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Matthew Chapter Twenty-five

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Judgments in the Second Coming of the Lord

I. Judgments towards believers:

  A. He judges according to how they treat others (Matt. 24:45-51).

  B. He judges according to how they prepare themselves (v.1-13).

  C. He judges according to how they use God’s gifts (v.14-30).

II. Judgments towards the world (those who are alive when the Lord comes):

  A. He separates sheep from the goats (v.31-33).

  B. The sheep who treat God’s people well will receive reward (v.34-40).

  C. The goats who neglect the pain of God’s people will be punished (v.41-46).

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

Matt. 25:1Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

   YLT: “`Then shall the reign of the heavens be likened to ten virgins who having taken their lamps went forth to meet the bridegroom;”

   The Background: there were two parts in the ancient Jewish marriage: the bridegroom came to the house of the bride to marry her and gave banquets to entertain guests. Sometimes the wedding banquet lasted as long as seven days and then the bride and her husband returned to the house of the bridegroom together to hold the wedding ceremony. According to the convention on the day that the bridegroom went to marry the bride the bridegroom went to the house of his relatives or friends to eat and make merry first and then the bridegroom came to the house of the bride at midnight. Therefore the young girl friends of the bride (virgins) had the duty to welcome the bridegroom. When the bride was delayed virgins could lie down and rest temporarily and wait that those who accompany the bride shouted that “the bridegroom is coming!” and then they rose and went out to meet the bridegroom with their lamps.

   Literal Meaning: “then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins” “Then” indicates the time of the second coming of the Lord; “the kingdom of heaven shall be likened” indicates all things that would happen including all the conditions which have been described in v.1-13 when the Lord comes for the second time and brings in the reality of the kingdom.

   Spiritual Meaning: “ten believers” typify believers who are likened a chaste virgin espoused to Christ (See 2Cor. 11:2); “lamps” typify spirits of men (See Prov. 20:27); “the bridegroom” typifies the Lord Jesus Christ who will come to marry the bride (See Matt. 9:15; John. 3:29).

  Believers living in the generation of darkness shoulder the testimony of Christ (“took their lamps”). They shine as lights in the world and hold forth the word of life (Pill. 2:15-16) and they come out of the world step by step to meet the coming Christ (“went out to meet the bride”).

  Remark: a) virgins are mentioned here instead of spouse because “spouse” typifies the church (See Eph. 5:25) ------the total title that includes all believers and virgins typify individual believers. This parable stresses on individual condition to watch make preparation and wait for the second coming of the Lord.

b) “Ten” added to “two” makes “twelve”. The number “twelve” in the Bible indicates “the perfect of the eternal age” and therefore “ten virgins” in this chapter and “two” one of which was taken and the other was left in previous chapter (See Matt. 24:40-41) are the sum of Christians at all times and in all countries. Before the Lord comes most of Christians have been dead and therefore “ten” is used to represent the dead believers; the “two” in previous chapter represents believers who are still alive when the Lord comes.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Believers are likened virgins who are presented to Christ and therefore we should have hearts of simplicity towards Christ and should not love any person or thing besides the Lord (See 2Cor. 11:2-3).

2) Believers are the light of the world and our “lamps” should shine all the time and then we are able to glory God the Father (See Matt. 5:14-16).

3) Our mission is to “go out and meet the bridegroom”; Christ is the meaning of our life and in this way to us to die is gain (See Pill. 1:21).

4) Christ is our “bridegroom” and His care love provision and encouragement keep fresh and never fail forever.

 

Matt. 25:2 “Now five of them were wise and five were foolish.

   YLT: “and five of them were prudent and five foolish;”

   Meaning of Words: “foolish”: dull stupid and fool (See Matt. 5:22); “wise”: sagacious discreet intelligent and sensible (See Matt. 24:45).

   Spiritual Meaning: “five” is the number which means that men are responsible before God and therefore “five” wise and “five” foolish virgins symbolize each believer should bear his own responsibility before God.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Whether men are “foolish” or “wise” before God should not be imputed to their nature. What’s important is whether men perform their own responsibilities before God (“five”).

2) The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge (See Prov. 1:7). Anyone who is simple to God’s words and trusts and obeys God’s words is wise and anyone who has the attitude of “however” “maybe” “according to my opinion” and etc towards God’s words is foolish.

 

Matt. 25:3 “Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them

   YLT: “they who were foolish having taken their lamps did not take with themselves oil;”

   The Background: “lamp” indicates firebrand which is a long stick on which top there are shreds immersed with oil. If it is lightened it could be used to shine outside at night. Usually men will take with vessels which carry oil for the need of oil lest it may quench.

   Literal Meaning: “took no oil with them” does not mean that there is no oil in their lamps because their lamps shine (See v.8) and therefore this should mean that they have not “taken oil in their vessels” (See v.4).

   Spiritual Meaning: “those who were foolish took their lamps” “Took their lamps” symbolizes that their spirits have been quickened (See Eph. 2:5) and they are able to shine for the Lord (See Eph. 5:8-14).

  “Took no oil with them” “Oil” typifies the Holy Spirit (See Is. 61:1; Heb. 1:9; 1John. 2:20 27); “took no oil with them” does not mean that they do have the indwelling Holy Spirit in their spirits (lamps) (See Rom. 8:9; Eph. 1:13). It means that they do not allow their whole persons be baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit (vessels).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) It is not enough that believers have been born from above and have the indwelling Holy Spirit. They should let every part of their souls and even the whole persons be filled with the Holy Spirit (See Acts. 6:3 5; Eph. 5:18).

2) “Receiving the Holy Spirit” (the oil of the lamps) is God’s free reward (See Ezek. 36:26) and “being full of the Holy Spirit” (took oil in the vessels) is what we should pay price to seek.

 

Matt. 25:4 “but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

   YLT: “and the prudent took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”

   Literal Meaning: the wise and the foolish al “took their lamps” and the only difference is that the foolish “took no oil in their vessels” (See v.3) and the wise “took oil in their vessels”.

