Matthew 25:34
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.
Then the King
The term "King" here refers to Jesus Christ, who is depicted as the sovereign ruler and judge. In the Greek, "Basileus" signifies a monarch with authority and power. This imagery of Christ as King is consistent with the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, such as in Isaiah 9:6-7, where the government is upon His shoulders. Historically, kings were seen as ultimate authorities, and this portrayal emphasizes Christ's divine authority and His role in the final judgment.

will say
The phrase "will say" indicates a future action, pointing to the eschatological nature of this passage. The Greek verb "erei" is in the future tense, underscoring the certainty of this pronouncement. This reflects the Christian belief in the Second Coming of Christ, where He will speak with authority and clarity, separating the righteous from the unrighteous.

to those on His right
In biblical symbolism, the right side is often associated with favor and honor. The Greek word "dexios" means right hand or right side, and it is traditionally seen as a place of privilege. In ancient cultures, sitting at the right hand of a king was a position of trust and authority, as seen in Psalm 110:1. This indicates that those on His right are the ones who have lived in accordance with God's will.

Come
The invitation "Come" is a welcoming command, an invitation to enter into eternal fellowship with God. The Greek word "deute" is an imperative, showing urgency and importance. This call echoes the invitation of Jesus throughout the Gospels, where He invites all to follow Him and find rest for their souls (Matthew 11:28).

you who are blessed by My Father
The phrase "blessed by My Father" signifies divine favor and approval. The Greek word "eulogemenoi" means blessed or fortunate, and it is a passive participle, indicating that the blessing is received from God. This blessing is not earned but is a result of God's grace and mercy. It reflects the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, where Jesus describes the blessedness of those who live according to God's kingdom values.

inherit the kingdom
The word "inherit" suggests a gift or legacy, something that is received rather than earned. The Greek "kleronomesate" implies a legal right to receive an inheritance. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where believers are described as heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). The "kingdom" refers to the reign and rule of God, a central theme in Jesus' teaching, representing both a present reality and a future hope.

prepared for you
The phrase "prepared for you" indicates intentionality and forethought. The Greek "hetoimasmenen" is a perfect passive participle, suggesting that the preparation is complete and has been made ready by God Himself. This preparation reflects God's eternal plan and purpose for His people, as seen in Ephesians 1:4, where believers are chosen before the foundation of the world.

from the foundation of the world
This phrase emphasizes the eternal nature of God's plan. The Greek "apo kataboles kosmou" literally means from the laying down of the world, indicating that God's plan for salvation and the kingdom was established before creation. This highlights the sovereignty and omniscience of God, who has orchestrated history according to His divine purpose, assuring believers of their secure place in His eternal kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The King
Refers to Jesus Christ, who is depicted as the sovereign judge and ruler in this parable. He is the one who separates the sheep from the goats and invites the righteous into His kingdom.

2. Those on His Right
Symbolizes the righteous or the "sheep" in the parable. They are the ones who have lived according to God's will and are invited to inherit the kingdom.

3. The Father
God the Father, who blesses the righteous and has prepared the kingdom for them.

4. The Kingdom
Represents the eternal life and heavenly realm prepared by God for the righteous. It is a place of blessing and reward.

5. Foundation of the World
Indicates God's eternal plan and foreknowledge. The kingdom was prepared long before creation, highlighting God's sovereignty and purpose.
Teaching Points
The Sovereignty of God
God's plan for His people is eternal and sovereign, prepared from the foundation of the world. This should give believers confidence in His unchanging purpose.

The Role of Righteousness
The invitation to inherit the kingdom is extended to those who have lived righteously. Our actions and faithfulness matter in God's kingdom.

The Assurance of Inheritance
Believers can have assurance of their inheritance in God's kingdom, as it is a promise from the King Himself.

Living with Eternal Perspective
Understanding that the kingdom is prepared for us should motivate us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters.

The Blessing of Being Chosen
Being called "blessed by My Father" is a profound privilege. It reminds us of our identity and calling as God's chosen people.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding that the kingdom was prepared "from the foundation of the world" impact your view of God's sovereignty and plan for your life?

2. In what ways can you live more righteously to align with the invitation to inherit the kingdom?

3. How does the assurance of being "blessed by My Father" influence your daily walk with Christ?

4. What practical steps can you take to maintain an eternal perspective in your daily decisions and actions?

5. How do other scriptures, such as Ephesians 1:4-5 and Romans 8:17, deepen your understanding of your inheritance in Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ephesians 1:4-5
This passage speaks of believers being chosen before the foundation of the world, similar to the kingdom being prepared from the foundation of the world.

