I must confess – many times I have read some of the parables (like the parable of the 10 virgins) and most of those times, after the first, I have only read through with a sense of obligation; like “I am reading Matthew so if I am going to read Matthew I guess I have to read this again too.” Praise the Lord, He is given me an attitude adjustment on reading this way. Instead, I now read each parable with the mind-set, “I want to squeeze every last drop of what the Lord wants me to know.” When you prayerfully prepare to read God’s Word this way it is amazing what He reveals to you. I am not saying that my recent study through Matthew 25 gave earth shattering revelation, but for me, I was overjoyed what God revealed and would like to share the bullet points here: First set of bullet points is from the parable of the 10 virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) · Jesus is the Bridegroom · Followers of Jesus are His bride · The wise prepare, and stay prepared for the Bridegroom’s arrival · Jesus is coming back at a time nobody knows · Be prepared for His return Second set of bullet points are from the parable of the three servants (Matthew 25:14-30) · There are three servants · Two of the three worked with what they were given and were found to be good and faithful · One of the three did nothing and was found to be wicked and lazy · The good and faithful servants were given more and entered “the joy of the Master” · The wicked and lazy servant had everything taken from him and given to the good and faithful · The wicked and lazy servant was cast into hell · The wicked and lazy servant was declared to be worthless · Be faithful and fruitful with all that the Lord has given you Third set of bullet points are from Jesus Words on the Final Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46) · Jesus is coming back – not as a meek lamb, but as a King in His Glory · He is coming back and He is bringing His angels with Him · He will sit on His glorious throne · He will separate the sheep from the goats · The sheep are said to be “blessed by the Father” · The goats are said to be “cursed” · The sheep will go to eternal life · The goats will go to eternal fire The sheep were commended for doing the things the goats were rebuked for not doing: · Feeding the hungry · Giving drink to the thirsty · Welcoming strangers · Clothing the naked · Visiting the sick and imprisoned What hits you hardest as you read Matthew 25?
