Matthew Chapter 25
One of life’s greatest events is a wedding celebration. There is usually a lot of preparation that occurs before the actual wedding day. Throughout scripture God often refers to our relationship with Him as His bride and He is the groom.
Our time here on earth as believers (His bride) is a time of preparation as we wait for our bridegroom to return.
Previously in the Old Testament God (not the Messiah) was referred to as the bridegroom, and Israel as the bride.
Now we can clearly see that Jesus is being referred to as the bridegroom which further strengthens our faith in Jesus as being co-equal with the Father.
Isaiah 54:5 For your Maker is your husband, the LORD of hosts is his name; and the Holy one of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.
Isaiah 62:5 For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.
Let's Reflect
1. In the parable of the ten virgins some were prepared for the wedding feast, and some were not. Those who were not prepared found themselves shut out of the festivities. Had they been told ahead of time the date of the celebration? See Matthew 24:44 and 25:13.
2. Another parable to explain how one is to get prepared for the Lord’s return is the parable of the ten talents. Part of our preparation for Jesus’ return is to spend this time getting to know Him and become more like Him. The believer will also want to serve Him because of who He is and because of the talents and abilities He gave each of us to do just that. Those who do not have a relationship with Jesus have no interest in serving Jesus, only themselves (the wicked and slothful servant). In this parable as we think of serving Jesus with our time, money, and our abilities, what will we gain for doing so?
3. Jesus had told His disciples that He was going to be crucified. But notice in verse 31 where did Jesus tell His disciples that He would be?
4. In verses 32-34 there will be a separating of the sheep from the goats. John 10:27-28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. What will the sheep inherit?
5. Our service to others while here on earth matters to Jesus. What 6 examples of service did Jesus speak of?
6. How does Jesus perceive our acts of service? See verse 40.
7. Verses 41-44 depict the person who only lived for himself or herself. They did not care about what Jesus cares about. They had no interest in serving Him while here on earth. What did Jesus say will happen to that person?
Devotionals
