Matthew 25:31-46

The prepared and unprepared among the people Matthew 25:31-46: In this portion of scripture the Lord contrasted the saved and the lost. "These will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matthew 25:46) Observe the following facts about the judgment. (1) The Son of man will be the judge. (2) All nations will be gathered before Him. (3) A separation will take place. A separation from God in life because of sin leads to a separation from the righteous in eternity. (Isaiah 59:1-2) (4) The basis of judgment will include little things that we all could have done and should have done. The prepared will hear the words, "Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 25:34) The unprepared will hear the words, "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matthew 25:41)

Each of these parables is designed to teach the immanent return of Christ. He could come soon, or His return could be a long time away. However, one thing is certain. Jesus is coming again. The uncertainty of the time of the Lord's coming motivates us to live our lives in such a way as to stay prepared for eternity. We need to live and work like the Lord is going to be back any minute. We will be rewarded according to what we have done while the Master is away.