   Spiritual Meaning: The aim of God to create men is to make men His vessels (See Rom. 9:21-24; 1Pet. 3:7) and therefore “vessels” symbolizes souls of believers i.e. the outward men of believers (See 2Cor. 4:16).

  “Took oil in their vessels” symbolizes that believers let the Holy Spirit spread in their spirits and fill every part of their souls.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Each believer has a duty to perform and it is to let our whole persons be filled and baptized with the Holy Spirit.

2) The Holy Spirit is unwilling to strive with men’s souls (See Gen. 6:3) and therefore if we want to be full of the Holy Spirit we have to deny ourselves and take up our crosses (See Matt. 10:38-39; 16:24-25).

3) Whether one is foolish or wise depends on whether one is willing to lose the life of soul or seek easy in order to save the life of soul.

 

Matt. 25:5 “But while the bridegroom was delayed they all slumbered and slept.

   YLT: “`And the bridegroom tarrying they all nodded and were sleeping ”

   Spiritual Meaning: “while the bridegroom was delayed” typifies that the Lord’s second coming has not been fulfilled yet (See 2Pet. 3:9).

  “They all slumbered and slept.” “They slumbered” because their bodies and minds were exhausted and therefore it symbolizes that believers were senile in the flesh and sick (See Acts. 9:37; 1Cor. 11:30); “slept” symbolizes believers’ death of the flesh (See John. 11:11-13; 1Cor. 15:18; 1Thess. 4:13-14).

  The Lord Jesus promised that He would come again however two thousand years has passed away the Lord is delayed and had not come yet. Therefore many believers “slumbered” (became weak) first and then “slept” (died) before He comes.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If the Lord is delayed we no matter we are foolish or wise all will “slumber and sleep”.

2) The difference of foolish and wise believers all depends on the conditions before they “slept”. Our states in this world determine our positions before the Lord in future. 

 

Matt. 25:6And at midnight a cry was heard: Behold the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!'

   YLT: “and in the middle of the night a cry was made Lo the bridegroom doth come; go ye forth to meet him.”

   Spiritual Meaning: “at midnight a cry was heard” “Midnight” indicates the time when the night is far spent (See Rom. 13:12). This world will become darker and darker until the Lord comes; “a cry was heard” indicates that the Lord himself shall come with a shout with the voice of the archangel (See 1Thess. 4:16).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Sometimes when we are in the worst environment and encounter the darkest period (“at midnight”) the Lord comes to save us.

2) All the pursuit life and testimony of believers are for the purpose of “meeting” Christ and also belong to Christ.

 

Matt. 25:7 “Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.

   YLT: “`Then rose all those virgins and trimmed their lamps ”

   Literal Meaning: “trimmed their lamps” indicates to cut the ends of shreds which have been burnt (See the background of v.3).

   Spiritual Meaning: “arose” symbolizes that the dead shall be raised (See 1Cor. 15:52; 1Thess. 4:16); “trimmed their lamps” symbolizes that after believers arose they were enlightened by God and then deal with their witness that they had bore to Christ all their lives and the level their spiritual life have reached.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Believers’ walking and experience during their lifetime are the preparations to meet the Lord in future (See Rev. 19:7-8; 1Pet. 1:5-7; 4:13).

2) If we do not learn spiritual lessons well when we live today we will still need to make up the missed lesson (“trimmed lamps”) in future.

 

Matt. 25:8 “And the foolish said to the wise Give us some of your oil for our lamps are going out.'

   YLT: “and the foolish said to the prudent Give us of your oil because our lamps are going out;”

   Literal Meaning: “Give us some of your oil” indicates that the five foolish virgins suddenly found that they had not taken enough oil after they arose.

  “For our lamps are going out.” It shows that their lamps have been lightened and there is oil in their lamps. However the oil is not enough and is about to be used up and then their lamps will quench. 

   Spiritual Meaning: “give us some of your oil” typifies that they want to share the spiritual achievements with other believers.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Believers must take oil (be full of the Holy Spirit) soon or later------if we do not take oil in this life we have to take oil in future.

2) The more our spirits are full of the Holy Spirit the more bright the outward enlightenment will be; the less the Holy Spirit is in our spirits the dimmer the enlightenment is (“our lamps are going out”).

 

Matt. 25:9 “But the wise answered saying No lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell and buy for yourselves.'

   YLT: “and the prudent answered saying Lest there may not be sufficient for us and you go ye rather unto those selling and buy for yourselves.”

   Literal Meaning: “lest there should not be enough for us and you” means that “sorry and I am willing to help but I’m unable to do so because the oil is only enough for ourselves”.

   Spiritual Meaning: the answer of the wise virgins shows spiritual principles as follows:

  a) The gifts of the Holy Spirit could be shared with each other (See Acts. 8:17; 19:6; 1Tim. 1:6) however the fullness of the Holy Spirit (oil in the vessels) cannot be shared.

  b) Others could at most show how to be full off the Holy Spirit (“but…”).

  c) One has to seek to be full of the Holy Spirit by himself (“go rather…”).

  d) One has to pay price to seek to be full of the Holy Spirit (“go rather to those who sell and buy for yourselves”).

  “Those who sell” may be the “two sons of fresh oil” who stand before the Lord of the whole earth (See Zech. 4:11-14 “two anointed ones” mean “two sons of fresh oil” in the original); they are the two witnesses who will be sent in the Great Tribulation (See Rev. 11:3-4) that the “two oil trees” stand for.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Believers should sympathize each other and have the same care one for another (See 1Cor. 12:25; Gal. 6:2) however one can not share his spiritual experience and achievement with others.

2) The oil is not “given by others” but “bought from those who sell”------our experience of the unction gained “first-hand” instead of “second-hand”.

3) If we want to be full of the Holy Spirit we have to pay price (See Rev. 3:18)------for example: forsaking all that one has taking up one’s cross denying oneself following the Lord and etc.

4) The more price one pays the more spiritual gain one may receive; the more one is deprived of by the cross the more spiritual achievement one will receive.

