Matthew 25

The main points of these first two parables are fairly clear, even if some of the details are open for interpretation. The parable of the ten virgins teaches us that we need to be ready when the bridegroom (Jesus) comes. The virgins are unmarried bridesmaids. The groom would leave home, go to the bride’s house for the vows, and then there would be a procession back to the groom’s house for a marriage feast. The bridesmaids who weren’t ready ended up missing the feast. The parable of the talents teaches the same thing with a further explanation. We get ready for Jesus’ return by using our gifts and talents for Him while He is away. “Talents” here is literally money, but it serves as a metaphor for us.

One reason that I say interpretation can be challenging is the issue of God being a “hard man.” Do we really believe that of God, or do we simply understand that He has high expectations? I suppose the lazy servant might indeed say that He is a hard man! But we would do well to remember the OAR principle: O(pportunity) + A(bility) = R(esponsibility). God expects us to live and work for Him. The fact that the lazy servant has his talent taken away and the one with the most receives it doesn’t teach that God is unfair. It is instead a reflection of real life. Do we become more proficient in something by not doing it? Of course not! And the ones who use their abilities to the fullest are certainly blessed more and more. Use it or lose it!

How do we understand being locked out of the feast, or thrown out into outer darkness? The simplest way is to see the wicked servant or the foolish virgins as unsaved. That’s easier to swallow with the foolish virgins, but the servant might give us pause. After all, he’s a servant, right? But, in a sense, everyone is a servant of God. He has given us life, talents, abilities, and gifts. If we refuse to acknowledge Him and don’t use what He’s given us in service to Him, how can we expect to be welcomed and blessed?!?!?!

The parable of the sheep and the goats appears to indicate that we are saved by what we do. However, that would contradict the clear teaching of the rest of the New Testament. This passage reminds us that belief changes behavior, and the truly saved will act like it. The Holy Spirit should bring about a change in our lives for the better. The usual practice of unbelievers is uncaring and unloving behavior, but even when they do good deeds their motivation for them will be wrong. With that basic understanding, this passage teaches us that:

• Jesus is coming back.
• It will be climatic!
• It will be a time of judgement.
• Judgment is final.
• The righteous receive eternal life.
• The unrighteousness will receive eternal punishment.
• If our behavior doesn’t match our beliefs, we need to examine ourselves very carefully!

Thought for the day: Paul explains grace and works very clearly for us.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (WEB) “for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.”