Lesson 25 – The King’s Future Judgment Described
Read Matthew 25 – www.bible.com/bible/59/mat.25.esv

In chapter 25, Jesus tells three very important things about His – the King’s – future judgment of mankind.

The first parable (verses 1-13) is about 10 young women waiting to attend the wedding of their friend. They don’t know exactly when the bridegroom is coming, so they prepare to wait. When the bridegroom arrives, they turn to their lamps to bring up the light so they can join in his procession to the bride’s home. But 5 of the young women haven’t prepared well enough – they have run out of oil for their lamps.

The lesson Jesus taught was that we should be ready at all times for His return. We cannot put off until later what we know we should do now – there may not be a “later” for us. We read in Hebrews 4:1-13 how we must listen “today” while He speaks to us.


The second parable (verses 14-30) is about 3 servants who were given treasure from their master and asked to use it wisely until his return. The first received 5, the second received 2, and the third received 1. The first two used their treasure wisely and increased the value by doubling what they had received. The third didn’t use his treasure for anything, just hid it away. When the master returned, the 3 servants were asked to account for what they had done with their treasures. Both servants who had doubled their treasure were rewarded for their faithfulness. The third was punished for merely hiding his treasure, and even the 1 he had was taken from him.

The lesson is that God gives each of us, His children, different kinds of treasures and abilities to use and grow for Him while He is away. We should never compare what we are given to what someone else is given, for God knows us very well and knows what we can do with the gifts He has given us. What are the treasures? They are both the natural talents we have as well as the spiritual gifts He has given to each of us. It is our responsibility to use them well for Him so they can grow to what He wants them to be.

The last event in this chapter is not a parable (verses 31-46) but a description of His judgment of mankind at His return. He separates those who have served Him from those who have not. Please see how in both cases the people are surprised at what He says they have or have not done. The main point is that it is the things done for others, without thought of reward or gain, which are the deeds that count for Him.

*When someone asks you to help them, do you help for what you get out of it, or for what you can give to them?