 

Matt. 25:10 “And while they went to buy the bridegroom came and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

   YLT: “`And while they are going away to buy the bridegroom came and those ready went in with him to the marriage-feasts and the door was shut;”

   The Background: the wedding feast of the ancient Jews sometimes lasted seven days (See Gen. 29:22 28).

   Spiritual Meaning: “went in with him to the wedding” “Went in to the wedding” symbolizes that they partake in the marriage supper of the Lamb (See Rev. 19:9).

  “The door was shut.” This “door” is not the door of salvation and life (See Matt. 7:14) but the door to enter the kingdom and enjoy the wedding (See Matt. 8:11).

Remark: the marriage supper of the Lamb starts from the beginning of the kingdom of a thousand years (See Rev. 19:7 9 17) and ends at the end of the kingdom of a thousand years (See Rev. 21:2). It shows that the marriage supper of the Lamb is as long as the kingdom of a thousand years and overcomers will reign and enjoy with Christ a thousand years (Rev. 20:4-6). The period of a thousand years is only the marriage supper of the Lamb and Christ will formally marry the church as wife of the Lamb until the new heaven and the new earth of the eternal age (See Rev. 21:1-2 9).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The qualification to enter the marriage supper of the Lamb is determined by states of believers during their lifetime instead of their states after they arose.

2) Believers while it is called today (See Heb. 3:13) should prepare themselves lest we may be shut out of the door.

3) One has to buy the oil and the problem is whether one buys it early or late. Those who buy the oil early enter the marriage supper and those who buy the oil late are shut out of the door. Believers all will be full of the Holy Spirit and the problem is whether one is full of the Holy Spirit early or late. Since it is so it is worthwhile to redeem the time and be filled with the Holy Spirit (See Eph. 5:16-18).

 

Matt. 25:11Afterward the other virgins came also saying Lord Lord open to us!'

   YLT: “and afterwards come also do the rest of the virgins saying Sir sir open to us;”

   Literal Meaning: “the other virgins” indicate the other foolish virgins.

  “Came also” The difference between them and the wise virgins is that they came in different time.

   Spiritual Meaning: this verse shows two things:

  a) The foolish virgins also typify believers; “came also” typify that they were caught up later.

  b) They may have not been caught up for the first time because they have not been ready.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) When the Lord comes not all believers are ready; if we begin to make preparations until the Lord comes we will fall behind.

2) The moment believers are mature will they be caught up.  

 

Matt. 25:12 “But he answered and said Assuredly I say to you I do not know you.'

   YLT: “and he answering said Verily I say to you I have not known you.”

   Literal Meaning: “I do not know you” “Know” in the original (oida) means “praise approve like recognize”. Therefore this sentence does not mean that the Lord does not know them at all. It means that the Lord does not praise them (See Matt. 7:23).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The hope of the second coming of the Lord originally makes us be glad and rejoice (because we will go in with Him to the wedding). However if we do not watch and make preparations we may be punished by the Lord.

2) If believers pay price to reach the maturity of life after they arise in future they won’t have intimacy with the Lord be acceptable to God and enjoy the feast of the kingdom with the Lord together as the firstfruits (See Rev. 14:4).

 

Matt. 25:13Watch therefore for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

   YLT: “`Watch therefore for ye have not known the day or the hour in which the Son of Man doth come.”

   Literal Meaning: “watch therefore” “watch” here means “be ready” (See v.10); “watch” indicates one’s attitude towards the Lord and “be ready” indicates the attitude towards himself.

  This verse and verse forty-four in chapter 24 support each other showing that v.1-13 in this chapter are complementary to v.40-42 in chapter 24. There the Lord predicted that the living believers may be taken up or left when He comes; and here the Lord predicted that believers who had been dead will go in with Him to the wedding or be shut out of the door when He comes.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Since the day and the hour of the Lord’s second coming are unknown to men we should prepare ourselves as early as possible and always “watch”.

2) Those that are truly watchful fear that they are not ready. Not as though they had already attained either were already perfect however they follow after (See Pill. 3:12).

3) If we live godly every day with the attitude of meeting the second coming of the Lord naturally we will be ready quickly.

 

Matt. 25:14For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.

   YLT: “`For as a man going abroad did call his own servants and did deliver to them his substance ”

   Literal Meaning: “the kingdom of heaven is like” There is not “the kingdom of heaven” in the original and this could be translated as “it is like”.

   Spiritual Meaning: “a man traveling to a far country” “A man” indicates the Lord Jesus; “traveling to far country” indicates that the Lord departed out of the world unto the heaven (See Heb. 9:11; 1Pet. 3:22).

  “Who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.” “Servants” “slaves” in the original indicate that believers are slaves who have been bought by the precious blood of the Lord (See 1Cor. 7:22-23); “goods” indicates spiritual inheritance i.e. the house of God (the church) and children in the house of God (See Eph. 1:18).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) As far as life is concerned believers are virgins (See v.1) and should live for Him; as far as work is concerned believers are servants and work for Him.

2) We are sons and daughters of God by grace and faith and we are servants of the Lord by gifts and behaviors. One can be a child of God through Christ and one should be the Lord’s servant through the Holy Spirit.

 

Matt. 25:15 “And to one he gave five talents to another two and to another one to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.

   YLT: “and to one he gave five talents and to another two and to another one to each according to his several ability went abroad immediately.”

   The Background: “talent” is a unit of the Jewish current system. The weight of a talent is about thirty kilograms and the value of a talent is three thousand shekel.

Literal Meaning: “according to his own ability” “Ability” indicates the natural intelligence of each one and the acquired kill that one has learnt.

   Spiritual Meaning: “give them…talents” The money symbolizes gifts that a believer receives from the Lord after he has been saved (1Cor. 12:4-11) and these spiritual gifts originally belong to the house owner (See v.14). Today the Lord transforms them to talents and makes us to manage them to fulfill their ministry according to the talents.

  “To one he gave five talents to another two and to another one.” The Lord gives each gifts of different measure according to the natural capacity of each (See Rom. 12:3 6; Eph. 4:7).

