November 8

Matthew 25 (biblegateway.com)

Ready, Faithful, and True: Living for Christ’s Return

After outlining the signs of His return and urging His followers to stay spiritually awake, Jesus continues the Olivet Discourse with parables that show what readiness truly looks like. These teachings reveal that watchfulness is proven through faithful living, wise stewardship, and a heart prepared for His coming.

In Matthew 25, Jesus continues His teaching on the Mount of Olives, turning from prophetic signs to parables that show how His followers must live as they await His return. Through three powerful illustrations, He teaches that preparation for His coming involves more than awareness; it requires genuine faith, perseverance, and obedience.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins stresses the necessity of spiritual readiness. The Parable of the Talents emphasizes faithful stewardship. Finally, the Judgment of the Sheep and Goats reveals the separation that will occur when Christ returns in glory. Together, these teachings warn against spiritual complacency and call believers to live with expectation, obedience, and compassion as they await the King’s return.

Matthew 25 — Watchfulness, Faithfulness, and Final Judgment

Jesus first gives the parable of the ten virgins to stress the necessity of being spiritually prepared for His return (v. 1). Ten virgins take their lamps to meet the bridegroom, five wise and five foolish (v. 2). The wise bring oil with their lamps, while the foolish take lamps with no extra supply (v. 3–4). Because the bridegroom delays, they all become drowsy and fall asleep (v. 5). At midnight the announcement comes, and while all rise to trim their lamps, only the prepared have what is needed (v. 6–9). The bridegroom arrives, and those ready enter the wedding feast, and the door is shut (v. 10). The others return, pleading, “Lord, Lord, open to us,” but he answers, “I do not know you” (v. 11–12). Jesus concludes, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (v. 13).

The parable teaches that outward association with Christ is not enough; readiness is personal and rooted in a genuine relationship with Him. Faith cannot be borrowed, as each person must know Christ for themselves and continue walking with Him. In the Jewish wedding custom pictured here, those prepared joined the bridegroom in the procession and entered the feast, while the unprepared were shut out. The wise represent those who truly belong to the Lord, while the foolish portray those who appear religious yet lack saving faith. The closed door emphasizes that when God’s appointed moment of judgment arrives, the opportunity to respond has passed. While Scripture shows that a person may sincerely turn to Christ even at life’s final moments, this parable warns against delay, for once judgment comes, it cannot be reversed.

Because Jesus does not define the “oil,” explanations vary. Many understand it as symbolizing the inner reality of genuine salvation, the Spirit’s transforming work, sincere and enduring faith, and a life of obedience that flows from knowing Christ, rather than mere outward religion or a one-time profession. The bridegroom’s delay reveals whether devotion continues over time. Preparedness is not a momentary act but a life of abiding in Christ, walking in obedience, and remaining spiritually alert.

Believers differ on how this parable fits within God’s prophetic timeline. Many understand it as a warning to all who profess faith in Christ during the present Church Age, emphasizing ongoing watchfulness and faithfulness as we await His return. Others, noting the Jewish context of Matthew 24–25, see the ten virgins as portraying Israel in the Tribulation: the Bridegroom returns with His Bride (the Church), and the wise represent the believing remnant prepared to enter the kingdom, while the foolish picture those who reject the Messiah and are shut out. While interpretations vary, the essential truth remains: Christ’s return is certain, even if delayed, and His people must be spiritually ready, walking in genuine, persevering faith.

Jesus then gives the parable of the talents, emphasizing faithful stewardship of what God entrusts to His people (v. 14). A man goes on a journey and entrusts his property to his servants, five talents to one, two to another, and one to another, each according to his ability (v. 15). A talent was a very large sum, showing the master’s great confidence in his servants. The servant with five talents trades with them and gains five more; the one with two gains two more; but the servant with one talent hides it in the ground (v. 16–18). After a long time, the master returns and settles accounts (v. 19). The first two servants joyfully present their increase and receive the same commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master” (v. 20–23). Their equal praise shows that the Lord measures faithfulness, not comparison or the size of one’s assignment.

The third servant excuses his inaction by accusing the master of being harsh and claiming fear as his reason for burying the talent (v. 24–25). His response reveals a distorted view of the master and a heart lacking loyalty and love. The master exposes this as wickedness and laziness, noting that even placing the money with bankers would have shown minimal responsibility (v. 26–27). The talent is taken from him and given to the one who has ten (v. 28). Jesus then states a spiritual principle: “For to everyone who has, more will be given… But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken” (v. 29). The unprofitable servant is cast into outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (v. 30), a picture of final judgment.

This parable teaches that genuine disciples faithfully use what God gives, including one's time, abilities, resources, opportunities, and influence, for His glory. Everything we possess is entrusted to us as stewards, not owners. The delay of the master tests the servants, just as the delay of Christ’s return tests the reality of our discipleship, revealing whether our faith produces obedient service or whether our profession is empty.

Saving faith is active, obedient, and persevering. God’s grace not only saves but also enables believers to obey and serve Christ; yet it does not remove personal responsibility. While salvation is entirely a gift of God, believers must respond in faith and walk in daily surrender to Christ. The unfaithful servant’s fate warns that mere association with the Master or holding a profession “in name only” is not the same as a life of surrendered obedience. Scripture affirms that those who truly know Christ will bear fruit and continue in faith through His enabling grace, yet those who turn away, cease to serve, or live in willful neglect place themselves in real danger of judgment.

