The Olivet Discourse
(Matthew 24:45-25:46)
Part 2
Transcript
Introduction
Hello and welcome.
We are continuing the Olivet Discover through Matthew 24 into to 25 with an overarching theme of preparation for the Day of the LORD, the coming King, with an emphasis on mission.
To recap part 1:
Jesus foretold judgment against Jerusalem.
The disciples respond with questions of when and what sign, connecting it with his coming at the end of the age.
Expounding upon the OT prophets Jesus referred to the first half of the final week-of-years as the beginning of birth pains. Pointing to false Christs, war, famine, and earthquakes.
Then the second half of the week-of-years, the great tribulation, as the birth pains intensify, that commences with the primary mid-week sign – the Abomination of Desolation. Listing false Christs, false prophets, death, martyrdom, apostasy, and the gospel going to all nations as a prerequisite before the end.
Finally, his coming which involves, celestial signs, before the sign of the Son of Man, who comes publicly, suddenly, dramatically, in power to gather his elect, and rescue his people.
He then gave 3 pictures of being caught out on that Day,
And now and today we have three parables about preparing to meet the master, before judgement of the nations.
Let’s get straight into it.
24:45-51 The faithful and wise servant
The first parable begins at verse 45:
45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt 24:45-51)
Israel as servant
Israel is the first servant of God, as priests among the Nations, who are called to serve as God’s representative, to share the light of the true God with the Gentiles. Gentiles who become spiritual offspring of Abraham, are grafted into that calling of servanthood.
Jesus as servant
It can be said that Jesus is ‘servant Israel’, representative of Israel. The true faithful and wise servant of the Father.
We have the “Suffering Servant” of Isaiah 53.
Even the Targum Jonathan uses the phrase: “servant Messiah”
But it seems more than that.
Joseph as servant
Jesus himself asks who? As in, who foreshadowed me that was counted as such?
It's a riddle: “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household..?” (Matt 24:45)
It sounds remarkably like the words of Pharaoh who said “there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house” (Gen 41:39-40). You know, he is speaking to Joseph.
Servant here can be rendered slave. Joseph was sold into slavery and became the person in charge of the master’s house.
We recall Pharaoh’s dreams of 7 fat cows followed by 7 thin cows; and 7 plump ears of grain, followed by seven thin ears of grain. The thin ones ate the fat ones. Joseph interpreted it as 7 years of great plenty, followed by 7 years of great famine. It was God that would bring it about. Joseph who was then put in position of prime minister then advised to store away 1/5 of the land’s produce during the first 7 years of plenty.
Joseph didn’t just have faith and do nothing. He didn’t have faith and was unwise. He didn’t say, “I’ll trust God to provide for me while I sit on my new position of power.” He was wise to prepare for the coming famine. He put his faith and wisdom into action – he had a God-given mission, that would mean the rescue of his brethren, that was as simple as storing food.
Let’s not overcomplicate mission. Storing food on this scale would have entailed logistical difficulties, and manging staff, and navigating faith among worldly rulers with their many gods. It’s going to get complicated anyway, so don’t overcomplicate your mission strap line – it can be as simple as “storing food”. We can be super-busy and super-spiritual, rather than simple and practical but perhaps more useful for God’s purposes. The appearance of ethereal preparation vs practical diligent preparation.
Joseph of course is a type of Messiah.
The story of Joseph points to the end
We can learn more from the story of Joseph – if this is who Jesus is pointing to. It is significant that Genesis chapters 37 through to 50 are about Joseph – because it contains foreshadows of the end.
Joseph was put in charge of storing the grain. Saving many lives. But the grain put away didn’t belong to the Egyptian people, it was taxed to the king’s government. Then when famine hit, we read in Genesis 47:
“Joseph gathered up all the money… in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, in exchange for the grain that they bought. And Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house.” (Gen 47:13-14)
Once their money was gone, Joseph took their livestock for grain. After this, they sold their land, then themselves as slaves. Pharaoh with the help of Joseph took complete control of Egypt, acquiring all businesses, land, and put the people into slavery.
So, when we hear the phrase “You will Own nothing and be happy”!! And a promotion of Universal grain credit. Our ears should prick up. Interestingly the WEF’s annual meeting was taking place as I prepared this video. All assets taken and all enslaved. The Egyptian Great Reset looks very much like the Great Reset that Klaus Schwab and friends are planning – which is all out in the open. Pharaoh took advantage of a natural disaster, a drought that led to famine to reset Egypt which symbolised the worldly world.
Today is the same except they can cause ‘so called’ pandemics, economic collapse, disasters, to leverage power.
What is interesting, and perhaps the Lord will speak to you about this, we read in verse 22: “Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the priests had a fixed allowance from Pharaoh and lived on the allowance that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land.”