   “And immediately he went on a journey.” It symbolizes that the Lord was taken up into heaven; actually spiritual gifts are given from above after the Lord was taken up into heaven (See Eph. 4:8).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Three servants symbolize all believers at all times and in all countries. Any believer is a servant of the Lord and he also receives spiritual gifts from the Lord. None of believers could decline that “I do not have any gifts and therefore I do not need to hand over the accountants or do any service.”

2) The world stresses on abilities however abilities are really not gifts. As long as one’s abilities are used by the Lord his abilities will be profitable to the Lord and men.

3) One’s abilities could influence the measure of gifts that one receives however it does not show that abilities outstrip gifts; abilities are of nature and gifts are of spirit.

4) In the church abilities have to be turned into gifts and then there won’t be any disorder; more than half of the problems in the church are caused by believers who do things with their natural abilities instead of spiritual gifts.

5) Gifts (“talents”) are given by the Lord instead of anyone in the church. Though Apostles and presbyteries also give gifts by praying and laying on of their hands (See 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6) however they are only channels to give gifts and the dominion is of the Lord Himself.

6) Since the Lord has given gifts to every believer His will is that every one in the church should use gifts. Therefore we should pay regard to others’ gifts and should never trample others’ gifts.

7) The Lord’s commitments of grace are given to us according to our abilities that He has given to us and His commitments won’t surpass what we could undertake.

8) The capacity of vessels will restrain the measure that the Lord gives (See 2Kings. 4:5-6) and therefore we should ask the Lord to enlarge our capacities and then we may receive more commitments.

 

Matt. 25:16 “Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them and made another five talents.

   YLT: “`And he who did receive the five talents having gone wrought with them and made other five talents;”

   Literal Meaning: “then…went and traded with them” “Then”: without any delay; “traded with them” shows that the aim of the Lord to give them talents is hoping them to be good at using the talents and make more talents instead of hiding the talents.

   Spiritual Meaning: “traded” symbolizes to use the gifts; “made another” symbolizes that: a) the more the gifts are used the more the gifts will increase; b) the degree of the usage of the gifts for example: he who had received five talents made another five talents i.e. the absolute and complete use of gifts without any waste or loss.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord gives each of us gifts in order to ask us to use the gifts (“traded with them”) so that spiritual inheritance may increase (“made another”). The more the gifts are used the more the gifts will increase.

2) Our bodies time intelligence gifts and etc should be completely used by the Lord and we should live for the Lord.

 

Matt. 25:17 “And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.

   YLT: “in like manner also he who [received] the two he gained also he other two;”

   Literal Meaning: “likewise” shows that his faithfulness and effort are the same with the one who had received five talents.

 

Matt. 25:18 “But he who had received one went and dug in the ground and hid his lord's money.

   YLT: “and he who did receive the one having gone away digged in the earth and hid his lord’s money.”

   Spiritual Meaning: “dug in the ground” “Ground” symbolizes the world; “dug in the ground” symbolizes to secure personal gain in the world.

  “Hid his lord’s money.” “Hid money” symbolizes to neglect the gifts and it is the irresponsible behavior.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Those who had received few gifts are usually easy to give themselves up as hopeless and ignore and neglect the gifts that are given by the Lord.

2) In the church believers should never slack because their own responsibilities are light and their works are easy. If so they will be unable to pass the buck before the Lord.

3) If believers do not serve and engage in the church and contrarily they turn to the world and put all their minds and energy in the world it is the behavior of hiding gifts.

4) Any of our union involvement and intimacy even a little idea of recalling the world will cause the hiding of spiritual gifts.

5) If believers’ words manner and behaviors are affected by the world naturally their gifts are hidden. For example: if we say something that is unworthy of saints to someone we will be unable to bear witness to the Lord before him and therefore the gifts are hidden.

6) Anyone who is unwilling to use spiritual gifts in the excuse of earthly reasons (for example: I have to work to make money and therefore I have no time to take part in the meeting of gospel.) hides spiritual gifts.

 

Matt. 25:19 “After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

   YLT: “`And after a long time cometh the lord of those servants and taketh reckoning with them;”

   Spiritual Meaning: “after a long time” “a long time” symbolizes the whole dispensation of grace.

  “The lord of those servants came.” It symbolizes the second coming of the Lord.

  “Settled accounts with them.” “Settling accounts” symbolizes the judgment before the seat of Christ (See 2Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10). This judgment is different from the judgment before the throne of Christ’s glory in v.31-46 in this chapter. The former is towards believers and the latter the world.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The accounts between believers and the Lord will be “settled” one day sooner or later and therefore we should retain in our hearts that how we will hand over our accounts.

2) Watchmen Nee wrote a poem “I’m daily gazing at the light out of the Judgment seat that all my living and my works may stand the test of fire”.

 

Matt. 25:20So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents saying Lord you delivered to me five talents; look I have gained five more talents besides them.'

   YLT: “and he who did receive the five talents having come brought other five talents saying `Sir five talents thou didst deliver to me; lo other five talents did I gain besides them.”

   Spiritual Meaning: note that it is “the lord came” in v.19 and here it is that servant who “came”. The previous verse symbolizes that the Lord comes in the clouds of air; this verse symbolizes that believers are caught up to the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (See 1Thess. 4:17).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) All the service of believers on earth today will be handed over before the Lord one by one in future (See 1Cor. 3:10-15). Therefore all our deeds on earth today will be remembered in heaven (See Matt. 6:20) and they will also be remembered in the everlasting age (See Luke. 16:9).

2) The effect of our works today all belongs to the Lord and we will give account before the Lord in future. Therefore we should never have all to ourselves.

 

Matt. 25:21 “His lord said to him Well done good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

   YLT: “`And his lord said to him Well done servant good and faithful over a few things thou wast faithful over many things I will set thee; enter into the joy of thy lord.”

   Meaning of Words: “good”: well good deed; “faithful”: trustworthy trustful.

   Literal Meaning: “good and faithful servant” “Good” indicates good intention and motive; “faithful” indicates good attitude and performance.

