When the King Returns

This morning we continue in our study through the gospel according to Matthew as we consider Matthew 25:1-46. Jesus teaches his disciples about the final judgment when the Son of Man returns in his glory. The text could be organized into three main sections. There's the parable of the 10 virgins in verses 1-13. Secondly, there's the parable of the talents in verses 14-30. Finally, there's the final judgment and how people will be separated as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats in verses 31-46. In the parable of the ten virgins we're faced with the questions, "Are you prepared for the return of Jesus?" In the parable of the talents we're faced with the question, "Are you faithful with what God has entrusted to you?" In the illustration of the sheep and goats we're faced with the question, "Do you reflect the mercy of God towards the least of these that reveals true faith?"

When the King returns he will judge and separate the foolish from the wise. He will separate the good and faithful from the wicked and slothful. He will separate the blessed and righteous from the cursed. We are not called blessed and righteous because we care for the poor, but if we have experienced God's grace in the gospel, we can't remain indifferent to those around us. God became poor that we might become rich in him. Would God give us grace to reflect the mercy of God that we've been shown in Jesus.