Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in,
For I was hungry
The phrase "For I was hungry" highlights the physical need for sustenance, a basic human necessity. The Greek word for "hungry" is "peinaō," which conveys a deep sense of need and lack. In the historical context of Jesus' time, hunger was a common plight due to economic disparities and frequent famines. This phrase calls believers to recognize and respond to the physical needs of others, reflecting God's compassion and provision.

and you gave Me something to eat
The act of giving "something to eat" signifies a tangible expression of love and care. The Greek verb "didōmi" (to give) implies a voluntary and generous action. This phrase emphasizes the importance of practical charity and hospitality, which were highly valued in ancient Jewish culture. It serves as a reminder that serving others is serving Christ Himself, as He identifies with the needy.

I was thirsty
"I was thirsty" addresses another fundamental human need. The Greek word "dipsaō" means to suffer from thirst, a condition that can lead to severe consequences if unmet. In the arid climate of the Middle East, access to water was crucial. This phrase underscores the call to provide for those in dire need, symbolizing spiritual as well as physical refreshment.

and you gave Me something to drink
Providing "something to drink" is an act of mercy and kindness. The Greek term "potizō" (to give to drink) suggests a nurturing action. In biblical times, offering water was a significant gesture of hospitality and care. This phrase encourages believers to extend grace and compassion, recognizing the dignity and worth of every individual.

I was a stranger
The term "stranger" comes from the Greek "xenos," meaning foreigner or outsider. In the ancient world, strangers often faced hostility and exclusion. This phrase calls Christians to embrace and welcome those who are different or marginalized, reflecting the inclusive love of Christ. It challenges believers to break down barriers and extend fellowship to all.

and you took Me in
The act of taking in a stranger, "sunagō," implies gathering or bringing together. This phrase highlights the biblical mandate for hospitality, a virtue esteemed in both Old and New Testament teachings. By welcoming the stranger, believers demonstrate the heart of God, who invites all into His family. It is a call to create a community where everyone feels valued and loved.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is teaching about the final judgment and the importance of serving others as a reflection of serving Him.

2. The Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who are called to live out these principles.

3. The Hungry, Thirsty, and Strangers
Symbolic of those in need, representing the broader category of people who require compassion and assistance.

4. The Sheep and the Goats
In the broader context of Matthew 25, these represent the righteous and the unrighteous, respectively, at the final judgment.

5. The Kingdom of Heaven
The ultimate place of reward for those who have lived according to Jesus' teachings, including acts of mercy and compassion.
Teaching Points
Compassion as a Reflection of Faith
True Christian faith is evidenced by acts of compassion and mercy. Believers are called to serve others as a direct service to Christ.

The Importance of Hospitality
Welcoming strangers and providing for those in need is a tangible expression of God's love and a critical aspect of Christian living.

Eternal Perspective
Our actions on earth have eternal significance. Serving others in need is not just a moral duty but a reflection of our readiness for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Identifying with Christ
When we serve the least of these, we are serving Christ Himself. This identification with Christ should motivate us to act with love and generosity.

Practical Christianity
Christianity is not just about belief but about putting faith into action. This involves meeting the physical and emotional needs of those around us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Matthew 25:35 challenge your current understanding of what it means to serve Christ in your daily life?

2. In what ways can you practically apply the teachings of Matthew 25:35 in your community or church?

3. How do the actions described in Matthew 25:35 reflect the character of God as seen throughout the Bible?

4. What are some barriers that might prevent you from living out the principles of Matthew 25:35, and how can you overcome them?

5. How do the teachings in Matthew 25:35 connect with the broader biblical theme of justice and mercy, and how can this influence your personal and communal life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
James 2:14-17
This passage emphasizes that faith without works is dead, reinforcing the idea that true faith is demonstrated through actions, such as feeding the hungry and caring for strangers.

Isaiah 58:6-7
These verses highlight the kind of fasting God desires, which includes sharing food with the hungry and providing shelter to the homeless, aligning with the actions described in Matthew 25:35.

Hebrews 13:2
This verse encourages hospitality, reminding believers that by showing kindness to strangers, some have entertained angels without knowing it.
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
Drink, Eat, Homeless, Hunger, Hungered, Hungred, Hungry, Invited, Meat, Received, Stranger, Thirst, Thirsted, Thirsty, Wandering, Welcome, Welcomed
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 25:35

     5341   hunger
     5478   property, houses
     5491   refugees
     8330   receptiveness
     8446   hospitality, duty of

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 25:32-41

     4915   completion

Matthew 25:32-46

     1220   God, as shepherd
     2330   Christ, as shepherd

Matthew 25:34-36

     2378   kingdom of God, characteristics
     5274   credit
     5362   justice, believers' lives
     5876   helpfulness
     8245   ethics, incentives

Matthew 25:34-39

     8792   oppression, God's attitude

Matthew 25:34-40

     2570   Christ, suffering
     5449   poverty, remedies
     8452   neighbours, duty to

Matthew 25:35-36

     5809   compassion, human
     7925   fellowship, among believers
     8224   dependence
     8298   love, for one another
     8410   decision-making, examples

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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