   Spiritual Meaning: “a few things” symbolize works in the Lord in this life; “many things” symbolize works that we will do in the kingdom in future; “ruler” symbolizes to reign; “Enter into the joy of your lord” symbolizes the reward of the kingdom.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) What the Lord demands us is not the greatness and prosperity of works but the “goodness” and “faithfulness”. Though Stephen did not do great work for the Lord (See Acts. 7) and he failed in men’s sight he was “good and faithful” in the Lord’s sight.

2) “Good and faithful” is in contrast with “wicked and lazy” in v.26 and therefore “good” indicates to mind the things of the Lord and faithful indicates to be diligent and not slothful.

3) No matter how many things we had done for the Lord there are only “a few things”. They are only the preparations that we have to experience in order to rule “many things” in future; the true services of believers are “many things” in the everlasting age.

4) We always think that we have served too much however these are “a few things” in the Lord’s sight; if we could see all the service in the Lord’s sight we will do cheerfully.

5) To those who are faithful in “a few things” in this life their rewards are to bear more responsibilities (“many things”) in future.

6) Those who serve faithfully today will receive the authority of a “ruler”. Whoever will be great among believers let him be your minister (See Matt. 20:26).

7) The Lord Jesus for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross despising the shame (See Heb. 12:2). We should also be faithful to the end for that we could enter “the joy of your lord” in future.

8) It is the great reward to enter into the joy with the Lord and it exceedingly surpasses the glory and status in the kingdom because joy is the satisfaction of one’s inner heart and it cannot be compared with the outer gain.

9) Though believers have joy today (See 1Pet. 1:8) we will receive greater joy in future (See Pill. 1:23; 1John. 3:2); the joy that believers rejoice today is restrained by their capacities (hearts) (See John. 15:11-12) however the joy that we will rejoice in future is baptized in the joy of Christ (“enter into the joy of your lord”) and it is unlimited and immeasurable.

 

Matt. 25:22 “He also who had received two talents came and said Lord you delivered to me two talents; look I have gained two more talents besides them.'

   YLT: “`And he who also did receive the two talents having come said Sir two talents thou didst deliver to me; lo other two talents I did gain besides them.”

   Enlightenment in the Word: the one who had received two talents did not envy others because his gifts are not as good as others. Contrarily he is faithful towards what the lord has entrusted to him all the same. This manner makes him not be inferior to the one who had received five talents.

 

Matt. 25:23 “His lord said to him Well done good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

   YLT: “`His lord said to him Well done servant good and faithful over a few things thou wast faithful over many things I will set thee; enter into the joy of thy lord.”

   Literal Meaning: note that: the lord’s reward to the one who had received two talents is the same with that to the one who had received five talents (See v.21). This shows that the lord values the faithfulness of servants instead of the amount of the effect of their works.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Concerning the giving of accounts that day the Lord will see the degree of our faithfulness and whether we have completely used the gifts that are given by the Lord instead of the amount of our works’ effect. 

2) The measure of gifts is unrelated to the reward; the gifts that we have received could be inferior to that of others however we should not be less faithful than others.

3) What the Lord wants us to be responsible for is faithfulness and therefore we should never envy others who have more gifts or complain that our gifts are fewer. 

 

Matt. 25:24Then he who had received the one talent came and said Lord I knew you to be a hard man reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

   YLT: “`And he also who hath received the one talent having come said Sir I knew thee that thou art a hard man reaping where thou didst not sow and gathering from whence thou didst not scatter;”

   Literal Meaning: “I knew you to be a hard man” “Knew” in original means outer and objective knowledge instead of inner and subjective knowledge; “hard” means that one’s heart is as hard as the nether millstone. This servant held that his servant is a severe and harsh man.

  “Reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.” This sentence is a common saying used by the ancient farmers: under normal circumstances sowing should be done first before reaping and then there will be harvest; when thrashing grains men first thresh grains in the wind and then gather the seeds together. Therefore the whole sentence means that “one wants to gain without paying.” It is just like the pharaoh in Egypt who did not give Israel straw and asked them to hand over bricks as usual (See Exod. 5:7-14).

   Spiritual Meaning: “he who had received the one talent came.” “Came” indicates to come to the judgment-seat of Christ. This proves that he is not only saved but also caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

 

Matt. 25:25 “And I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look there you have what is yours.'

   YLT: “and having been afraid having gone away I hid thy talent in the earth; lo thou hast thine own!”

   Literal Meaning: “I was afraid.” He was afraid that he may lose the money and could not give account in future and therefore he did not dare to use the money.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Those who are timid------they are afraid of the Lord men failure and less effort. They just let the world sins the flesh and other earthly persons and things cover up their gifts and consequently they accomplish nothing.

2) We should not serve the Lord passively and we should use the Lord’s gifts actively and positively.

 

Matt. 25:26But his lord answered and said to him You wicked and lazy servant you knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed.

   YLT: “`And his lord answering said to him Evil servant and slothful thou hadst known that I reap where I did not sow and I gather whence I did not scatter!”

   Literal Meaning: “you wicked and lazy servant.” “Wicked and lazy” is in contrast with “good and faithful” (See v.21 23). “Wicked” indicates that he did not obey the will of the lord and prated against his lord; “lazy” indicates that he lacks works and behaviors and he did not carry out the lord’s commitment.

  “You knew that” It did not mean that the Lord admit that the servant’s evaluation of the lord is correct. The lord meant that “since you believed that I am that kind of people then you should…”. Therefore the lord judges him out of his own mouth (See Luke. 19:22).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) We should know Christ more lest we may become “wicked” servants in His eyes because of our ignorance.

2) If we have wasted our life and have not lived for the Lord so that we are barren and unfruitful (See 2Pet. 1:8) we are “lazy” servants.

3) The Lord will judge us out of our own mouths.

 

Matt. 25:27 “So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.

   YLT: “it behoved thee then to put my money to the money-lenders and having come I had received mine own with increase.”