There is also an uncomfortable aspect to the rise of Joseph. Joseph went from a man in charge of Pharaoh’s house to almost the right-hand man of a totalitarian leader. Joseph’s power increased greatly as Pharaoh’s did, with the accumulation of land and wealth. No sin is recorded as such but although Pharaoh is his master, he does assist in enslaving the people to a communist state. Perhaps there is a hint here that to be a faithful and wise servant in and among the political spheres is to walk a fine line. Especially when the church and state is entangled like it is in the UK.
The Israelites fared well from the family reunion onwards, but after Joseph died, with the great power Pharaoh’s house now held, they too were enslaved by a new king, who tried to snuff them out, killing the baby boys. Notice too as the power of government increases today, there is a depopulation campaign to reduce the number of births, to save the planet. Offering DIY abortion pills during lockdown. As authoritarianism increases, they will come for the vulnerable and uncompliant.
The Good news is that Jesus will lead a second exodus.
We are told famine is coming, in Matthew 24 and Revelation 6: “he opened the third seal… A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine! When he opened the fourth seal… famine and.. pestilence” (Rev 6:5-8)
Like the days of Joseph, there will be a famine of wheat or barley specifically, coupled with astronomical inflation.
Will there be 7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of famine which is the 70th week of Daniel? If so, God will bring it about. Are we in the 7 years of plenty currently? It was a famine in Canaan – the land of Israel, but also the surrounding nations, including Egypt which can be representative of the world. Joseph said put a fifth away. Should we? [Show on screen: The Economist - The coming food catastrophe.]
We are told it’s coming - and we’ve seen of late how interconnected the world is with supply chains… and so forth, and we learnt the ripple effect will be global - why would we not prepare physically, practically? If we are hit by famine and have no reserves… Jesus is going to be like, I said there would be a famine. There is the strength of man and then there is... foolishness.
The UK government is currently handing out lump sums to farmers to leave or retire early. Similar patterns are occurring in the U.S.
Especially those in leadership. We know that, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matt 4:4; cf. Deu 8:3) There is a famine of the word of God, and flock need feeding, now. But their will come a famine of edible food and they will need to be fed. Don’t be more spiritual than God, it not one or the other, but both spiritual and physical needs. It’s the masters house who are to be fed – the household of God, primarily.
The mark of the beast is coming, “so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark” (Rev 13:17). If the previous two years has taught us something, it’s that there will be people who do NOT want the mark, not for religious reasons but for lack of trust in authority, but have no food. Your physical preparation, including food will be your chance your witness. When diligent preparation meets opportunity, fruits of mission is inevitable.
Jesus fed five thousand men (besides women and children) because a little boy prepped “five barley loaves and two fish” (John 6:9). Elijah stayed with a widow and her son during a three-and-a-half-year drought and famine (sound familiar) and God multiplied provisions when she gave in faith. She gave her last meal for herself and her son, to a stranger. Her flour and oil miraculously didn’t run out. God provides after faithful generosity.
The Wicked slave
In contrast, the wicked servant is bored of waiting. Thinking he has time to get drunk. How did he buy the booze: he’s taken the mark of the beast. Drunkenness of course means more than effects of alcohol, but the spiritual lethargy brought on by indulging in the world’s treats. He missed the signs. He’s unprepared. He’s mocking those who won’t take the mark and are hungry. He’s a hypocrite.
Flagrant rebellion is not going to go unnoticed.
He will be cut, weep, and gnash.
Exhortation - Labouring Diligently
Jesus delegates responsibilities and care of his household to his servants. In the process of watching and readiness, he expects diligent labouring. Faithfulness does not look like sitting on the sofa eating crisps, drinking coke, and googling your favourite prophecy teachers – no matter how good your colourful timeline is. Nor does it look like 24-hour meditation between vegan meals, without practical application.
The unbeliever is characterised by failing to watch, be ready, or labouring diligently. These will be cursed to the lake of fire.
Believers are characterised by Watchfulness, Readiness, Diligence. These will be blessed in the coming kingdom.
If we prepare to feed the flock at the proper time, God will provide the food at the proper time. Through tribulation, the most fruitful time of mission is to come. A time when he “will pour out [his] Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants” (Joel 2:28-29)
Jesus is asking us – what kind of servant are we? Are we impatience with God’s plan? And neglect God-given responsibilities? Are we active in eagerly waiting for the return of our Master?
25:1-13 The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Then we are faced with two longer parables that emphasise these same points of preparedness: watchfulness, readiness, diligence. The parable of the ten virgins concentrates on the first two.
Remember chapter divisions were inserted later – but his discourse continues into chapter 25.
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.
This is where we pause and bask in the assumption, we are the wise ones. But keep reading:
5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matt 25:1-13)
Who is the Bridegroom?
Let’s first identify the characters of the parable.
