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Today we are looking at Matthew 25.
This is part of our Understanding Bible Prophecy Series for the summer.
Matthew 25 is actually a continuation of Jesus’ instructions to his disciples upon their asking, “When will these things happen?”
In Matthew 24, Jesus disciples were asking Jesus when the temple would be destroyed, and when the end would come and he would establish His kingdom as foretold in the Old Testament.
Jesus told them some of the signs of things that were going to happen, and how the temple would be destroyed.
But He did not answer that question, ‘when’.
Instead, Jesus said no one but the Father knows the day and hour of the end of the age, and the coming of the Son to establish the kingdom.
So if Jesus was not answering their question of when, why did He have so much to say in regard to their questions?
Because more important than knowing when is the instructions, or exhortation, He had for them.
What were the exhortations from Matthew 24?
Watch out - Matthew 24:4
Be on Guard - Mark 13:9
Witness, but do not worry about what to say - Mark 13:9-11
Pray - Matthew 24:20
Watch and be ready - Matthew 24:42, 44
Jesus continues his instructions to the disciples in Matthew 25 by relaying three different parables.
We are going to read and look at them, one at a time.
Upon telling that He was coming at some unknown time in the future, Jesus gave the exhortation for people to be ready.
That theme of being ready is what Jesus emphasizes 3 more times in Matthew 25, using parables.
Parables - a story from life as an illustration to teach a point
Parables are stories or examples taken from what was common life at that time, and using it to make a point.
Parables typically have one point.
Sometimes people try to take the details of the parables to extrapolate many points, but a parable really is used to get across a main point.
No illustration is meant to be taken too far looking for correspondence in all the details.
For example, I bought a tent for Jen which we call the Taj Mahal of tents.
Why do we call it that?
It was really large compared to our other tent.
So, just as the Taj Mahal is big.
so the tent is big.
That is the point of the illustratoin.
Now, the Taj Mahal is actually a Mausoleum.
I did not buy the tent as a final resting place for Jen.
That would be taking the illustration too far in trying to make a correspondence.
That is what I mean by taking the illustration of the parable too far.
We do not need to look for symbolism in every point of the parable.
When it comes to parables, look for the main point.
Be Ready
What does it mean to be ready?
What does it take to be ready?
So, as I said, the main point in these parables is to be ready for Jesus’ coming to establish the kingdom.
The question I want you to think about is, “What does it mean to be ready?
What does it take to be ready?”
Now, let’s dig into the passage, and look at what Jesus was communicating in these parables.
First, Matthew 25:1-13.
Parable of the Ten Virgins
This is based upon the typical Jewish wedding.
Main point: be ready
Believe Him.
He said He was coming.
Live in faith and expectation.
But why were they not allowed in?
They were not known.
To be ready is to be known, to be a part of the wedding party.
The next parable is found in Matthew 25:14-30.
Parable of the Talents (bags of gold)
Luke 19:12-27 is similar
Differences:
Setting:
Luke is on way to Jerusalem
Matthew is on Mount of Olives
Background of Parable
Luke - man going away to be crowned king
Matthew - man going on journey
Number of servants
Luke - 10 servants
Matthew - 3 servants
What was given
Luke - one minas (3 months wages) each
Matthew - one was given 5 talents (15 years wages per talent), another 2 talents, and another 1 talent, each according to their ability
Reward
Luke - rule cities
Matthew - put in charge of many things
Punishment
Luke - the servant lost out on reward, the enemies who did not want him as king were killed
Matthew - unfaithful servant was cast out
Similar to Ezekiel 20:33-38, judgment of Israel when Messiah comes and establishes his kingdom
What does it mean to be ready?
To be ready is to believe that God is true.
If we believe it, we will act on it.
We will take what He has given us, and use it for Him.
To be ready is to be faithful and produce fruit.
The final parable is found in the midst of Matthew 25:31-46.
Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
When this takes place is made explicit.
When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.
Who will be gathered and judged?
The nations.
What is it to be be ready?
Do what God says.
Doing what He says shows faith.
To be ready is to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
What about me?
Homework:
Read Matthew 24-25 in one sitting.
What is the setting for the parables in Matthew 25? What is the main point, or the main exhortation of the parable/example of the servant left in charge in Matthew 24?
What is the main exhortation for the parables in Matthew 25?
As we discussed when studying the Rescued and Caught up, we, the church, wlll not be on Earth to be watching for His second coming to the earth, as we will be with Him in heaven and then with him for his return to earth.
However, until He comes to get us, wouldn’t this apply?
Should we be ready?
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