By: Casey Zachary

From Matthew 25:31-46

I once heard a debate between JD Crossan and NT Wright concerning the Resurrection. Both talked about their disappointment with the majority of the church that possesses the type of retreatist attitude that is associated with those who see the world as going to hell in a hand basket. What grieved them, as they put it, is that the church seems to have two bookends, with the first coming of Christ at one end and the second coming of Christ at the other, with very few books in between these glorious bookends. It is a dangerous attitude that pervades much of the church.

In the early church, this anticipation fueled the fire of service and evangelism, but sadly, it appears that people today are scrambling to “find signs,” not to refocus for evangelism, but to find an escape route out of this mess. The possibility of time being short causes some people to throw up their hands and say “let these turkeys take care of themselves.” This attitude does not offer a hint of a trace of the mercy and compassion found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Opportunities to serve the poor and oppressed are not like warp zones in Super Mario Brothers, where you just pick up extra coins. These opportunities are responsibilities entrusted to us, just like oil lamps and talents spoken of prior to this parable in Matthew 25. By the accounts of Jesus in these other parables, and the eternal reward/ punishment attached to the current pericope, this is of supreme importance to Christ, and this text demands it be of supreme importance to us as well.

The Reformers reacted against the Catholic church’s erroneous progression towards a salvation that was based upon works. Due to this, contemporary Protestants tend to minimize texts such as these, or explain them away. In doing so, they seem to be progressing toward the other pole, which is all that matters is if someone professes faith in Jesus Christ. While this is of primary importance, this text does not allow a believer to discount the idea that in some way our actions factor in to how we will ultimately be judged. This Scripture helps maintain the balance and tension between faith and works. It teaches there is a relationship between our actions and our relational attitudes towards Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, there is a tendency within churches today to celebrate a decision for Christ and a dismal failure in following up in regards to discipleship. If there is any sense of discipleship, it too often focuses exclusively on developing the theology one believes, but the time is not taken to help new believers integrate these new beliefs into how they live their lives in a transformational way. The Gospel should impact the way one lives, not simply the way one believes. Or, to put in other terms, when a person encounters Christ and comes to place faith in him, more needs to happen than changing the stamp on his eternal passport from “hell” to “heaven.” This Scripture is another example of Biblical teaching the stresses the importance of our life and actions “between the bookends.” It details the importance of entering in to the discipleship process, both as a disciplee and a discipler.

As a believer, we are grateful for the act of faith in coming to Christ, but we do not, at that time, board some type of spiritual ferry and float by the rest of life, on our way to celestial bliss. Our ultimate goal is spiritual maturity and it is imperative we work towards that end, with the urgency that reflects our understanding that Christ could return at any moment. There are rewards and consequences, not only for responding to God and making the decision to place faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ, but also for what we do as a result of that decision.

Is this text a full description of the judgment that is to come? Probably not, but without this snapshot we do not have the complete picture. We must work diligently to be among the faithful and wise rather than the wicked and foolish.