19 (NIV) Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse…Do not repay anyone evil for evil…If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

Romans 12:20-21 (NIV) On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” [Pr 25:21-22] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

And so it is that the King recognizes simple acts of servanthood, where people - created in the image of God - are treated with VALUE & kindness. In doing so, we bless Jesus!

BIG TRUTH: HOW We Serve SHOWS WHO We Serve.

We must note that, as mentioned in last week’s teaching, this is certainly NOT a works-based salvation.

We ask this question often - If we could be good enough, then why did Jesus have to die? - The answer? We can’t be good enough - we have sinned against God, but He has loved us so much that Jesus came to give His life as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

We DO good works because our King commands us, enables us, & expects us to do for others - brothers & sisters, neighbors, & even…enemies. Doing good to others is part of our spiritual DNA. When Jesus lives in and through us, we will care about people HE cares about. So…

BIG TRUTH: HOW We Serve SHOWS WHO We Serve.

John MacArthur says it well: “Scripture is very clear in teaching that the evidence for assurance of true salvation is not found in a past moment of decision but in a continuous pattern of righteous behavior.”[2]

But on that day, the JUDGE will NOT have good news for all.

Matthew 25:41 (NIV) Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

WHY? Ultimately, sinners will be judged for their sin. How many lies have we told, lustful looks have we given, theft, sexual activity outside of marriage, dirty language, slander, drunkenness, etc.

Those who put their trust in Jesus as their KING, their JUDGE, should so appreciate the GOOD NEWS that Jesus actually PAID for your sin and those who follow Him are forgiven, clean, righteous. And as we’ve already seen, those who follow Jesus are those who care about people that He cares about.

BUT…those who don’t follow Jesus, those who don’t acknowledge Him as KING of their lives, don’t care about the people He cares about. Therefore Jesus will say to them…

Matthew 25:42–43 (NIV) For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

Matthew 25:44–45 (NIV)

They also will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” He will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

BIG TRUTH: HOW We Serve SHOWS WHO We Serve.

And the fruit of those who don’t belong to Jesus, shows that they don’t serve HIM, but serves themselves or whatever ‘god’ has the focus of their lives which could include: health, wealth, power, fame, comfort, or even…your family.

The day is coming when it will become evident that…JESUS JUDGES ALL - every person in this room, every person watching this video stream.

And on that day there will be only one of 2 options - 1) you either have turned from your sin and turned to Jesus - forgiven & free OR, 2) you are still in your sins and will be held accountable for them.

Jesus concludes this powerful talk with these powerful, painful, & hopeful words - depending on your perspective.

Matthew 25:46 (NIV) Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

No one lives right to become righteous. Instead, Jesus gives us His righteousness, giving us the ability to live RIGHT.

Jesus judges and gives eternal life to those who turn to Him.

Or, He sentences people to eternal punishment. If your view of God doesn’t allow for this, then you need to ask, “Where did I get my view of God from?”.

Those who say Jesus doesn’t judge, either 1) don’t know the Scriptures 2) have purposefully diluted the Scriptures to make ‘build-a-bear’ Jesus.

Do any of these words of Jesus cause you pause…cause you to hit the brakes and ask, “Am I ready to be judged by Jesus…for eternity?” If you have questions or concerns, please touch base with our STAFF or DEACONS/wives.

PRAY

BIG TRUTH: HOW We Serve SHOWS WHO We Serve.

_____________

Davies and Allison Jr., A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, vol. 3, p. 428

John F. MacArthur Jr., Matthew, vol. 4, MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1985), 123.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What stood out to you from today’s teaching - answering questions or stirring up questions for you? Consider looking back through your notes to come up with your own questions or insights.

Read John 1:1-3 & Daniel 7:13-14. Why is it that Jesus is the one who is given the authority to judge all people for all time?

Read Matthew 25:33-40. In light of the entire gospel of Matthew, is this teaching that our good works make us right with God? If not, what does this teach us? (Consider looking back at todays “BIG TRUTH” for some help answering this question.)

Reflect on a time when you helped someone in need. How did that experience shape your understanding of serving Jesus through serving others?

How can we ensure that our acts of service aren’t out of obligation but are genuine reflections of our faith and love for Jesus?

Reflect on the role of gratitude in your life. How does being thankful for what you have influence your willingness to give and serve?

We spent time considering what Jesus meant by “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Mt 25:40) While this certainly can refer to anyone (friend, foe, or acquaintance), why must we really consider how we can meet needs inside the household of faith” (Gal 6:9-10). Do you KNOW of any needs we can meet for another brother/sister?

Read Matthew 25:41-45. What sentence does Jesus give to those who don’t follow His commands to care for others?

John MacArthur wrote: “Scripture is very clear in teaching that the evidence for assurance of true salvation is not found in a past moment of decision but in a continuous pattern of righteous behavior.” Discuss this significance of this statement.

Read Matthew 25:46. Note the term used to describe “punishment” and “life”. What is the significance of that word, and why should this add weight to considering whether we or our friends are genuine followers of Jesus?

How can we teach and encourage the next generation disciples to value and prioritize serving others in their lives?

How can we pray for/care for one another this week? (Pray for one another.)