The bridegroom we know is Jesus. He identifies himself as the bridegroom several times throughout the gospels, in part to reveal he is YHWH, the God and bridegroom of Sinai.
Who are the virgins?
The use of virgins is another way to communicate a collective bride before marriage consummation. The scriptures such as Jeremiah 14 and 18 use virginity to depict God’s people who are in a covenant relationship with him. Of note, in Jeremiah 14, “the virgin daughter” (14:17), Israel, were under judgement from God, that would eventually include the destruction of the Temple by the Babylonians, and Jeremiah warns in this chapter of a time of drought and famine. The past points to the future.
To the Corinthians, Paul would refer to the church, Jew and joining gentiles as a virgin: “For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Cor. 11:2-3)
I understand the last generation of Christians are portrayed in this parable as ten virgins. If true, the time delay cannot mean between the comings, but a period of waiting of the final week-of-years of this age. The term virgins indicate their status in the community not their spiritual condition: They profess Christ. You can sense the concern and friction on Paul’s pen between the pure, and the deceived.
A First-century Jewish Wedding
A Jewish wedding is being compared to the coming Kingdom. Why? Because the Marriage feast is a culmination of the marriage covenant initiated at Sinai.
It helps then to understand a first-century Jewish wedding.
Typically, there were four stages.
1. The arrangement. A bride price is paid from the father of the groom to the father of the bride, once an agreement was made. Frequently this arrangement would take place when the bride and groom were children. As adults the couple exchange vows and were then considered legally married.
2. The Fetching of the bride. The groom along with friends would then surprise the bride by going to her home to fetch her and bring her back to his hometown and the place he has prepared for her often attached to his father’s house. This would have to be at least one year after the arrangement but could be many years after. During the wait, the bride would prepare her garments and be watchful because the Father of the groom would announce the start of the ceremony to the blast of a shofar.
3. The Mikvah. The bride is led to the immersion pool, the mikvah, for ritual cleansing. Once purified, the wedding ceremony could take place that involved only close friends and family.
4. The Wedding Feast (proper). Which would last many days, and the invite was extended to many more people for the feast than the ceremony.
Referring to Messiah and his bride the church:
1. God the Father arranged for the bride payment by the blood of his Son (Eph 5:22-33) We made a vow to the groom, and prepared our fine linen garments: “for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.” (Revelation 19:8)
2. The fetching of the bride will take place at the rapture / resurrection to bring his bride the church to his heavenly home. (John 14:1-3)
3. The Wedding Ceremony will take place in the heights of heavens, as they are declared righteous, clothed with white robes. Revelation 7 depicts this scene. Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) And we could say, no can ascend to the Father to walk down the aisle as a spotless bride except with Jesus as bridegroom.
4. The Wedding Feast, which is not just symbolic but characteristic of the kingdom, an actual feast and celebration will then take place on earth in Israel. “On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine...” (Isa 25:6) I look forward to that.
This parable is about who will and who will not participate in the wedding feast, in the coming kingdom.
All the virgins had lamps
All the virgins had lamps, because they are unsure if the groom would come in the day or the night. They do not know the day or hour. In some sense they all appeared ready. Even the foolish held lamps. They are part of the team. They all heard and are holding the same message of light. Doing what others did in community but not really believing it. They showed the outward readiness but did not have the inner readiness.
Professing to be watchful but not preparing to be ready.
What is the oil?
If we peer into in the prophets such as Zechariah 4, oil can be symbolic of the Holy Spirit.
The oil could point to various realities, but the emphasis is readiness.
Five Foolish, Five Wise
Five are classed as wise because they have the Holy Spirit in them. The Holy Spirit gives wisdom. Letters before and after your name do not equate to wisdom. Wisdom may set you a path that includes titles and status and influence, but you cannot reverse engineer it. Knowing the Lord through the indwelling of the spirit results in virgin-like-wisdom.
Five are not sealed with the holy spirit. They are fools. “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”” (Ps 14:1) When asked if he believes in God, our Prime Minister quoted this Psalm. It is true, but is he a fool? They do not express the fruits of the spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”
They took no oil because while they are members of the church in possession of a lamp, they are not in covenant relationship with God.
Wise virgins are informed virgins. It would be foolish to set out on mission without being informed. Ground zero informed mission means studying his Word in spiritual preparation with an expectation that the good Shepherd will feed his flock at the proper time, unsealing the words of the prophets. Jesus has already referenced Daniel 12 and this parable alludes to it again:
“Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” (Dan 12:4)
“for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be refined, but the wicked shall act wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.” (Dan 12:9-10)
Readying the oil could be quantified as an “increase” in “knowledge” and “understanding” poured into the wise watchers.
“Wise servants” prep physically.
“Wise virgins” prep spiritually also.
Wheat was physical prep. Oil is spiritual prep.
We should be both, prepping both.