Revelation 21:7
Describes the inheritance of the kingdom by those who overcome, paralleling the invitation to inherit the kingdom in Matthew 25:34.

Romans 8:17
Discusses believers as heirs with Christ, which aligns with the concept of inheriting the kingdom.
The Surprise of the RighteousCharles KingsleyMatthew 25:34
The Great AssizeJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 25:31-46
The JudgmentMarcus Dods Matthew 25:31-46
The Judgment of the NationsW.F. Adeney Matthew 25:31-46
A Call to GloryJ. Vaughan, M. A.Matthew 25:34-44
Charitable Actions Reveal an Inward GraceC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 25:34-44
Charity Ministers to Self-EnjoymentT. Manton.Matthew 25:34-44
Christ Inviting His Saints to His KingdomC. Bradley.Matthew 25:34-44
Christ Reproaching the WickedMatthew 25:34-44
Christian BenevolenceAnon.Matthew 25:34-44
Christian SympathyJ. Gaskin, M. A.Matthew 25:34-44
Christ's RepresentativesTranslated from the German of Krummacher.Matthew 25:34-44
Destiny Determined by ServiceablenessJ. C. Jones.Matthew 25:34-44
Done to My Friends is Done to MeMatthew 25:34-44
God Rewards CharityT. Manton.Matthew 25:34-44
Hard to See Christ in the Poverty of the SaintsT. Manton.Matthew 25:34-44
HeavenJ. Leifchild, D. D.Matthew 25:34-44
Heaven Prepared Far the SaintsC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 25:34-44
Judgment Upon WorksT. Manton.Matthew 25:34-44
Kindhess to Christ's ServantsMatthew 25:34-44
Necessity of Good WorksR. Winterbotham, M. A.Matthew 25:34-44
Practical Beneficence the True Christian LifeR. Veitch, M. A.Matthew 25:34-44
Relation of Good Works to ChristianityMartin Luther., F. B. Proctor, M. A.Matthew 25:34-44
Self-ForgetfulnessC. D. Bridgeman, D. D.Matthew 25:34-44
Sins of OmissionT. Manton.Matthew 25:34-44
The Blessed Sometimes Think Themselves Cursed, ForgottenJ. Cumming, D. D.Matthew 25:34-44
The Disabilities of SelfishnessH. Allon.Matthew 25:34-44
The Divine Law of CompassionT. R. Evans.Matthew 25:34-44
The Final SeparationC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 25:34-44
The Final TestH. Melvill, B. D.Matthew 25:34-44
The Objects, Source, and Dignity of Christian LiberalityT. Robinson, M. A.Matthew 25:34-44
The Principle by Which Men Shall be JudgedA. Watson, D. D.Matthew 25:34-44
The Reasons for Christ's SentenceT. Manton.Matthew 25:34-44
The Reward of the RighteousC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 25:34-44
The Surprise of the RighteousJ. W. Alexander.Matthew 25:34-44
The Tests of the Final JudgmentS. Robins, M. A., W. Clarke., A. MeCaul, D. D.Matthew 25:34-44
The Unavailing Declinatures of Praise and BlameM. Martin, M. A.Matthew 25:34-44
There is More in Our Deeds than We are Aware OfCanon Scott-Holland.Matthew 25:34-44
True Benevolence of ChristianityMatthew 25:34-44
People
Jesus
Places
Mount of Olives
Topics
Blessed, Blessing, Creation, Divinely, Father's, Foundation, Inherit, Inheritance, Intended, Kingdom, O, Ones, Prepared, Ready, Receive, Reign, World's
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 25:34

     1115   God, purpose of
     2357   Christ, parables
     2376   kingdom of God, coming
     4938   fate, final destiny
     5262   commendation
     5267   control
     5355   invitations
     5701   heir
     5705   inheritance, spiritual
     6708   predestination
     8106   assurance, nature of
     9412   heaven, worship and service
     9413   heaven, inheritance

