Book of Matthew - Lesson 34
(Read Matthew 25:1-46)
Introduction: The 25th chapter of Matthew has three very important pictures
painted for us, that we need to see very clearly:
1) The need to have the lamps filled with oil --indicating that we need to be ready at all times, which was emphasized in the last chapter, as well;
2) The fact that as disciples we must be using all the talents we have, whether there be one, two, five or more.
3) The Son of man coming and all nations shall be gathered. There shall be only two groups of people, classified as sheep and goats; the destiny of each shall already be determined. There'll be two alternatives - eternal live or eternal punishment in the lake of fire. If one is classified by sheep, being a follower, eternal life will be his/her destiny. If "goat" characterizes one he/she will hear the words, "depart from me, ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." (V. 41).
1.Ten virgins (25:1-13). Five were wise, taking adequate oil for their lamps, while five were foolish, taking their lamps and having "no oil." In the daytime, of course one seemed as well off as the others. However, when the night came, one was prepared (equipped) while the other was not. The Lord's lesson from this is: "watch therefore, for ye know neither the day or the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." (V. 13) The Lesson: Be ready, following and expecting the Lord!
2. The Talents (25:14-30). Each servant of the Lord (man/woman) has abilities, some of
course more than others. Those who have more are able and thus are responsible for doing
more. However, no one is without any ability. If one can say I'm a one-talent person, then
do what you can with the one talent, and the Lord will be pleased. However, if you are
"afraid" and hide your talent and THINK you can return it to the Lord unused,
you are unwise and a slothful servant, and your destiny is settled! You are
"unprofitable" (v. 30) and shall be cast "into outer darkness" and
there "shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." The lesson Use what you have.
3. The Son of man coming in His glory, gathering all nations, dividing the sheep and goats
(25:31-46). Notice that the emphasis is on feeding, visiting caring for assisting His
"brethren." Perhaps it is worth remembering that Saul had been persecuting the
church (Acts 8:3), when the Lord appears to Him He charged Saul with persecuting Him (Acts
9:4). The fact is that the church is made up of those redeemed by the blood of Christ,
whom He loved to the point that He gave Himself for it (Eph. 1:7, 22-23; 5:25; Acts
20:28). When one fights against, mistreats, or ignores
His disciples, he/she is doing Jesus disservice.
Questions:
1. What three incidents are recorded in this, the 25th chapter of Matthew?
2. How did Jesus introduce each of the two stories: the Ten Virgins and the Talents (vs.
1,14)?
3. What did the "five" do that demonstrates they are "foolish"?
4. How were the "wise" virgins different from the other five?
5. Verse.15, tells us the talents were distributed "according" to what?
6. What did the men with the "five" and "two" talents do that the man
with one talent didn't?
7. What explanation did the one talent man give for his action/behavior (Vs. 24-25)?
8. What was the Lord's characterization of the one talent man (Vs.26-30)?
9. Who shall be "gathered," when the Son of Man comes "in his glory"
(Vs.31-33)?
10. What's the final results/destiny of the two groups of people, based on what (vs.
34-46)?