The Judgment of the Nations in The Book of “Matthew” Essay Example

Jesus surprises both the unrighteous (v. 45) and the righteous (vv. 37-39). Matthew includes this verse to reveal Jesus Christ's foresight of eschatology (the end of time) to both Jews and Christians. The verse portrays and explains an exact future event.

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, with all his holy angels, he will sit on his glorious throne. All nations will be gathered before him and he will separate them like a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The sheep will be placed on his right hand and the goats on his left" (vv. 31-33).

Both the vision and title of “Son of Man” have their roots in Daniel 7:13-14. While the phrase "Son of Man" may seem modest, the illustration of the Son of Man in this case lacks simplicity. According to Matthew's text, Jesus Christ comes with glory and power, which is great news for Christian believers who fear God.

The text emphasizes that Jesus, in his initial appearance, presented himself as a servant to the world (Philippians 2:5-11). Despite his humble origins, Jesus resided among us, embodying truth and grace with the goal of bringing humanity closer to him (John 1:14, John 12:32). Matthew also addresses "The Judgment of the Gentile" to offer Christians insight into Jesus' Second Coming. This passage signifies that mere humility will not suffice for justification during his return. Instead, Jesus will come back with power and glory, accompanied by all heavenly angels and nations gathered before God's throne. Furthermore, this passage reveals Jesus' designation as Son of Man (v. 5).The passage emphasizes that Jesus, referred to as the Son of God, is described using various titles such

as Shepherd, King, and Lord. These names indicate that Jesus was sent to redeem God's people.

Furthermore, Jesus Christ possesses the authority to pass judgment on all nations. The Discourse of the Eschatological reaches its climax with “The Judgment of the Nations” (Matthew 25:31-46). This section depicts the ultimate Day of Judgment, emphasizing that the sole factor determining preparedness is one's faithfulness (v. 40). It urges Christians to prepare for the return of The Messiah by strengthening their faith in God through His Son.

The text suggests that "Shepherd" and "Sheep" symbolize God and God's people, with the judgment differentiating between the left hand as a sign of disapproval and the right hand as a mark of favor. According to MATTHEW 25:34-40, individuals on the King's right hand will be invited to receive blessings from the Father and inherit the Kingdom prepared since eternity. Their acts of providing nourishment and hydration to the hungry and thirsty, extending hospitality to strangers, clothing those who are naked, and visiting the sick are commended.

I was in prison and you came to me.’ The righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you as a stranger, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink? When did we see you as a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? When did we see you sick, or in prison and come to you? ‘The King will answer them, most certainly I tell you, in as much as you did it to one of the least of my brothers (Greek: adelphon mou- my brothers) you did it to me.”⁷ The verse above shows how Jesus came up

with the knowledge of service to the poor and the needy. The law of Torah interpreted to benefit the widows and orphaned made it possible to provide food for the needy (Leviticus 19:9-10). “The also backs up the Holy Scripture, You shall not take advantage of the widow or fatherless child” (Exodus 22:22). The see the King invite these individuals to “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (v.34). 7: Ibid “For I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty you gave me drink.

The passage states that when Jesus was a stranger, they were welcomed. When they were without clothes, they were provided with clothing. When they were ill, someone came to visit them. Even when they were imprisoned, someone came to see them.

In these verses, the message from God to Christians is emphasized by Matthew: they should care for the needy individuals in society. The specific types of mercies that are highlighted include clothing, drink, food, welcome, and nursing care. Similarly, Paul discusses how God accepts the Gentiles in Romans 2:12-15. It is Jesus Christ who has the power to save anyone he desires, as shown when he saved a thief while on the cross.

The thief asked, "Jesus, remember when you come to your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). This passage highlights the significance of displaying mercy to receive blessings from Christ. Christians can find encouragement in this message and strive to serve the less fortunate in society.
The conclusion of this passage is found in Matthew 25:41-46. "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared

for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you did not give me food to eat; I was thirsty and you did not give me anything to drink; I was a stranger and you did not take me in; naked and you did not clothe me; sick and in prison and you did not visit me."' This portion of Matthew's writing illustrates that acts of kindness towards those in need are rewarded, while neglecting them leads to punishment. The merciful will enter God's eternal kingdom, while the unmerciful face the consequences of the "eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (v.

41). The books discuss the concept of punishment and reward in heaven based on how Christians treat others while on earth. The Gospel encompasses both judgment and grace. This verse aims to teach Christians to take care of their fellow believers (Genesis 4:9), follow the great commandment to love God and neighbor (Genesis 22:34-40). The eternal outcome will hinge on whether Christians can faithfully adhere to the commandments of love (v. 46).footnoteRef:8 8: Brueggemann, Walter; Cousar, Charles B.; Gaventa, Beverly R.; and Newsome, James D., Text for Preaching: A Lectionary Commentary Based on the NRSV––Year A (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1995) It is crucial to understand the passage by distinguishing between mystery and prophecy.