Matthew 25:1-46

     2309   Christ, as judge

Matthew 25:14-46

     8344   servanthood, in believers

Matthew 25:31-36

     5500   reward, God's people

Matthew 25:31-40

     5878   honour
     7150   righteous, the

Matthew 25:31-41

     9240   last judgment

Matthew 25:31-46

     1075   God, justice of
     5006   human race, destiny
     5381   law, letter and spirit
     6026   sin, judgment on

Matthew 25:32-34

     1270   right hand of God

Matthew 25:32-41

     4915   completion

Matthew 25:32-46

     1220   God, as shepherd
     2330   Christ, as shepherd

Matthew 25:33-34

     5156   hand

Matthew 25:34-36

     2378   kingdom of God, characteristics
     5274   credit
     5362   justice, believers' lives
     5448   poverty, attitudes to
     5876   helpfulness
     8245   ethics, incentives
     8436   giving, of possessions

Matthew 25:34-39

     8792   oppression, God's attitude

Matthew 25:34-40

     2570   Christ, suffering
     5449   poverty, remedies
     5661   brothers
     8452   neighbours, duty to
     8730   enemies, of believers

Library
The Surprise of the Righteous
Preached at Southsea for the Mission of the Good Shepherd. October 1871. St Matt. xxv. 34-37. "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

November 16. "Watch Therefore, for Ye Know Neither the Day" (Matt. xxv. 13).
"Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day" (Matt. xxv. 13). Jesus illustrates the unexpectedness of His coming by the figure of a thief entering a house when the master was not there. Life, like the old Jewish night, may be divided into three watches, youth, maturity, old age. The summons to meet God may come to us in either of these watches. A writer tells us of his experience with a camping party, of which he was a member, and which, he tells us, always arranged to have watches at night. "We
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

'They that were Ready'
'They that were ready went in with him to the marriage.' --MATT. xxv. 10. It is interesting to notice the variety of aspects in which, in this long discourse, Jesus sets forth His Second Coming. It is like the flood that swept away a world. It is like a thief stealing through the dark, and breaking up a house. It is like a master reckoning with his servants. These three metaphors suggest solemn, one might almost say alarming, images. But then this parable comes in and tells how that coming is like
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Dying Lamps
'Our lamps are gone out.'--MATT. xxv. 8. This is one of the many cases in which the Revised Version, by accuracy of rendering the tense of a verb, gives a much more striking as well as correct reproduction of the original than the Authorised Version does. The former reads 'going out,' instead of 'gone out,' a rendering which the Old Version has, unfortunately, relegated to the margin. It is clearly to be preferred, not only because it more correctly represents the Greek, but because it sets before
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Waiting Maidens
'Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4. But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7. Then all those virgins arose,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Traders for the Master
'For the kingdom of heaven la as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18. But he that had received one
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The King on his Judgment Throne
'When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: 32. And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33. And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34. Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxv. 1, "Then Shall the Kingdom of Heaven be Likened unto Ten virgins. "
1. Ye who were present yesterday remember my promise; which with the Lord's assistance is to be made good to-day, not to you only, but to the many others also who have come together. It is no easy question, who the ten virgins are, of whom five are wise, and five foolish. Nevertheless, according to the context of this passage which I have wished should be read again to you to-day, Beloved, I do not think, as far as the Lord vouchsafes to give me understanding, that this parable or similitude relates
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxv. 24, Etc. , Where the Slothful Servant who Would not Put Out the Talent He had Received, is Condemned.
1. My lords, my brethren, and fellow bishops have deigned to visit us and gladden us by their presence; but I know not why they are unwilling to assist me, when wearied. I have said this to you, Beloved, in their hearing, that your hearing may in a manner intercede for me with them, that when I ask them they also may discourse unto you in their turn. Let them dispense what they have received, let them vouchsafe to work rather than excuse themselves. Be pleased, however, to hear from me, fatigued
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

The Two Talents
Now, there are some men in the world who have but few talents. Our parable says, "One had five, and another two. To them I shall address myself this morning; and I pray that the few pointed things I may say, may be blessed of God to their edification or rebuke. First, I shall notice the fact that there are many persons who have but few talents, and I will try to account for God's dispensing but few to them. Secondly, I shall remind them that even for these few talents they must be brought to account.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Tenth Chapter
An excellent sermon which this Doctor delivered in a convent after his illumination, concerning Christ the true Bridegroom of the soul, in the which he showed how she is to follow Him in true, shamefaced, humble, and patient resignation, and how Christ tries her beforehand in divers ways, and at last accepts her lovingly. Taken from these words--"Ecce sponsus venit, exite obviam ei" (Matt. xxv. 6). DEAR children, it may be now two years or more since I last preached. I spoke to you then of four-and-twenty
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

The Day of Judgment. Extracted from a Sermon by Hugh Latimer, Bishop of Worcester, and Martyr, 1555. (1)
LUKE XXI.(2) As we die so we shall rise again. If we die in the state of damnation, we shall rise in that same state. Again, if we die in the state of salvation, we shall rise again in that state, and come to everlasting felicity, both of soul and body. For if we die now in the state of salvation, then at the last general day of judgment we shall hear this joyful sentence, proceeding out of the mouth of our Saviour Christ, when he will say, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, possess that kingdom which
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3.

