PREPARING FOR THE SERMON

May 18, 2025

Matthew 25:31-46

Context:

            In the current pericope, Jesus concludes His instructions concerning the end times. Having warned them to be ready for His return, Jesus now discusses what will happen when He returns at the end of time. The discussion centers around the fate of two groups of people, those who He knew and those He did not know. The knowledge is not a simple know of, but instead involves a personal relationship. Inherent in the instruction is a call to be one of His sheep. After the Olivet discourse, Jesus again returns to the more immediate foretelling of His death, and He is symbolically prepared for burial through the actions of an unnamed woman.

 

Structure:

25:31-33 “all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another.” (v 32)

25:34-40 “to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did it for Me.” (v 40)

25:41-46 “to the extent that you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for Me, either.” (v 45)

 

Key Ideas: eschatology, knowing God, faith and actions

 

Some things to think about:

  • How often do you do things with the mindset that you are doing it for God and not for whoever it is you are helping?
  • How does a “doing it for God” mindset affect who you help? Do you think it matters in God’s eyes why or how they ask for help?