Jesus told three parables in Matthew 25 regarding the end of the world. The last is often called the Parable of the Judgment, though the Lord gave it no name. He depicted Himself on His glorious throne with all nations gathered before Him. He said that He will then divide all of humanity into two groups. The group on His right hand, which is the hand of power, will hear him say, “…Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34 NKJV).
Then, Jesus listed six separate acts of service done for others as the reason those on the right hand will be invited (Matthew 25:35-36). McGarvey says, “The acts here enumerated indicate more than a mere outlay of money. They are not such as are the offspring of impulse, but such as call for the sacrifice of time, strength, sympathy, etc., and clearly demonstrate the fullness of the Christian life” (639).
True love for the brethren, without which one cannot claim to love God, will motivate one to act on behalf of those beloved brethren. “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:17-18). Only an active, loving faith is truly alive (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
Jesus said those bidden to enter asked when they ever saw the Lord in such situations and helped Him. He replied, “…Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). This explains the Lord’s question to Saul as to why he persecuted Him (Acts 9:4). Jesus so closely identifies with the members of His body that to hurt or to help them is to do the same to Him. May God help us to seize every opportunity to help those in need, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Works Cited
McGarvey, J.W. and Philip Y. Pendleton. The Fourfold Gospel or A Harmony of the Four Gospels. Cincinnati: Standard P., n.d.
