Tyndale Open Study NotesMatthew 25

Jesus now applied his prophecies (Matthew 24:1–36) to his disciples so they would stay faithful and be ready for his second coming.

This parable confirms the need to be alert and ready for Christ's return (Matthew 25:13; see also Luke 12:35–36).

• to meet the bridegroom: This image points to the coming of the Messiah (see Mark 2:19–20).

• We do not know the exact wedding customs of that time. Some believe the bridesmaids led the bride to the bridegroom's home. He stayed away until the wedding feast began. The bridesmaids would wait for his arrival and then escort him to the feast (Matthew 25:10).

  Others think the bridegroom might have arrived late at night at the bride’s home, where they announced him. After celebrating with the bride’s guests, the groom would take his bride to his home under torches or lamps.

Some people think the oil represents something specific (such as the Holy Spirit). But it more likely emphasizes the need to prepare for Christ's second coming.

Both the prudent and the foolish bridesmaids sleep while waiting. The parable criticizes only the foolish bridesmaids’ failure to bring enough oil.

The bridegroom arriving at midnight while the bridesmaids slept makes a further point: the second coming of Jesus will be sudden and unexpected (Matthew 14:42–51).

This parable teaches that the Lord expects his servants to be faithful to the task given to them while waiting for his return. The delay of Christ’s return will cause some to do evil things (Matthew 24:48–49), some to become inactive (25:3), and others may become fearfully passive (25:18).

After a long time: This emphasizes the long wait for Christ's return (Matthew 24:45–51).

• See Matthew 24:45–51; Luke 16:10.

• Enter into the joy of your master!: This shows the Father’s approval. It may also point to the Messiah’s great banquet (see Matthew 6:1, 4, 6, 18; 9:9–17).

I knew that you are a hard man: This servant uses a false understanding of his master as an excuse for being lazy.

God gives plenty of grace to those who are faithful with what they already have (see Matthew 13:12).

This describes the final judgment of which Jesus had been warning (see Matthew 7:13–27; 8:10–12; 11:20–24; 12:38–42; 13:24–30, 36–43; 16:24–28; 24:37–25:30).

sit on His glorious throne: This represents a position of judgment (see Matthew 19:28; 22:44; Daniel 7:13–14).

His right hand: This is a place of honor (Genesis 48:13–20; Psalm 110:1).

prepared for you from the foundation of the world: This phrase might be a reference to God choosing people for salvation before time began (see Matthew 13:10–17; Ephesians 1:4; Revelation 17:8). Or it might only refer to the God's kingdom as a place (compare Matthew 25:41).

The actions mentioned here are often called "deeds of mercy." These were acts of kindness toward those in need (see Isaiah 58:1–12; Ezekiel 18:7; James 1:26–27). These good deeds are not efforts to earn God's approval. Instead, they come from a love for Christ that results in compassion toward others (see Matthew 6:1–4).

These righteous people (see Mathhew 5:6, 20) obey God's will as Jesus taught them. They show this most clearly through acts of love (7:12; 9:9–13; 22:34–40; 25:35–40).

these brothers of Mine: This phrase may show the close bond Jesus had with his disciples (see 10:42; 18:1–14; Galatians 6:10). Or it could refer to all humanity, regardless of their faith (see Matthew 6:1–4; 25:43; Proverbs 19:17). The phrase brothers of Mine suggests the first meaning (Matthew 12:46–50; 18:15–35; 23:8; 28:10). But it does not exclude the duty to care for others in general (see Luke 10:30–37).

The Greek word for eternal can mean "lasting forever" or "lasting for an age." It refers to "the age to come" (Matthew 13:39–40, 49; 24:3; John 17:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Philemon 1:15; 1 John 5:11, 13).

Some hope that the punishment of the damned will end after "an age." God will either destroy or forgive them. Yet, the comparison between eternal life and eternal punishment strongly suggests it means "lasting forever." This is because eternal life does not end (see also Luke 16:19–31; Hebrews 6:2; Revelation 20:10).