Matthew 25: Preparation for the King's Return
ACCOUNTABILITY can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Our desires and preferences are subject to the demands of another. Most of us would prefer to do things our own way. A rule of thumb in management is that people don't do what you expect; they do what you inspect. Jesus is coming back to inspect our lives. He holds us accountable for how we conduct ourselves in his absence. In Matthew 25 he urges us to prepare for his coming.
Warming Up to God
Have you ever been in a situation where your work did not meet up to standards when it was reviewed or inspected? How did it affect you?
Read Matthew 25. »
Discovering the Word
- How does the parable of the ten virgins illustrate the need to prepare for the groom's delayed return (vv. 1-13)?
- A talent was a vast sum of money. In the parable of the talents, what were the master's expectations of his servants (vv. 14-30)?
- How does the master demonstrate his approval or disapproval?
- In the parable of the sheep and the goats, identify the King, the sheep, the goats and the "brothers" of the King (vv. 31-46).
- What criteria does the King use to separate the sheep from the goats?
- According to Jesus' teaching in this chapter, what should we be doing until he returns?
Applying the Word
- What resources and responsibilities has Jesus given you?
- How can you handle them in a good and faithful manner?
- How should the material in this chapter affect your current priorities?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to show you how to serve him.
For Further Study
Service & Secrecy by Jan Johnson