37-39: How could it be that the sheep would be unaware of their actions? This question has two explanations. First, true saints of any age are unassuming in their service to God. They do not give their alms to be seen. They serve the Lord because it is the right thing to do, and because they love him who first loved us. Second, these gentile people are saved after the rapture of the church. They live during the tribulation period. Satan’s success in twisting and confusing the word of God will be at its all-time high. These Christians may, in many cases, be totally unaware of this passage of Scripture at the time of their service. One may be saved without being familiar with the entirety of the Bible.
Author: Bill Hall
Matthew 25:33-36
33: Jesus sets the sheep on his right hand because that is a place of honor. Those on the right could expect to enter the kingdom. Notice that he makes this division before he announces his judgment.
34: The sheep are blessed by the father of the King. This is God the Father. The eternal purpose of God for this kingdom on earth is here mentioned. The kingdom has been prepared for the saints from the very beginning. Although there will, of course, be Jewish saints in the kingdom, he is here referring to gentile saints.
35: Several things must be noted here. First, what we find in this list are helps that saved individuals of all ages could be expected to perform. Sharing food, clothing, and shelter, are areas in which any decent person will help his or her fellow man. Second, Christians are to love one another. This love includes help with such things as these physical needs. Third, in this particular instance we find gentile believers showing their love for Jewish people during the time of tribulation.
36: As in the last verse, these are things that Christians might be expected to do at any time for anyone. However, those sick or in prison because of the work of the enemy, the devil, are especially to be the object of the saint’s care.
Matthew 25:31-32
31: The Son of man is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ. The coming in glory with the angels refers to his second coming. This will occur at the end of the age, which the disciples had asked about. He will be coming to establish his kingdom on earth physically for one thousand years. The throne he occupies will be in Jerusalem. From there he will rule this world.
32: The nations here refered to are the gentile nations. Individual gentiles will then be judged for their fitness to enter the kingdom. This is not the final judgement of the living and dead.