Conclusion of Our Lord's Discourse. Parables of virgins and Talents. The Final Judgment.
(Mount of Olives. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXV. 1-46. ^a 1 Then [i. e., at the time of the Lord's coming. Jesus is still emphasizing the lesson of watchfulness, and proceeds to enforce it by two parables] shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten [probably the usual number on such occasions] virgins, who took their lamps [small earthenware vessels, with flax wicks, and without glass chimneys], and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [The Oriental wedding began with a feast in the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week-On the Mount of Olives-Last Parables: to the Disciples Concerning the Last Things-The Parable of the Ten virgins-The Parable Of
1. As might have been expected, the Parables concerning the Last Things are closely connected with the Discourse of the Last Things, which Christ had just spoken to His Disciples. In fact, that of the Ten Virgins, which seems the fullest in many-sided meaning, is, in its main object, only an illustration of the last part of Christ's Discourse. [5521] Its great practical lessons had been: the unexpectedness of the Lord's Coming; the consequences to be apprehend from its delay; and the need of personal
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Parable of the Talents (Matt. , xxv. , 14-30) Compared with that of the Pounds (Luke, xix. , 12).
The parable of the talents (Matt., xxv.) is evidently allied to that of the pounds [690] (Luke, xix., 12); but there are points of difference too striking to be ascribed to alterations in transmission. In the latter, each of the servants receives the same sum, one pound, and their position in the kingdom is assigned according to their gains. In the former, different sums are intrusted to the servants in proportion to their ability, and those who bring gains in the same proportion are rewarded accordingly.
Augustus Neander—The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion

The Ten virgins.
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Entrusted Talents.
"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

Of the Prerogatives which the Elect Shall Enjoy in Heaven.
By reason of this communion with God, the elect in heaven shall have four superexcellent prerogatives:-- 1. They shall have the kingdom of heaven for their inheritance (Matt. xxv.; 1 Pet. i. 4), and they shall be free denizens of the heavenly Jerusalem (Eph. ii. 19; Heb. xii. 22.) St. Paul, by being a free citizen of Rome (Acts xxi. 26), escaped whipping; but they who are once free citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, shall ever be freed from the whips of eternal torments. For this freedom was bought
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Works by J. G. Bellett.
The Patriarchs. Being meditations upon Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Job; with The Canticles, and Heaven and Earth. 435 pp. Cloth, post-paid,
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs

"Thence He Shall Come to Judge the Quick and Dead. ...
12. "Thence He shall come to judge the quick and dead." The quick, who shall be alive and remain; the dead, who shall have gone before. It may also be understood thus: The living, the just; the dead, the unjust. For He judges both, rendering unto each his own. To the just He will say in the judgment, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world." [1793] For this prepare yourselves, for these things hope, for this live, and so live, for this
St. Augustine—On the Creeds

Letter Lvii to the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine
To the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine [87] He thanks them for having hitherto remitted customs [or tolls, but asks that they will see that their princely liberality is not interfered with by the efforts of their servants. To the Duke and Duchess of Lorraine, Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, sends greeting, and prays that they may so lovingly and purely rejoice in each other's affection that the love of Christ alone maybe supreme in them both. Ever since the needs of our Order obliged me to send for necessaries
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Letter Liii to Another Holy virgin of the Convent of S. Mary of Troyes
To Another Holy Virgin of the Convent of S. Mary of Troyes [84] He dissuades her from the rash and imprudent design which she had in her mind of retiring into some solitude. 1. I am told that you are wishing to leave your convent, impelled by a longing for a more ascetic life, and that after spending all their efforts to dissuade and prevent you, seeing that you paid no heed to them, your spiritual mother or your sisters, determined at length to seek my advice on the matter, so that whatever course
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

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