Our Gospel reading today tells of another event that will happen when the Lord Jesus returns to earth, which will be the judgment of the nations. When Jesus returns to earth, and is seated upon His throne of glory, all of the nations will be gathered together, and they will receive their judgment from the Lord (vs. 31 - 32). Let’s look at what Jesus says will happen on that day, and what we can learn and apply to our lives.
As Jesus describes that day, the nations are brought before Him and separated, some going to the right, some to the left, just like sheep and goats are separated. When the flocks are brought in from the fields, sheep and goats can superficially look similar, especially if their coats are thick and heavy, and the shepherd will need to separate the two. The group that Jesus is pleased with, who will receive the blessings of the Father, are put on the right hand. Those with whom He is not pleased, and are not blessed by God, are put on the left side.
What determines who goes on the right or the left? Jesus gives a very detailed account for this, which we read in verses 35 and 36. He says they gave Him food when hungry, drink when thirsty. They clothed Him when naked, visited Him when either sick or in prison. They respond back to Jesus and say they never saw Jesus hungry, thirsty, naked, sick or in prison, how did they do these things for Him (vs. 37 - 39). Jesus responds by saying that when they did it to the least of His brethren, they did it to Him (vs. 40). The exact opposite is told to those on the left. They are those who did not respond to the needs of the Lord. When they also say they never saw Jesus in need, He says that when they did not give to the needs of His brethren, they did not give to Him (vs. 41 - 45). Though this passage speaks of “nations”, a nation is made up of individuals, and we, as individuals are accountable to the Lord for how and if we help those in need.
Who are these brethren of the Lord that Jesus is talking about? Earlier in the Gospel of Matthew, in Matthew 12:46-50, Jesus Himself answers the question as to who His brethren are. Jesus says that those who do the will of God are His brothers and sisters, so those who are true believers in Him, of any race or nationality, those who are saved.
The good deeds that the blessed of the Lord do, listed in verses 35 and 36, are the fruit, not the root, of their salvation. These deeds are not what brings them entrance into God’s kingdom. Good deeds do not get us into heaven. Only accepting Jesus’ death for our sins on the cross, and trusting in His Blood will gain you entrance into heaven. These good deeds are a manifestation of God’s grace in their lives. These deeds are evidence of the saving faith that they have.
Giving food, drink, and clothing to those in need, and visiting the sick, lonely, and prisoners are acts of mercy that we can each do every day. They do not depend on great wealth, ability, or intelligence. We have no excuse to not help others in need in these ways. Nor is this a responsibility to turn over to the government or other official agencies. We should help where and when there is a need.
In verse 34 we read that God’s kingdom was prepared for us “from the foundation of the world”, from before time. God’s plan of salvation, and love for us are from everlasting to everlasting. He loves us so much that He prepared such a wonderful place for us! How blessed are those who have put their faith and trust in the Lord Jesus as Savior! Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. On the other hand, how disastrous it is for those who choose to reject Jesus (vs. 46). There are eternal consequences. These wicked are not given a second chance, nor are they eventually annihilated. Their punishment is just as everlasting as the rewards in heaven are. They know that their punishment is just, and they, alone, are to blame.
As believers and followers of Jesus, we should treat all people we encounter as if they were Jesus. How well do our actions separate us from the pretenders and unbelievers? If you have not yet accepted the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior, do not hesitate. That day of judgment is coming soon, and you do not want to hear Him say to depart into the everlasting fire.
No comments:
Post a Comment