The foolish virgins are those who resist, mock, bat eyelids at the “increase” in “knowledge,” and “understanding” unsealed at this time. They haven’t just labelled eschatologically a distraction but have no concern for basic preparation to stand firm during tribulation, falling to the wayside.
There will come a time when the wise must separate from the foolish virgins. So not to dirty their garments. There is a necessary tension between the parable in Matt 13 “Let both [the weeds and the wheat] grow together until the harvest” (Matt 13:30) And the warning Paul gives for: “what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1) So we take people at their word as professing Christ. Yet, it is becoming more obvious who are foolish weeds. Churches openly promoting the LGBT agenda and holding Muslim festivals. Kick out the wolves; careful not to pull up the wheat.
Midnight cry
Paul expounds on the “midnight cry” with the “cry of command” in 1 Thessalonians 4.
Some connect the midnight cry with the timing of the Abomination of Desolation, but Paul’s allusion identifies the midnight cry with the rapture/resurrection/translation.
Warning - All Asleep
All ten were asleep.
I would go Fishing in France, with my brother and a couple of friends each year in which we hire a lake with a log cabin to fish for carp – before kids. Early one morning, I cast out, sat on my bed chair, and in waiting I felt asleep. I was woken to the screams of my bite alarm. I got up as fast as I could – my rod was only 6-8 feet away- and stepped, and wham! I fell to the ground. I must have slept on my leg in a funny way that meant it was completely numb. I immediately got up, stepped, and wham I hit the ground again… and again, up and I fell… it was like a comedy sketch… and when I reached to strike my rod, the fish was gone.
If the body is asleep we cannot respond as we ought to, as we are required, as we may even want to when awake. They all trimmed their lamps – even the foolish, they all wanted to participate in the bridal procession to meet the bridegroom. I don’t know about you but I don’t wake up feeling like a million bucks. I don’t, I’m drowsy, grumpy, until I’ve had a cup tea. Very British. Not only that, if the body is asleep, which Jesus predicts… or it appears fine and be attached to body, but if some of the members are completely numb, we cannot function as one properly even when we are so close and right at the gates… and we miss not the catch of the day, but the catch of the LORD.
How can you look up if you are asleep? How can you look up if your neck is stiff and numb? How can the church body look up as one if we are consumed with the activities and treasures of the world?
That all ten were asleep could mean that less than 5% were awake, if you count one tenth as a collective, meaning more than 5% asleep would label that unit asleep. But that could be looking for something that’s not there, and it could be pride talking, finding a way to distance ourselves from the sleepy. Yet Jesus says: “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes.” Perhaps opening the door a jar to a tiny minority who remain awake.
Pattern in the garden of Gethsemane
To reinforce the sleepy aspect, the pattern of sleeping would be acted out by the disciples in the following chapter, in the garden of Gethsemane as they fail to watch while Jesus steps away for a while.
“And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”” (Matt 26:40-41)
The bridegroom came
Oil-burning lamps were essential for an evening event. It would be embarrassing at the least to run out of oil. You’ve had plenty of time to prepare for the ceremony.
It was too late to run an errand.
The door shut is a reference to God’s shutting the door on the Ark of Noah, sealing the salvaged, with no chance of entrance for the rest.
Exclusion of the Foolish
“I do not know you”
A sobering warning. Is Jesus saying that half the professing church will not enter the Kingdom of God? I think so. When I look at the church today, it doesn’t surprise me.
Jesus had already warned:
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father …. did we not prophesy… cast out demons… do many mighty works in your name?... I never knew you” (Matt 7:21-23)
Do Jewish Rabbis do work in the name of Jesus? No. Professing Christians do.
How tragic, that people go to church, their whole lives, they help in the kids work, they are part of your mission team… they think they know him. But they do not know him.
Bride unprepared
Friends the bride is in bad shape.
If my wife rocked up on our wedding day, drunk, covered in sick, dishevelled… I’d say, I don’t know that person, I don’t know who that person is. The woman I knew was excited to get married and excited to prepare for the day.
The bride must awake and sober up before the end. Recovering from the worse hangover of her life will be challenging.
Exhortation – Watch & be ready
Why would we watch if we’re not to know the day nor the hour? The Parable of Fig tree; The Picture of thief; The Wise servant; The primary sign midway through the week.
A watch was a three-hour timeframe. The fault of the householder was his ignorance of the three-hour timeframe in which the thief was coming. We are commanded to discover the basic timeframe of the final week of history. The media are trying to distract you – they want you to keep watch of what they want – a slap at the Oscars… don’t waste precious time keeping watch of that. They want to drown out the voice of the shepherd.
Watch – Passover tradition
We read in Exodus of the Passover:
“It was a night of watching by the LORD, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the LORD by all the people of Israel throughout their generations.” (Ex 12:42)
Jesus’ affirmation and allusion of this tradition would be evident with Passover just two days away.
