Matthew 25:14–46: Preparing for Christ’s Coming
Introduction
In the previous section, Jesus had warned his disciples that they would not know the day or the hour of his eventual return, but that they must be ready for his coming at any time (Matt. 24:36–51). Further, he illustrated that warning with the parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing the wisdom of preparedness: “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matt. 25:13). What, though, would it mean to prepare for Jesus’ final coming, especially when Jesus’ disciples will not know the time of his arrival? In Matthew 25:14–46, Jesus teaches his disciples to prepare for Christ’s coming by fruitful labor and faithful love.
Discussion Questions
1. What does the man leaving for a journey symbolize (v. 14)? What do the talents entrusted to the servants symbolize (v. 15)? What do you think it suggests that the master entrusts varying amounts of talents to different servants? What do the prompt, industrious responses of the servants entrusted with five and two talents suggest (vv. 16–17)? What should we learn from the negative example of the servant who buried his only talent (v. 18)?
2. When the master returns, what does he say to the two servants who were fruitful in their labor (vv. 21, 23)? What does this teach us about how our Lord looks at our stewardship of the things that he has entrusted to us? What has the Lord entrusted to you? How are you stewarding those relationships and resources of time, talents, and treasures fruitfully? What role does the pleasure and praise of your Master play in motivating your life?
3. What is the difference between the scenes in Matthew 24:30–31 in comparison to 25:31–32 in this passage? What does this suggest about the time that has passed since the Son of Man first received his throne before the Ancient of Days (see Dan. 7:13–14)? Why did shepherds separate sheep from the goats at night? Why does the King separate the sheep from the goats in this passage? What are the results of that separation?
4. What kind of faithful love for “the least of these my brothers” does the King require (v. 40)? Have you recognized that your works cannot merit a righteous standing before the righteous King? Has Christ begun to transform your heart so that you love those whom King Jesus loves? What is one way that you can serve the least of Christ’s brethren? Why might that seem insignificant and unimportant? How can you serve the least of these in a way befitting of Christ himself?
