Matthew 25:31–46

Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

Church: Involved in Ministry
Matthew 25:31–46
In the early 20th century, a great divide occurred, which deeply affected ministry through local churches. Theological liberalism tended to place emphasis on meeting human needs to the exclusion of biblical orthodox theology, which many called the Social Gospel. Adherents to fundamentals of the Christian faith became more concerned for proper care of the soul and specifically focused on evangelism. This schism pitted evangelism against ministry. How does this relate to the passage at hand this week? Jesus taught that we must believe and obey His words, and that includes both evangelism and ministering to the personal needs of others.

Ministry Judged (31–33)
Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure from them. In the preceding chapter, He described for them the signs of the destruction of the temple and of His return. Earlier in Matthew 25, Jesus introduced additional parables of the Kingdom, including the Ten Virgins and the Talents. The final section is our focal passage this week. Various interpretations about the recipients of ministry in this passage have been offered, but the main point is that a separation takes place, distinguishing those who serve others from those who do not.

Details concerning the judgment of the nations are significant. The right hand is the side of favor; this can be demonstrated all the way back to Genesis. Jacob named his last son Binyamin, meaning “son of the right hand” (Gen. 35:18). When blessing his grandsons, Jacob intentionally placed his right hand on the younger one as a sign of greater favor (Gen. 48:13–20).

Sheep and goats are distinguishable in a number of ways but most especially by their nature. Goats are smart and will move when danger approaches. Sheep are generally oblivious to threats. Perhaps that is why God characterizes His people as sheep. What is more innocent in the animal kingdom than a clueless lamb in need of a shepherd?

Ministry Rewarded (34–40)
God gave the Law of Moses to guide His people to reflect His glory. Widows and the fatherless were taken care of by means of levirate marriage. The poor and the indigent foreigner were allowed to harvest the corners and edges of fields at harvest time, as well as to glean whatever food had been left behind by harvesters. Physical needs were to be met just as God had provided for Israel’s needs.

Jesus’ ministry was to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matt. 5:17). Throughout His time in the public eye, He fed the hungry, provided wine for a wedding, visited and healed the sick, forgave sinners and announced that the Kingdom was at hand. He did not divorce meeting the felt, temporal needs of people from their eternal need for salvation.

Trophies line the hallways of athletic departments in our schools, and plaques and ribbons sit on the shelves of dens and bedrooms in our homes. More often than not, we expect the awards and rewards we accumulate. When it comes to ministry, though, it is about the need rather than the reward. In fact, Jesus explained that the ones receiving rewards would be surprised at the recognition they receive. They were simply meetings needs: visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, encouraging imprisoned people and providing drink to the thirsty.

Ministry Surprised? (41–46)
Jesus referred to the sheep as righteous people (Matt. 25:37). By contrast, the goats were called cursed people (41). Unlike the group mentioned above who took time to minister to others, this second group had opportunities for service but failed to serve.

As we consider the implications of Jesus’ warning on final judgment, there are questions that must be answered: Are we so busy managing ministries that we fail to minister? Do we have the hearts of servants? Have we forsaken our first love, the love for Jesus, which is borne out in our love for others? The bottom line in all ministry is remembering that each person bears the image of God and that we are to do it all for His glory.