At the last supper, the Passover meal he says: “I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”” (Matt 26:29)
The Passover feast points backwards and forwards to salvation and the marriage feast in the kingdom.
“Do this in remembrance of me” is a call to continue the tradition of the eschatological banquet (under the new covenant).
To drink is to watch.
Watch for the appointed time “the Father has fixed by his own authority.” (Acts 1:7) “proclaim[ing] the Lord's death until he comes.” (1 Cor. 11:26)
“let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) Akin to removing all the leaven from our homes.
The brides preparation does not come through casual study of his word, lukewarm obedience, nor procrastination. It not come through mocking those who seek understanding nor patronising those who resit and play down his warnings. It does not come through insurrections, woke activism, or conserving the status quo.
We are to watch with readiness, to be rescued from Egypt.
You cannot partake in the mission, to cross the red sea and have one foot back in Egypt. That life must be drowned.
Watch – guard mission
To watch is to guard your mission. The devil and his minions are on mission to thwart your activities.
Watch while we work.
Watch – awaken human heart
To watch is to awaken the human heart.
The apocalyptic nature of the discourse – a woman in labour, the flood of Noah, celestial wonders, a thief in the night – is intended to defibrillate the human heart, to waken her from that comfortable posture with the depravity of this sinful age. Your church was shut down for better part of two years to shock you from the rhythms of lethargic posture.
In his kindness.
Watch – be blessed
Be ready, however long it takes.
Be encouraged – if you watch and are ready, you will not miss the bridegroom.
Be blessed: “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Rev 19:9)
Revelation 16 ties these themes together: “Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!” (Rev 16:15)
25:14-30 The Parable of the Talents
He moves from a parable about the church, to a parable concerning the people of Israel. The parable of the talents.
This is about settling accounts with the Jews. Then the sheep and goats is about settling accounts with Gentiles. The former relates to Ezekiel 20 and the latter to Joel 3. Jesus designed such parables to instil the fear of God concerning the coming judgment. To the Jew first.
Who is the man/master?
“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.” (25:14)
The man or master represents Jesus.
Who are the servants?
The servants in this context make up the collective servant, Israel.
What is the property?
What is the property entrusted to them?
“They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the [Temple] worship, and the promises.” (Rom 9:4)
And perhaps above all promises, the land inheritance.
It’s the master’s land. He has chosen to give it the people of Jacob, but the Mosaic law is still in play, hence the great tribulation to come. The law was given as instructions to steward God's property as tenants. It is promised to Abraham and offspring, but Abraham has not inherited the land yet.
What are the talents?
“To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability.” (25:15)
A talent was the largest denomination of money, equivalent to 20 years of income.
Talents are not symbolic of the gospel, or spiritual gifts, and should not confused with Britain’s Got Talent.
Did they gain more gospels, or more spiritual gifts? The master’s rewards, consisting of greater responsibility, points to an understanding that talents should be thought of in the most general terms - a disciple’s fulfilment of their responsibilities.
The Journey
“Then he went away.” (25:15)
The journey you’ve guessed is to heaven and back, consistent with teaching on Messiah of two distinct missions.
Investment of each
“He who had received the five talents went at once [he didn’t delay] and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money.” (16-18)
Similar to the parable of the faithful and wise servant, the emphasis is diligence, not in physically preparation as such, but in faithful stewardship.
Are we industrious for him, or for us? How many sermons are about how to get that new job promotion. In fellowship, are we taken most by each other’s industry and the trappings of those industries? If you met Paul, would you be asking about last year’s tentmaking revenue? It might be out of curiosity, but I’m not going to be talking tents with Paul all night.
Gain for the master, is our focus.
Reason for return
“Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” (20-23)
Notice that 5 returning 10 is commended and rewarded in the same way as 2 returning 4.
It’s not about how much responsibility you are given, but how you respond with what you have been given.
Whatever level of responsibility you have been assigned; you are expected to faithfully make gains corresponding to that assignment. No more, no less.
If you steward your assignment well now, you’ll be rewarded with a bigger assignment then. A tribulationous assignment now. A Joyous assignment then.
Unfaithful servant’s response
“He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’” (25:24-25)
Although he only received one talent, he was required to match it. He gained nothing for his master. Rather referring to him as a hard man (demanding, violent, harsh) – his twisted perception reveals his own attitude, and the false god created in his own image. Based on his twisted perception he reveals his twisted motive - Not a healthy fear of God, a twisted fear of a master he’d made up in his head. Because he didn’t know him. If he had known his master, he would have been industrious for him.
Master’s response to the unfaithful
“But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has, will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” (25:26-30)
The gospel is bad news to the unfaithful.
He fails to understand that fruitfulness is a mark of His master’s power and grace, but it is a result of the servant’s diligence, for his master to reap. The owner has a right to harvest on his land wherever he chooses. And gather where he didn’t sow – it all belongs to him.