Believers also differ on how this parable relates to end-time events. Some see it as applying specifically to individuals living at the end of the age who will be evaluated based on how they responded to the truth in a time of great spiritual testing, while others apply it more broadly to all professing believers throughout the present age. In either view, the central message stands: the King entrusts His servants with His work and will hold each one accountable.

Jesus then describes the future judgment of the nations when the Son of Man comes in His glory and sits on His glorious throne (v. 31). All nations are gathered before Him, and He separates the people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats (v. 32). He places the sheep on His right and the goats on His left (v. 33). The King says to those on His right, “Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (v. 34). He commends them for the love they demonstrated in feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting the imprisoned (v. 35–36). The righteous are surprised and ask when they did these things, and the King replies, “As you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me” (v. 37–40). Their compassion revealed genuine faith, expressed through love.

Then He turns to those on His left and declares, “Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (v. 41). Their failure to show mercy to those in need revealed that they did not truly know or love Christ (v. 42–43). When they protest, He answers, “As you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me” (v. 44–45). Jesus concludes, “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (v. 46). Works do not earn salvation, but they unmistakably reveal the presence, or absence, of saving faith. Genuine love for Christ will always overflow into love for others.

This passage affirms that true salvation produces a transformed life marked by obedience, compassion, and perseverance. Believers are not saved by works, yet Scripture consistently teaches that living faith is demonstrated through active love. The separation of sheep and goats reflects the finality of judgment and clearly upholds an eternal heaven and an eternal hell. Those who continue in faith by God’s enabling grace will inherit eternal life, while those who reject Christ or fall away into unbelief and disobedience will face just condemnation.

At this point, it is helpful to understand how believers place these events within the broader end-times timeline. The “Millennium” refers to the “thousand years” mentioned six times in Revelation 20:1-6. Christians differ on whether this period should be understood as a literal 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth, a symbolic picture of His present reign, or a future era of widespread gospel influence before His return. What follows is a general overview of the three major interpretive approaches. These are broad descriptions, and within each view, there are variations. Note that sincere, Bible-believing Christians differ on these details while still seeking to honor Scripture.

Those who hold a premillennial view generally see the events in Matthew 25 as occurring at Christ’s return at the end of the Tribulation. In this understanding, the judgment described here concerns those alive on earth at His coming, determining who enters the Millennial Kingdom and who is removed in judgment. The Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15 is viewed as a separate event that takes place after the 1,000-year reign of Christ, involving the final judgment of the wicked dead of all ages.

Many Free Will Baptists, historically and presently, personally hold to a premillennial framework, affirming Christ’s literal return, a future period of tribulation, His millennial reign, and a final judgment. However, the Free Will Baptist Treatise does not make an official doctrinal statement on the timing or sequence of end-time events, allowing for charitable discussion and variation among believers.

By contrast, amillennial interpreters view the Millennium symbolically and see the parables of Matthew 25 and the scene of the sheep and goats as different pictures of the same final judgment that occurs at Christ’s return. In this view, Matthew 25 and Revelation 20 describe one universal judgment rather than two separate events.

The postmillennial view generally understands Matthew 25 in a way similar to amillennialism, seeing the parables and the sheep-and-goats scene as portraying the final judgment at Christ’s return. The key distinction is that postmillennialists expect the gospel to spread with increasing success throughout the world, leading to a long era of righteousness, spiritual renewal, and blessing on earth before Christ returns, followed by the final judgment of all people.

While sincere believers may differ on prophetic details, these perspectives help explain why some see Matthew 25 as describing a distinct judgment at Christ’s return, while others view it as part of the same final judgment pictured in Revelation 20. Regardless of the timeline one holds, Christians share unity on the certainty of Christ’s visible return, the reality of judgment, and the urgent call to readiness, faithfulness, and holy living.

Regarding the identity of “the least of these My brothers,” some interpret this phrase as referring specifically to Christ’s people, possibly faithful believers, including many Jewish believers, who suffer during a time of persecution, while others apply it more broadly to all who are vulnerable or in need. Some scholars also note that Scripture often associates “My brothers” with believers, particularly those who belong to Christ and suffer for His name. Regardless of the nuance, the message remains clear: love shown toward others, especially toward Christ’s own, is ultimately love shown toward Him, and withholding compassion exposes a heart that does not reflect His character.

Conclusion

Matthew 25 presents a sober and comprehensive picture of Christ’s return, revealing that His coming will bring separation, accountability, and judgment. True readiness is rooted in a genuine relationship with Christ, evidenced by ongoing faith, obedience, and love. God graciously calls His people to abide in Christ, walk in the Spirit, steward His gifts faithfully, and love others as an overflow of devotion to Him. Salvation is by grace through faith, yet the fruit of that faith will be seen in a life transformed. Christ will return as King and Judge, and His verdict will be final and eternal.

Believers must guard against spiritual complacency in the time of waiting. It is easy to become distracted, drowsy, or self-satisfied in a world that dulls the sense of Christ’s soon return. Instead, we are called to readiness, keeping our “lamps filled with oil” through daily fellowship with Christ, active service, and faith that endures. We must invest our lives, abilities, resources, and opportunities for God’s glory rather than burying them in comfort or fear. And we must let Christ’s love flow through us to others, especially those in need, remembering that how we treat others reflects our love for Him.

Live today in such a way that you will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Examine your heart: Are you prepared for Christ’s return? Are you faithfully using what He has entrusted to you? Are you showing His love to others? Do not rely on past experiences, outward association with Christianity, or the faith of others. Walk closely with Christ, remain faithful by His grace, and be found ready when the Bridegroom comes. Let your life testify of genuine devotion to Jesus until the day you stand before Him.