The text presents a twofold forecast regarding God's design for humanity. The initial portion concentrates on God's blueprint for the nations, highlighting His intention to govern and rule over them all. It underscores Jesus Christ as the selected conduit and bestower of blessings for every individual. Additionally, it accentuates that Jesus Christ, hailing from Israelite lineage,

is also a progeny of Abraham, who holds great esteem as the Father of Nations.

God's promise to use Israel as a means of blessing the world, as stated in Genesis 12:2-3 and Isaiah 2:2, is affirmed by the prophecy. This prophecy also outlines the specific steps leading to the Lord's arrival and establishment of His eternal kingdom in Zion, as mentioned in Micah 4:7 [9]. Zacharias' teachings align with this prophecy, recognizing it as spoken by holy prophets throughout time (Luke 1:70) [9]. Peter's teachings also support this prophecy, acknowledging that heaven must receive Him until all things are restored according to what God has spoken through His prophets in history (Acts 3:21) [9]. Additionally, the second part of the prophecy addresses God's plan for the heavens.

The text discusses the idea that the message we receive is God's plan for governing the heavens. It reveals God's strategies for ruling over the Heavens, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:6 and Romans 16:25. Jesus, also referred to as "The Body of Christ" in Corinthians 12:27 and Ephesians 4:12, holds authority as the head of the heavens. This passage emphasizes that regardless of one's status or nationality, God is willing to use new souls according to Galatians 3:28 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. During this time, God will accept new saints to rule and reign indefinitely in the heavens, as stated in Thessalonians 4:16-17. In Romans 16:25, Paul highlights that God has the power to establish believers based on his gospel and Jesus Christ's preaching while revealing a mystery that has been kept secret since ancient times. Furthermore, Ephesians 3:9 explains that it is God's intention for all people to

be aware of this hidden fellowship through Jesus Christ who created all things.

The text emphasizes that the Lord God has a divine intention for all creation, including Earth and heaven. It also highlights Jesus Christ's role in bringing unity according to Ephesians 1:10. The passage shows that God is the rightful ruler of both realms through His creation of heaven and earth. As a result, this passage holds a dual prophetic significance (11: France, R.T., The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Gospel of Matthew).

How Do the Scripture Answer the Apostles Questions (Matt. 24:3)?
The Apostles inquired of Jesus Christ regarding the timing of specific events and signs indicating his coming and the end of the age. They sought information about when buildings would be destroyed, what signals would herald his arrival, and which sign would signify the conclusion of this era. Matthew concentrates on addressing their second and third inquiries, while Luke offers additional specifics concerning their first question in his record of the Olivet Discourse (Luke 21:12-2).

Concerning the sign of Jesus' second coming, you can find the answer in chapter twenty-four of the Book of Matthew. In (Matt. 24:15), Jesus responds to the Apostles' question.

Jesus revealed two signs: the "abomination of the Desolation Standing in a Holy pace that will mark the great tribulation" and the sign of "the Son of Man" that will signify the end of the Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:29-30). In addition, there is the Sign of The End of The Age, which refers to the "Lord's return to become the king of the whole Earth" (Zech. 14:9). The gentiles will be judged based on their response to the

preaching of all nations worldwide.

Some theologians believe that the Jews will not be excluded from the final judgment day, despite the absence of any mention of the rapture in the Olivet Discourse. This discourse documents Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, speaking to his followers on the Mount of Olives. During this address, Jesus discussed the presence of the Abomination of Desolation in the temple (Matt).

According to the Bible (Matthew 24:15-21), the Olivet Discourse was specifically given for the Israelites. It is incorrect to argue that the disciples represented the church in this discourse.

Conclusion

Matthew provides valuable guidance for Christians who mistreat each other at times. Additionally, this passage serves as a warning to Christians who belittle the work of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, Jesus will bring about justice through His judgment during the Tribulation period.

The afterlife will consist of different experiences for each person based on their response to the word of God. However, Matthew 25:31-46 emphasizes the significance of Abraham's descendants to the Lord God. As we align our souls with God, we should show mercy to His chosen people in preparation for inheriting His Kingdom.

Works Cited

1. Brueggemann, Walter; Cousar, Charles B.; Gaventa, Beverly R.; and Newsome, James D., Texts for Preaching: A Lectionary Commentary Based on the NRSV––Year A (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1995)
2. Bruner, Frederick Dale, Matthew: Volume 2, The Churchbook, Matthew 13-28 (Dallas: Word, 1990)
3. Craddock, Fred B.; Hayes, John H.; Holladay, Carl R.; Tucker, Gene M., Preaching Through the Christian Year, A (Valley Forge: Trinity Press International, 1992)
4. France, R.T., The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Gospel of Matthew (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2007)
5. Gardner, Richard B., Believers Church Bible Commentary:

Matthew (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 1990)