The wicked servant is classed as worthless and sharply and ultimately rebuked.
As Ezekiel penned:
“I will enter into judgment with you face to face… I will purge out the rebels from among you, and those who transgress against me...” (Ezekiel 20:35-38)
For his inactivity, forfeiting even what he has, into the darkness of the lake. Alone, scared, hearings the sounds of weeping and gnashing of teeth, if not his own.
Lessons
The lessons are both encouraging and sobering.
Although primarily to the Jewish people - Gentiles too can apply the principles, as well as provoking the Jew to jealously.
We could ask: Are we bitter that we haven’t been given more, and therefore slothful in self-pity? Have we been given much but cruising in luxury? Do the groans of the curse mean we’re active before others but secretly meet our hedonistic desires. Satisfying our tastebuds, sexual urges, passions of shiny goods, and holiday experiences, to anesthetise personal hurts, or claim his inheritance before time. The price tag on those things are weighty.
Do we seek the master’s face to discover His purposes for own lives? Could we stand before our master and say, “I faithfully fulfilled the mission you gave.” Would he say to you, “‘Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Notice will all these parables, it’s not the obvious ones who don’t enter the kingdom.
The list of: the sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, thieves, drunkards, the greedy (1 Cor 6:9-10) These are baseline exclusions. But these parables are saying it can be the ones who appear religious. The ones we sit with us. There is a genuine danger of becoming the wicked servant, the foolish virgin, and the slothful manager.
“each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire…” (1 Cor 3:10–17)
25:31-46 The Sheep and Goat Judgement
Jesus addressed the church, then the Jew, now the gentile.
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”
Then follows when. When he comes… then he sits as king. The kingdom does not come until “the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him”. Do not confuse the present heavenly throne at the right hand of the father with the future Davidic throne on earth. The same throne angel Gabriel said Jesus would reign upon forever (Luke 1:32-33). Jesus will sit on a literal throne, the Davidic throne, in literal Jerusalem during a literal 1000-year year reign, and beyond.
When the Son of Man comes, all false gods and false philosophies will be exposed. Everyone will know there is only one God, the God of Israel. Not any god, the Son of Man described by the Jewish scriptures.
This is a judgment of who will enter the millennial kingdom (of those who remain alive.)
When does this judgment take place?
Daniel 12 mentions two extended numbers after the final 3.5 years, or 1260 days.
“from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be 1,290 days. Blessed is he who waits and arrives at the 1,335 days.” (Dan 12:11-12)
We have then an extended 30 days plus another 45 days.
After the rapture/resurrection, the 7th seal releases the trumpets, 6 of the 7 trumpets of revelation are blown as the wrath of God is poured out on the wicked, during which time Jesus will save the remnant of Israel retracing the steps of the exodus as the better Moses, renewing the covenant at Sinai, and into the promised land as the better Joshua, reclaiming the kingdom; The 70th week, the end of the age, and mystery of God complete; The seventh trumpet then blows and releases the 7 bowls of wrath that includes the plagues that kills the armies of Armageddon; This takes place within the 30 day period. The sheep and goat judgment which immediately follows takes place during the remaining 45 days that takes it to reach 1335 days.
Jesus is expounding upon the prophecy of Joel:
““For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, (Joel 3:1-2b)
Where does the judgement take place?
Where does it take place? – the valley of Jehoshaphat – the part of the Kidron valley that separates the temple mount and Old City with the mount of Olives. As the disciples sit on the mount of Olives, Joel 3 would not be lost on them.
Joel goes on to describe the armies of Antichrist that gather in the Valley of Jezreel – Jesus gathers them to him at the Kidron valley.
Let the nations stir themselves up and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. (Joel 3:12)
Once divided Jesus devours them:
“The LORD roars from Zion… the heavens and the earth quake… the LORD is a refuge to his people… And Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall never again pass through it.” (Joel 3:16-17)
The lion of Judah kills his prey, roaring out victory. The gentiles that attempted to exterminate the Jews are themselves exterminated.
The judgment is on behalf of Israel, the firstborn of God.
What is the judgment based on?
Joel lists four reasons:
1. “because they have scattered them among the nations
2. and have divided up my land, - I’m looking at the UN, even British administration.
3. and have cast lots for my people – enslavement of Jewish
4. and have traded a boy for a prostitute and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it.” – Jewish children into prostitution (Joel 3:1-3)
The gentiles who survive the tribulation, and trumpets and bowls, will be judged on the basis of being pro-Jewish or anti-Jewish.
Jesus Develops upin this
Presenting himself as the eschatological judge, Jesus develops upon this list.
To the Sheep:
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ (Matt 25:35-36)
During the great tribulation Jews will be chased down by the antichrist. The gentiles who hide and provide shelter, nourishment, clothing, medicine are the sheep gentiles.
