Matthew 25:1- 25-46 Thoughts

This section is important to understand, but it is often very confusing to the reader.  This should not be the case.  Jesus didn't say things things to cause confusion, but rather to bring clarity.  The issue is because we try to apply all things and prophecy to our situation; which is not always the case.

To understand this section, we must understand that God sees mankind as three groups of people.  In each case, God works differently and has different application.  This is very clear in things like the role of the Holy Spirit.  For a non-believer, the Holy Spirit convicts and points them to Jesus.  The role of the Holy Spirit in a believer is much greater.  To apply principles of the bible to an unbeliever when it was meant for the church is a mistake.  In the same way, applying principles meant for the Jewish nation to the church is also a mistake.

1 Corinthians 10:32 says, "Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God..."  Paul is speaking of how he deals with people differently based on these three groupings of people.  Throughout scripture, we also see God dealing differently with these three.

The teachings of Matthew 25 are very clear when we see this truth.  The section on the Wise and Foolish Virgins (1-13) is to the Jews during the tribulation (kingdom of heaven being right after the tribulation).  We see this clearly in the number ten as well as the idea of virgins in Revelation 14:4.

The next section, Talents, is to the church.  May we apply this and use the resources God has given to us by His grace and use them to further His kingdom!

The last section is to those in the tribulation who help or don't help the Jewish people during their persecution.

I don't have time to go into detail on each of these here in this blog, but you can listen online to the teaching for more information.  http://ccepping.org/?page_id=61&sermon_id=1478

"Lord, please let us see how important it is to use the things you've given to us for Your kingdom.  Whatever you've given to us, ten, two, one talent, help us to look for ways to invest them in the things You would want.  You saved us and then sent us into this world for Your glory.  Help us to be good and faithful servants.  Amen."

Matthew 25:1- 25-45 Outline

This is a continuation of the olivet discourse.

The outline is quite simple, but it is important to note the three sections pointing to three groups of listeners.

• Wise and Foolish Virgins - To the Jew (25:1-13)
• Talents - To the church (25:14-30)
• Sheep and the Goats - to the Gentiles (25:31-46)

Matthew 24:1- 24-51 Thoughts

Unlike the previous chapter, this one is very often taught in churches and prophecy conferences.  Unfortunately, many teachings are confusing and aimed at scare tactics.  As a son or daughter of Christ, we are not called to be confused or scared!  This section should comfort us and motivate us to be about the King's business.

One reason people are often confused is due to the use of the word "elect."  We cannot assume the elect Jesus is speaking about here is the church.  In many cases, it is not.

In scripture, I find three specific groups of people called the elect.

1. Israel (Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah 45:4, Isaiah 65:9, Isaiah 65:22...)
2. Church (Romans 8:33, Romans 11:7, Colossians 3:12, 2 Timothy 2:10, 1 Peter 1:1-2...)
3. Tribulation Saints (Israel/believers during the tribulation as Matthew speaks of and we see in Revelation)

An example of this is in Matthew 24:22: "And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened."

But in 24:16 it speaks of people in Judah (Israel):  "then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains."
Also in 24:20: And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.

This is speaking of Jewish people in the tribulation.

Anyway, the point of the chapter is to know that God has it all worked out and we are to be looking for and anticipating the return of Jesus Christ.  Chapter 25 will emphasise this even more.

"Oh Lord, thank You for Your plan.  Thank you that we are not appointed unto wrath but to salvation through the grace of Jesus Christ.  We look forward to Your coming and our heart breaks for those who will miss this and go through the tribulation.  Lord, open the eyes of our family, friends and loved ones who have rejected You.  Amen."

Matthew 24:1- 24-51 Outline

At this point in the book of Matthew, Jesus departs from the temple and begins to teach His disciples.  These are key teachings as Jesus shares insight on may prophecies including some that have yet to take place.

• Prophecy of the destruction of the temple (1-2)
• Prophecies of the end times (3-14)
• Prophecy of the Great Tribulation (15-22)
• Many will come claiming to be the christ (23-28)
• Prophecy of Christ's return (29-31)
• Parable of the Fig Tree (32-35)
• Be ready (36-51)

Matthew 23:1- 23-39 Thoughts

This chapter is full of warnings.  Each one I can see in my life and I must continuously deal with them.  While thinking about teaching these, I think about Isaiah.  He was peaching, by the Spirit, in Isaiah chapter one through five declaring woes to the people of Israel and Judah.  This was justified and accurate.  However, it is so easy when pronouncing woe's on others to have an attitude of anger, disgust and frustration.  Perhaps Isaiah was feeling this as well.

But, in chapter six of Isaiah, he is given a glimpse of God and His glory.  I love what Isaiah then said,

"Woe is me, for I am undone!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King,
The Lord of hosts.

Sometimes we need to share a woe with someone.  When we share the truth of God's word, it will often be penetrating and cut to the heart.  The important point is to then realise how we are just as sinful and often guilty of the same sin.

At the end of chapter 23, we see Jesus lament over Jerusalem.  I am certain He didn't want to pronounce all these woes, but as a good Father, He must.  Help us to heed the warnings and when sharing woes with others, have compassion.

"Jesus, woe is ME, for I am undone.  Why I'm given any opportunity to share Your word and Your truth with anyone is beyond me.  I am not worthy to point out issues with anyone else's life.  Yet you want us to shine the light on each other and sharpen one another.  So, please help us to have compassion and love as we share truth with our bothers and sisters.  Help us to practice what we preach and rely more and more on Your Holy Spirit.  Amen."

Matthew 23:1- 23-39 Outline

This chapter is all about the scribes and Pharisees, yet Jesus is not speaking directly to them, but about them.  These are good lessons for all of us who can easily become religious and fall into the same traps.

• Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees (23:1-36)
• Not doing what you teach (1-3)
• Burdening others (4-5)
• "Look at me" mentality (6)
• "Respect me" attitude (7-10)
• Greatest is the servant (11-12)
• Not correctly sharing the gospel (13)
• Taking advantage of the less fortunate (14)
• Proselyte to religion not God (15)
• Not people of their word (16-22)
• Wrong priorities (23-24)
• Problems with the heart (25-28)
• Criticizing others while doing the same (29-33)
• The result (34-36)
• Jesus lament (37-39)