Matthew 25:37 meaning
In the context of Jesus' teachings about the final judgment, the righteous pose a significant question that reflects their humility and self-awareness. They wonder not if they have done good deeds, but rather when they have served Him directly through acts of kindness to others. This response emphasizes a profound aspect of Christian faith: the inherent connection between serving others and serving Christ. The verse, “Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee?” illustrates a shift in understanding the nature of righteousness.
This moment underscores the principle that genuine faith expresses itself through compassionate actions. The righteous are portrayed as humble, recognizing that their kindness—often perceived as small or insignificant—has eternal implications. Acts of charity, particularly toward those in need, are not just good deeds; they are treated as acts done unto Christ Himself. This invocation of the least of society brings to light the critical truth that the measure of our faith is often observed in how we treat the marginalized and vulnerable among us.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 25:31-46 meaning. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats: "The Context of the Parable." Jesus ends His Olivet Discourse with a teaching about a series of Divine judgments. This teaching is known as "The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats." It is the final parable of four that discuss His return.
- Matthew 25:35-40 meaning. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats: "The Life Choices of the Righteous." The King will explain how the inheritance for the sheep was based on the way they treated Him through various acts of kindness and mercy during their lives on earth. The righteous will ask when they ever served Him. The King will reply that to the extent they served others, it was counted as if they served Him.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 10:5-10 meaning. Jesus instructs His disciples in what they are supposed to do when they go throughout the land proclaiming the kingdom, healing, and casting out demons. He tells them places to avoid and what resources they should and should not take with them.
- Matthew 13:31-32 meaning. Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed that grows from a small seed into a large life-giving tree.
- Matthew 25:14-30 meaning. Parable of the Talents: Jesus tells another parable about the kingdom of heaven and His return, likening them to a man who entrusts his estate to his servants while he is away on a long journey. He respectively entrusts five, two, and one talent(s) to three servants according to their abilities. The first two servants use this money to double his investment. The single talent servant digs a hole and buries the money entrusted to him. When the master returns, he settles the accounts with each of his servants. He rewards the first two servants for their faithfulness by giving them greater responsibilities and invites them to enter into the joy of their master. But he reprimands and demotes the third servant for his wicked laziness.