To the Goats:
“42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ (Matt 25:42-43)
The gentile goats feared the Antichrist over Christ. They refuse to protect and provide for the Jewish people during this unparalleled persecution.
Moreover, these gentiles who’ve taken the mark, have no sympathy with those who have not – “should have taken it then shouldn’t you!”
Who are the brothers / brethren?
Having read from the book of Joel, “these my brothers” or “brethren” in verse 40 is evidently the Jewish people. They are the apple of his eye.
Yes, the Torah teaches leaving part of the field to feed the hungry (Lev 23:22), treat others kindly, and mission to the poor or those in prison is important, AND how much more when it’s Jesus or His brethren who requires service. To the Jew first. And also the Greek.
To the Galatians, to the Romans, when Paul uses the word poor, it is shorthand for poor in Jerusalem, from a desire to see all Israel be saved.
Pointing across to the Temple Jesus says, “these My brethren” and not “you My brethren.” It is national Israel not just the messianic believers.
I would add, that to persecute Israel both national and grafted, is to persecute him.
Matthew is written primarily to the Jewish people so he includes this from the discourse to encourage Jewish believers, that fierce tribulation will be followed by fierce vengeance and righteous judgment. I am the one who brings judgment against, but I am also the one who restores you, and judges the people on your behalf.
To serve national Israel before she reaches her glory is to serve the coming king.
Warning to shepherds in Ezekiel 34
In warning about serving and shepherding his flock, Jesus draws on Ezekiel 34:
“prophesy against the shepherds of Israel… who have been feeding yourselves!... not.. the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened… the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered… “
I will… put a stop to their feeding the sheep. (Eze 34:1-10)
“I judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and male goats.” (Eze 34:17)
“I will rescue my flock;… And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David (Eze 34:22-24)
You cannot claim all the blessings of Israel but discard the flock of Israel. In His absence, he has entrusted His flock to the church.
The Abrahamic Covenant
The Abrahamic Covenant is the foundation of this judgment.
Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Gen 12:1-3)
Our future salvation is dependent upon the salvation of the Jewish nation. All the families of earth are blessed when the great nation is established in the land, by the worthy King.
We circle back to where we began with Matthew 24 – the pride of man. The pride of man matures with expressed hatred of the Jew.
Those who bless God’s purposes for Abraham’s descendants, will be blessed in participation of those purposes. Those who dishonour, curse, thwart God’s purposes for Abraham’s descendants, will be cursed and cut out of the families of the earth that shall be blessed. Destiny is somewhat self-selecting.
National Response
This is the first generation whereby Israel has become a global controversy. Take a peek at the UN resolutions against Israel for example. While Jerusalem is not a financial or business hub, world news pivots around it. “the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain” (Ps. 2:1)
How has the UK nation treated them? After WW2, did we not recant on our promises? We severely limited Jewish immigration into their own land, turning ships around to their death.
We know the time will arrive when a trial greater than the holocaust will come. Where will we stand as nations, as leaders, as individuals?
Individual Response
Will we labour for the Jewish people in their darkest hour?
Last year I read of the death of a bishop. He was known to some for antisemitism. A bishop. If you are not a friend of Israel, how can you claim to be a friend of God?
Many doctrines can tell me where people are at. But the centrality of Israel is the litmus test.
For proper discernment and prophetic voice in the end times, we must have this Abrahamic framework.
What is the judgement?
And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. (Matt 25:33)
Shepherds would watch over a mixed multitude of sheep and goats, who can appear very similar.
Those who follow God were symbolised as sheep in the scriptures such as Psalm 23.
Sheep don’t have the best vision. Which is why they follow the one in front, regardless of where they are heading. The Shepherd takes advantage of their hearing, calling to them with a recognizable voice. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
Goats do not follow in the same way, wandering independently, following their own minds, sometimes to their own end. They rebel against the shepherd’s voice. It is no surprise they are symbolised as the unfaithful.
National vs Individual
The main concern is individual judgment. The separation of right from left, results in two groups, and not nations as such.
Though, there is a national, corporate element to it. It is not nations getting divided as such, but will our kings be held account by the king of kings. Working his way down, ultimately ending up with two groups.
The sheep will go on to populate the nations in the millennium. The saints with the backing of Jesus will rule these nations.
The Gospel must go out to all nations before they are gathered for judgement. Just as the gospel going out - involves the individual but also national call to repentance, so too judgment includes both individual and national aspects.
The Right Hand
The right hand is associated with salvation, the righteous, those he exalts, and those whose strength is in the LORD.
From Psalm 118 once more:
The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
15 Glad songs of salvation
are in the tents of the righteous:
“The right hand of the LORD does valiantly,
16 the right hand of the LORD exalts,
the right hand of the LORD does valiantly!” (Ps 118:14-16)
Consequence of the Sheep
Sheep are delt with first.