   Literal Meaning: “the bankers” is a word in the original. It is transformed from four-foot which is usually seen in the doorway of Greek banks. The bankers were sitting besides small tables to change money (Sees Matt. 21:12). However “the bankers” do not indicate those who change money in the Holy Temple but those who help businessmen to change money at trading ports. They are small-scale banks at that time and they do the business of deposit and exchange of money.

  “My own with interest” “Interest” originally indicates offspring. Here it is transformed to describe the offspring of money i.e. interest on money loaned (as a produce).

   Spiritual Meaning: “my money” symbolizes spiritual gifts; “the bankers” symbolizes the church; producing “interest” symbolizes to bear spiritual fruits.

  “Have deposited my money with the bankers” meant that at least we could let other saints in the church share and use our spiritual gifts for example: when the church preaches the glad tidings though we are unable to bear witness or give the message at least we could bring friends to listen to the glad tidings pray for the gathering of gospel and etc and in this way we could help others to bear fruits of gospel.

 

Matt. 25:28 “So take the talent from him and give it to him who has ten talents.

   YLT: “`Take therefore from him the talent and give to him having the ten talents ”

 

Matt. 25:29For to everyone who has more will be given and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have even what he has will be taken away.’”

   YLT: “for to every one having shall be given and he shall have overabundance and from him who is not having even that which he hath shall be taken from him;”

   Spiritual Meaning: today everyone who uses gifts and has abundance in the dispensation of the church (“everyone who has”) will receive more gifts (“he will have abundance”) in future in the dispensation of kingdom. However if someone hides gifts today so that he is barren and unfruitful today the few gifts that he has today will “be taken away” completely in future. This principle applies to service today: the more you have the more the Lord will give to you; the moment you begin to stop making progress what you already have will be taken back. 

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Concerning love and other spiritual gifts the more one loves others the more love will be given to him and vice versa.

2) “For to everyone who has more will be given.” This sentence shows the principle of abundance: if we do not detain the abundant Christ and are willing to supply others as a result of that we will be more abundant.

3) When the Lord comes the Lord not only judges and punishes men passively but also deals kindly with men and blesses men positively.

 

Matt. 25:30 “And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

   YLT: “and the unprofitable servant cast ye forth to the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of the teeth.”

   Meaning of Words: “unprofitable”: useless worthless unmeritorious.

   Literal Meaning: “the unprofitable servant” shows that the servant who did not fulfill his duty is unprofitable to the lord.

   Spiritual Meaning: “the outer darkness” does not mean the hell (lake of fire) but the realm which is out of the glorious countenance of the Lord; when the Lord comes the failing believers will be punished by the Lord and even be shut out of the door of the kingdom of a thousand years (See v. 10) and they will be contrite and ponder over their mistakes there (“be weeping and gnashing of teeth”).

   Enlightenment in the Word: believers who are unwilling to use gifts are unprofitable in the Lord’s sight and they make the Lord suffer loss.

 

Matt. 25:31When the Son of Man comes in His glory and all the holy angels with Him then He will sit on the throne of His glory.

   YLT: “`And whenever the Son of Man may come in his glory and all the holy messengers with him then he shall sit upon a throne of his glory;”

   Literal Meaning: “when the Son of Man comes in His glory” “The Son of Man” is the special title for the Lord in His Kingdom (See Matt. 13:41); this kingdom will be delivered up to God the Father later in the future (See 1Cor. 15:24) and it will become the kingdom of God.

  “He will sit on the throne of His glory.” This paragraph of the scriptures obviously records that the Lord sits on “the throne” for judgment. According to the records of the Bible there are at least four kinds of judgments after the Lord comes:

  a) Judgment before the judgment-seat of Christ: it is before the kingdom of a thousand years and it is to determine whether one is qualified to enter the heavenly part of the kingdom of a thousand years. Therefore the targets of this judgment are believes in the church (See 2Cor. 5:10; 1Pet. 4:17) that include both living and dead ones (See 1Thess. 4:16-17).

  b) Judgment before “the throne of Christ’s glory”: it is also before the kingdom of a thousand years. It is to determine whether one is qualified to be the earthly people of the kingdom of a thousand years and therefore the targets of this judgment are all the living nations when the Lord comes (See Acts. 10:42; 2Tim. 4:1) i.e. Gentile unbelievers (See Jer. 3:17). As for the Jewish unbelievers they will also be judged (See Matt. 19:28). The result will determine that who is able to inherit the kingdom of Messiah on earth (See Is. 60:10-12; Zech. 14:16-18).

  c) Judgment before “the great white throne”: it is after the kingdom of a thousand years and before the new heaven and the new earth. It is to determine who will suffer the punishment of the eternal fire and its targets are dead ones who do not partake in the first resurrection (See Rev. 20:5-6). They will be judged after resurrection and then be cast into the lake of fire and this is the second death (See Rev. 20:11-15).

  d) Judgment towards the fallen angels who have committed sins in the last day: in this judgment the overcoming Christians will be Judges (See 1Cor. 6:3; Jude. 6; 2Pet. 2:4).

   Enlightenment in the Word: today the Lord’s throne is “the throne of grace” and therefore we are able to come unto it and find grace to help in time of need (See Heb. 4:16); however in the future it is “the throne of His glory” which is holy and it is to execute judgments.

 

Matt. 25:32 “All the nations will be gathered before Him and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.

   YLT: “and gathered together before him shall be all the nations and he shall separate them from one another as the shepherd doth separate the sheep from the goats ”

   The Background: in the land of Palestine sheep and goats are usually fed together during the day however they are divided at night because sheep’s abilities to defend the cold are weaker than that of goats and the sheep should pass the night in warn places.

  Moreover sheep are gentle by nature and goats are malicious and pugnacious by nature.

   Literal Meaning: “all the nations will be gathered before Him” “All the nations” are “Gentiles” or “people of all nations” in the original who are different from the Jews and believers. When the Lord comes He will gather all the Gentile believers to the throne of His glory to be judged.

  “He will separate them one from another.” The judgment of the Lord’s second coming is to “separate” men into two kinds---good and bad. It is so both to believers (See v.2 21 23 26) and the world.

