One Day Equipping Module
Life Lessons from Matthew 25:35-40
Five Reasons Why Your Class Should Do a Mission Project
Scripture Background: All text is New American Standard Bible (Updated)
25:35-39 Our good deeds and lifestyle love reveal and confirm our initial faith commitment to Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-10) Faith without works is dead. (James 2:14-26)
25:40 “to one of the these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” The term “brother” here must refer to a believer. It is believers caring for believers that is emphasized. (Matthew 10:40) The close relationship between Jesus and His followers can be seen in Acts 9:4, 22:7, 26:14, and I Corinthians 8:12. To hurt one it to hurt both; to bless one it to bless both.
Refer back to Matthew 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you form the foundation of the world.” Verse 34 puts the text for 35-40 in context.
25:34 “the King” Jesus was often spoken of as the Coming King (Revelation 17:14; 19:16). YHWH was also spoken of as the King, which brings additional significance to this term when it was used for Jesus. (Deuteronomy 10:17; II Timothy 6:15) This transference of title was a common technique of NT authors to assert the full Deity of Jesus of Nazareth.
“you who are blessed of My Father” This is a PERFECT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE. They have been blessed in the past and continued to be blessed. God was the active agent. Past results while relating into the future. Example of perfect passive tense: Resurrection happen in times past, but continues to touch lives forever.
“inherit” This is an AORIST ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. Christian judgment will not be based upon our sins. (Titus 2:14; I John 1:7), but upon our use of spiritual gifts and our availability to God. (I Corinthians 3:10-15; II Corinthians 5:10) Aorist is past tense. Imperative is a command.
“the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” This is a PERFECT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE. The NT used this phrase several times to describe things that God did for believers even before creation. (John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4, 11; I Peter 1:19-20; Revelation 13:8) The Trinity was active in redemption before Genesis 1:1! God’s work never fails!
Harold Willmington gives three explanations to this particular text:
- CHRISTIANS MUST SEE THE CAUSE. Matthew 25:35-36: It is due to their loving ministry in feeding, clothing, caring for, and even assisting Jesus in prison!
- CHRISTIANS MUST RECOGNIZE THE CONFUSION. Matthew 25:37-39: The saved ask when all this takes place.
- CHRISTIANS WILL ONE DAY RECEIVE CLARIFICATION. Matthew 25:40: Jesus says that when they ministered to others, they ministered to Him!
This study will lead to the 5 reasons your class should do a mission project.
Resources:
The Outline Bible by Harold L. Willmington, page 491
New American Standard Study Bible Support by Dr. Utley on CD Rom.