Then the King will say 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. (Matt 25:34)
the righteous into eternal life.” (25:46)
They followed the path of Jesus at least in regards his people, Israel. Jesus knows that, in accepting the King’s subjects, they will accept the king. Their blessing for obedience means they will inherit the kingdom – and have a chance to include in their inheritance any children they may bring forth in millennial kingdom. Like Adam, but who lost his inheritance of the garden.
They do not have glorified bodies but are given a chance of eternal life like Adam.
Jesus will call them righteous. They are not saved because of prosemitic actions, that would be salvation by works, but their hearts are evidenced by works.
By placing the kingdom inheritance firmly in the future we do not play down activity, accountability, maturity of faith in the present. A father disciples his son for inheritance of the family estate throughout his life (Heb 12). He wants to ensure his character is eligible to inherit such a large dwellings and responsibility. He will encourage and discipline his son throughout the years to ensure he is a fit heir.
Blessings now point to the ultimate blessings then. Judgment now points to the ultimate judgment then. Blessings, healings, the Holy Spirit’s deposit now, or we could say an allowance now should not be confused with inheritance then. Anything given now is for the purposes of coaching to ready a person to receive the inheritance. An attempt to receive kingdom inheritance now is akin to the prodigal son. This is the age in which we are called to take the path of the cross.
The Response of the Sheep
Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (Matt 25:37-40)
You did it to me. It’s personal.
Consequence of the Goats
“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.” (Matt 25:41)
“And these will go away into eternal punishment,” (Matt 25:46)
Again, it is not judgment by works. Their actions are evidence of their rebellious hearts toward the shepherd.
Jesus sits facing the temple as he will then on a throne to judge. As he gestures to the sheep on his right he points to the direction of the golden gate, entrance to the temple and kingdom. As he gestures to the goats on his left he is pointing towards Gehenna. The valley south of the old city. This very valley will be filled with fire and sulphur from the springs of sheol.
Who you follow now, determines who you follow then. They followed the beast and his false prophet and so they will follow his path, left of Jesus, down to the lake.
Perhaps in Spartan fashion. An angel will kick them alive in the fiery pit: “This is Jerusalem!”
Forever burning, “they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Rev 20:10)
The smoke that rises will be seen for many miles, as a warning, and a wonder of praise, that justice has been established in all the earth.
Response of the Goats
Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ (Matt 25:44-45)
“you did not do it to me”. You hunted me down. You persecuted me. It’s personal.
Distinct Destinies
These judgements determine two people groups with distinct characteristics, destined for distinct destinations.
Wicked, slothful, Foolish, worthless VS Faithful, wise, diligent, good
There will be no grey areas. Inherit the kingdom or inherit Gehenna.
He will settle accounts with every Jew, and will settle accounts with every gentile. It is comforting and sobering. Are we living in light of Judgement?
Kingdom is established
Now we are left with only rightful citizens, in the land of Israel, with its present king, the kingdom can be inaugurated. Restoration of Israel. Restoration to a pre-flood world, with Edenic conditions.
“Then everyone who survives of all the nations… shall go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts…” (Zec 14:16)
“the eyes of the blind shall be opened... the ears of the deaf unstopped… the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.” (Isa 35:5-6)
This is our hope!
There is a great reset coming. They have no idea who will doing the resetting!!
“When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:21)
Closing & Prayer
In closing then.
Adding to Part 1’s list: Preparation for the coming king looks like:
Mission that includes diligent preparation – physically & spiritually
Mission that includes diligent stewardship, chiefly of responsibilities.
Above all, Mission that is faithful to God’s purposes for Abraham’s descendants – the Jewish people.
Let’s Pray.
Prayer
Father in heaven help us as your sons and daughters:
To go out encouraged that you are with us.
To be faithful Jews and faithful gentiles. Sobered and confident that all accounts will be settled.
With watchfulness and readiness, may we arrive at 1335 days and be blessed, and rest and stand in our allotted place at the end of the days.
May we labour responsibility and diligently manage the little now in training, to receive much then.
May we be generous with provisions for such a time of opportunity to witness of your grace and mercy.
May the Holy Spirit be poured into our vessels to send us out bold and certain in sound.
In the drowning noise of the world, help us to hear and learn the distinct voice of the good Shepherd.
Grant us discernment Father in these years to come.
Thank you for these instructions, as reassurance, as warning, as practical and spiritual guidance.
May we share in your destiny to the cross, and the Kingdom. May we share in your inheritance!
We thank you LORD you have promised that on:
“that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Shittim.” (Joel 3:18)
And “Judah shall be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem to all generations… for the LORD [will] dwell in Zion.” (Joel 3:20-21)
For yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever, in your name Jesus, Maranatha.
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