Matthew 25:31-46 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Judgment on the Realm of Heaven #2 Matthew 25:34-36

Matthew 25:31-46 – Judgment on the Realm of Heaven

MT25:31 “Further,[1] when the glorious Son of Humankind returns[2] with all his angels,[3] at that time he will sit down upon his glorious throne [of judgment].[4] MT25:32 He will gather together right in front of him[5] all those from the nations[6] and he will separate these persons from each other[7] just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.[8] [Ezekiel 34:17] MT25:33 He will make the sheep stand at his right-hand, but the goats at his left-hand.

MT25:34 “At that time the King will say to those on his right-hand: ‘Approach, those blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom[9] prepared for you from the world’s foundation.[10] MT25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.[11] [Isaiah 58:7] [I was] thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you took me in. MT25:36 [I was] ill-clad and you clothed me. I fell sick and you took care of me.[12] I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

MT25:37 “Then the righteous persons[13] will answer the King, asking, ‘Master, when did we see you hungry and feed you? Or, thirsty, and give you drink? MT25:38 Also, when did we see you a stranger and take you in? Or, ill-clad and clothed you? MT25:39 Or, when did we see you sick, or in prison, and went to visit you?’ MT25:40 And the King will answer them: ‘I tell you this truth: Depending on how much you did to a single one of my humblest brothers, you did it to me.’[14]

MT25:41 “Then the King will also speak to those persons on his left-hand: ‘Depart from me, those who are cursed into the everlasting fire[15] prepared for the Devil and his angels! MT25:42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing[16] to eat. And, I got thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. MT25:43 I was a stranger and you did not take me in; ill-clad and you gave me no clothes; sick and in prison, and you did not look after me.’ MT25:44 Then [the goats] will respond: ‘Master,[17] when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or ill-clad or sick or in prison – and refused to minister to you?’ MT25:45 At this the King will tell them: ‘I tell you this truth: Depending on how much you refused to do to a single one of my humblest brothers, you refused to do it to me.’ MT25:46 And these goats will depart into an everlasting pruning;[18] but the righteous into everlasting life.”

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[9] Inherit the Kingdom: The Greek KLERONOMESATE TEN BASILEIAN is nearly identical to BASILEIAN KLERONOMESAI at 1 Corinthians 15:50 where the “kingdom” is heavenly. Note also Ephesians 5:5, KLERONOMIAN EN TE BASILEIA (See also Ephesians 1:18, 21, 22). The evidence points to the inheritance of the heavenly Kingdom of the Father (Matthew 13:43; Daniel 12:3).

“ Now this I tell you, brothers, that flesh and blood are unable to inherit God’s Kingdom. Nor can that which is corruptible inherit incorruption.” (1Co 15:50 mhm)

“ the eyes of your heart illuminated to some idea of the hope of His invitation–the glorious riches of His inheritance for the Saints–” (Eph 1:18 mhm)

“21 over and above every hierarchy and authority and power and lordship and every name named–not only in this time period but also in the New Age to come– 22 everything God subjected under the feet of Jesus and gave him headship over everything to the Church,” (Eph 1:21-22 mhm)

“ For you realize this that every sexually immoral or unclean person–or one who desires more (which amounts to idol-worship) –has no inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.” (Eph 5:5 mhm)

“ Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Realm of their Father. Let the one with ears, hear.”” (Mt 13:43 mhm)

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” (Da 12:3 NIV)

[10] Prepared for you from the world’s foundation: See notes elsewhere on KATABOLE. Compare Ephesians 1:3, 4. This would also seem to focus the judgment on the Church.

“3  Blessed be The God and Father of our Master Jesus Christ. He is the One who pronounced a blessing upon all of us including every spiritual blessing in the Celestialum incorporate in Christ. 4 This was done incorporate in Christ when The God chose us before the beginning of the world of humanity. He chose us to be holy and flawless under His loving view” (Eph 1:3-4 mhm)

[11] Hungry and you gave me something to eat: See Isaiah 58:7.

“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” (Isa 58:7 NIV)

[12] You took care of me: The whole series is about charity and hospitality. The sheep are those who live the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). Read and prayerfully meditate upon Hebrews 13:3, 4, 16, James 2:15-17, and 1 John 3:16-18. It is very possible Jesus’ parabolic imagery comes from Isaiah 58:7.

“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” (Isa 58:7 NIV)

“ “So, everything you want others to do to you, you also do to them. For this is the Torah and the Prophets.” (Mt 7:12 mhm)

“3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were bound with them. For you are still in a body and may also be treated badly. 4 All honor marriage, and the bed undefiled, because The God will judge the sexual immoral and adulterers.” (Heb 13:3-4 mhm)

“ Also, do not forget doing good and sharing with others, for with such sacrifices The God is favorably pleased.” (Heb 13:16 mhm)

“15 For example, if a brother or sister is living without adequate clothing and lacks daily food, 16 and anyone of you says, “Go in peace. Keep warm and well fed” –but do not give them their bodily necessities–what good does that do? 17 Just so, conviction without works is dead by itself.” (Jas 2:15-17 mhm)

“16 By this we know what real love is, because that One surrendered his soul for us; and we owe it to the fellowship to surrender our souls for them. 17 But whoever has the worldly means of maintaining life and beholds a fellow member having a need and yet slams the doors of benevolent empathy–how does God’s love remain in such a person? 18 Little children, may we continue showing compassionate affection not in just word nor by the tongue but in work and truth.” (1Jo 3:16-18 mhm)

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Preceding

Matthew 7:12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Summary on the Torah’s Fulfillment

Matthew 25:1-12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Judgment by the King and Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:13 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Keep on the Watch

Matthew 25:14-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Keep Busy until the Parousia

Matthew 25:31-46 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Judgment on the Realm of Heaven #1 Matthew 25:31-34