THE LAST JUDGMENT (MT 25:31-46)
Prayer:
O Jesus, You are the King who is to come.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus with His disciples.
Context:
Some people never heard Jesus’ gospel. In this parable, Jesus confronts the question of how they will be judged. Although they do not know Jesus (Lord, when did we see you?), they still can gain his Kingdom by serving him in the needy.
Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
The King shall say to the just, “Come, blessed of my Father, possess the Kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world. For I was hungry, thirsty, lost, naked, sick and in prison and you helped me.” The just will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, lost, naked, sick and in prison?” “Amen, I say that as long as you did it to one of my least brothers, you did it to me.”
Then he will say to the unjust, “Depart from me, you accursed into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry, thirsty, lost, naked, sick and in prison and you did not help me.” They shall answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry, thirsty, lost, naked, sick and in prison and did not help you?” He shall answer, saying, “As long as you did not do it to one of these least, neither did you do it for me.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- The parable shows the cosmic Christ. All the nations (believes and non-believers) are forced to come before him.
- These people are surprised to discover that they have served or not served this King. They have never heard about Jesus.
- Jesus explains that he identifies with every needy and suffering person in the whole world.
- The parable shows the eternal Christ. The Kingdom “was prepared from the world’s beginning.”
- The lesson for the disciple is this. Christ’s Kingdom is eternal. Salvation or damnation concerns every human being (those who heard and those who have not heard the gospel).
Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Lord, before I existed you prepared the kingdom for me.
- O Jesus, your Kingdom will remain forever. List me among its members.
- The just served you when they didn’t even know you. Should I not serve you better, since I do know you?
- I have heard your gospel. What great responsibilities I have.
- Every needy person I meet today is a door into your Kingdom. Let my eyes be open.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ Today, I will thank God for my faith in Jesus Christ.
+ I will think of my inevitable meeting with the King. What will he say to me?
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
“All the nations will be gathered before him.”