  “As a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.” In the Bible there are three kinds of sheep: a) believers (See John. 10:11; Heb. 13:20); b) the Jews (See Ps. 80:1; Jer. 23:1-4; 31:10); c) the Gentiles (See Ps. 100:1-3). The sheep and goats here indicate Gentile unbelievers.

 

Matt. 25:33 “And He will set the sheep on His right hand but the goats on the left.

   YLT: “and he shall set the sheep indeed on his right hand and the goats on the left.”

   Literal Meaning: “set the sheep on His right hand” “Right” indicates the side of honor and blessing (See 1Kings. 2:19; Ps. 45:9).

 

Matt. 25:34 “Then the King will say to those on His right hand Come you blessed of My Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

   YLT: “`Then shall the king say to those on his right hand Come ye the blessed of my Father inherit the reign that hath been prepared for you from the foundation of the world;”

   Literal Meaning: “you blessed of My Father” “My Father” is the father of the Lord instead of their father; “blessed” indicates the blessing on earth i.e. the blessing that God had predestinated to give men when He created the word (See Gen. 1:28) instead of the heavenly blessing of believers (See Eph. 1:3). Men had lost the blessing of creation that God had given men and now God gives it to the righteous that the sheep stand for again.

  “Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” They are still people on the earthly part in the future in the kingdom of a thousand years and enjoy the kingdom which is prepared for them from the foundation of the world (See Rev. 12:5; Zech. 8:20-23).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The world who are as gentle as sheep walk by nature and their hearts of sense of right and wrong work (See Rom. 2:14-15). Their whole lives are in general restrained managed (shepherded) by God and therefore they are blessed by God.

2) If we have done something good and profitable these are the reasons of God’s blessings.

 

Matt. 25:35 “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;

   YLT: “for I did hunger and ye gave me to eat; I did thirst and ye gave me to drink; I was a stranger and ye received me;”

   Spiritual Meaning: “I” here is the same with the “I” in Acts. 9:4. It indicates the expanded body of Christ and therefore it includes all the children of God. The Lord Jesus is a Jewish according to the flesh and the expanded “I” also includes the Jews. 

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord suffers the pain that we suffer with us together and He is able to feel our sufferings.

2) Every detail that we do on the children of God will be remembered by the Lord.

3) How we treat others actually becomes the basis to divide whether one is good or not. Therefore we should not neglect men that we meet everyday (we may meet someone only one time in all our life) at will (See Heb. 13:2). 

 

Matt. 25:36 “I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'

   YLT: “naked and ye put around me; I was infirm and ye looked after me; in prison I was and ye came unto me.”

   Literal Meaning: “hungry thirsty and a stranger” (See v.35) and “naked sick and in prison” here all describe the pain that the Jews and believers suffer during the period of the Great Tribulation.

 

Matt. 25:37Then the righteous will answer Him saying Lord when did we see You hungry and feed You or thirsty and give You drink?

   YLT: “`Then shall the righteous answer him saying Lord when did we see thee hungering and we nourished? or thirsting and we gave to drink?”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The true good works are unconscious and they are the outpouring of love and only these are of great value before the Lord.

2) Anyone who is full of selves and thinks that he has done many things for the Lord will contrarily be blamed by the Lord “I never knew (praised) you” (See Matt. 7:22-23).

 

Matt. 25:38 “When did we see You a stranger and take You in or naked and clothe You?

   YLT: “and when did we see thee a stranger and we received? or naked and we put around?”

 

Matt. 25:39 “Or when did we see You sick or in prison and come to You?'

   YLT: “and when did we see thee infirm or in prison and we came unto thee?”

   Enlightenment in the Word: it shows that our good works such as giving others foods and drinks clothing others taking others in and coming to those who are sick or in prison are justified by the Lord. The Lord calls those who do these things “the righteous”.

 

Matt. 25:40 “And the King will answer and say to them Assuredly I say to you inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren you did it to Me.'

   YLT: “`And the king answering shall say to them Verily I say to you Inasmuch as ye did [it] to one of these my brethren the least to me ye did [it].”

   Spiritual Meaning: “one of the least of these My brethren” “Brethren” indicate believers (See Matt. 12:48-50) and the Jews (See Ps. 22:22-23).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Therefore take heed that we despise not one of these little ones (See Matt. 18:10).

2) When we do any good work to brothers we should keep the attitude of doing it on the Lord and should not hope for the reward of thanksgiving from brother.

3) Only through the manifestation of behavior of loving brothers will men be able to truly comprehend the love of God. The reward of kingdom of heaven is to those who are willing to serve others in disregard of any recompense.

4) No matter how little or weak a believer is the Lord is able to enter his feelings and feels as though he experiences the same. How sympathetic He is (See Heb. 4:15)!

 

Matt. 25:41Then He will also say to those on the left hand Depart from Me you cursed into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:

   YLT: “Then shall he say also to those on the left hand Go ye from me the cursed to the fire the age-during that hath been prepared for the Devil and his messengers;”

   Literal Meaning: “you cursed” “You cursed” indicates those who have been condemned and they are exactly opposite to “you blessed” (See v.34) (See Num. 24:9).

  “Into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” “His angels” indicate the angels that fell with Satan (See 2Pet. 2:4; Jude. 6; Rev. 12:7). The end of the evil unbelievers is the lake of fire which never quenches (See Rev. 20:10 14-15; 21:8).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) What God has prepared for men is originally blessing instead of curse; the thoughts that God thinks towards us are thoughts of peace and not of evil (See Jer. 29:11). If men bring about curse and misfortune they suffer from their own actions.

2) The lake of fire is not originally prepared for men. However if men adhere obstinately to errors and follow the devil and its angels to rebel God their end is to suffer pain of the lake of fire with them.

 

Matt. 25:42 “for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink;

   YLT: “for I did hunger and ye gave me not to eat; I did thirst and ye gave me not to drink;”

   Enlightenment in the Word: they are condemned because they did not concern others’ bitterness and it shows the importance to feel compassion for others. For he shall have judgment without mercy that has shown no mercy; and mercy rejoices against judgment (See James. 2:12).

 

Matt. 25:43 “I was a stranger and you did not take Me in naked and you did not clothe Me sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.'

   YLT: “a stranger I was and ye did not receive me; naked and ye put not around me; infirm and in prison and ye did not look after me.”

 

Matt. 25:44Then they also will answer Him saying Lord when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister to You?'

   YLT: “`Then shall they answer they also saying Lord when did we see thee hungering or thirsting or a stranger or naked or infirm or in prison and we did not minister to thee?”

   Literal Meaning: the previous righteous men do good works unconsciously and the evil men here fell nothing when seeing others’ bitterness; one is unself and the other do not concern others and this is the difference.

  The words of v.31-46 in this chapter are specially spoken concerning how unbelievers of the world treat Christians and the Jews in the Great Tribulation.

 

Matt. 25:45 “Then He will answer them saying Assuredly I say to you inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these you did not do it to Me.'

   YLT: “`Then shall he answer them saying Verily I say to you Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of these the least ye did [it] not to me.”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The principle of the world is that the more one does the more mistakes he may make; the less one does the fewer mistakes he may make; if one does nothing he won’t make a mistake. However the spiritual principle is that if one does not do what he should do he makes a glaring mistake.

2) Those who think themselves that they are of spirit and are unwilling to take reckless action sometimes are too cautious. Even when the Lord has moved him again and again he still hesitates to move forward and we have to know that this also offends the Lord.

 

Matt. 25:46 “And these will go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into eternal life.’”

   YLT: “And these shall go away to punishment age-during but the righteous to life age-during.’”

   Spiritual Meaning: “these will go away into everlasting punishment” “everlasting punishment” indicates to enter into the everlasting fire (See v.41) i.e. to be cast into the lake of fire (See Rev. 20:15).

  “But the righteous into eternal life.” The righteous who do not believe in the Lord still partake in the new heaven and the new earth. However they are different from believers: believers “have” eternal life and they “enter into” eternal life. Having eternal life is that life enters into them; entering into eternal life is that they enter into the realm of eternal life. Those who enter into eternal life do not have eternal life in them and therefore they still need the leaves of the tree for the healing (See Rev. 22:2).

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Typification of Ten Virgins

I. Both the wise and foolish virgins typify Christians:

  A. They are all virgins from first to last (v.1 11)------sinners are adulterous women in the Lord’s eyes (See John. 8:3-7).

  B. They all take their lamps with them (v.3-4)------sinners are unable to shine to bear witness (See Matt. 5:14-16).

  C. There is oil in their lamps otherwise the foolish virgins would not say “our lamps are going out.” (v.8)------the Holy Spirit (oil) is not in sinners.

  D. They both went out to meet the bridegroom (v.1 6)------sinners do not “meet” the Lord and they are “gathered” by the Lord before the seat of judgment (See v.32).

  E. They arose when they heard a cry at midnight (v.6 See 1Thess. 4:16)------they both partake in the first resurrection; the dead sinners will wait and then resurrect and be judged after the kingdom of a thousand years (See Rev. 20:12).

  F. They both arose and trimmed their lamps (v.7)------trimming lamps is making preparations for oil and sinners do not need to prepare.

II. The five wise virgins typify the overcoming Christians:

  A. They took oil in their vessels during their lifetime (v.4)------they not only have the Holy Spirit in their spirits but also let their whole persons (vessels) be baptized with the Holy Spirit (See Rom. 9:21 23-24).

  B. They all went in with the bridegroom to the wedding (v.10)------they all partake in the marriage supper of the Lamb (See Rev. 19:9).

III. The five foolish virgins typify the failing Christians:

  A. They took their lamps and took no oil with them during their lifetime (v.3)------they are only born from above and have the dwelling Holy Spirit in them (See Rom. 8:9) and they have not been filled with the Holy Spirit (See Eph. 5:18).

  B. They went to buy oil until the Lord comes (v.9-10)------they pay price to take oil after they have arisen.

  C. They are shut out of the door (v.11-12)------they do not partake in the marriage supper of the Lamb.

 

The Typification of Three Kinds of Servants

I. The servants who had received different amount of money all typify Christians:

  A. They are all servants (v.14)------servants mean “slaves” and they are bought with the precious blood by the Lord to belong to Himself (See 1Cor. 7:22-23).

  B. The Lord delivered his goods to them (v.14)------those who have not been saved are unworthy to receive goods of the Lord. 

  C. The Lord gave them money (v.15)------those who have not been saved cannot have spiritual gifts.

II. Servants who had received five talents and two talents typify the overcoming Christians:

  A. They both traded with them (v.16-17)------they diligently use spiritual gifts.

  B. They both made another money (v.16-17)------they completely use spiritual gifts.

  C. They both were praised by the Lord (v.21 v.23)------they receive the reward of kingdom from the Lord.

  D. The only difference is that the amount of money they made is different (v.16-17)------the measure of gifts that they have received and the greatness of the effect of their works are different.

III. The servant who had received one talent typifies the failing Christians:

  A. He misunderstood the Lord as a hard man (v.24)------though the Lord is severe He is very merciful.

  B. He hid the money because he “was afraid” (v.25)------he wastes spiritual gifts in the world.

  C. He was blamed as “wicked and lazy” and the “unprofitable” servant (v.26 30)------the servant with wrong intention and lazy behaviors is unprofitable to the Lord’s goods. 

  D. He was cast into the outer darkness and there will be weeping and gnashing (v.30)------he will be punished in the dispensation of kingdom.

 

The Typification of Sheep and Goats

I. When the Lord comes He will gather the nations who are alive and execute judgment over them (v.31-32).

II. Sheep typify the righteous and they inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world and enter into the realm of eternal life because they treat one of the least of the Lord’s brothers well (v.34-40 46b)

III. The goats typify evil men and they enter the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels because they lack love to one of the least of the Lord’s brothers (v.41-46a).

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Sharon Ren