the Fourth Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 3 of 5
Matthew 25:31-46
V. 31 takes up again the subject of prophecy from the moment where it was left in Matthew 24:30-31, that is to say, the coming of the Lord in glory for His earthly people. For those of the "nations" on the earth at that time (v. 32) the day will be one of reward or punishment. And what will differentiate between them will be the way in which they have received the King’s ambassadors (His brethren – here the Jews – v. 40) when the latter were proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 24:14).
Some have sought to make use of this parable to support the doctrine of salvation by works. But it is clear that here we are outside the Church period and, strictly speaking, the Christian faith.
In any case, leaving aside the question of salvation, the King’s declaration is full of instruction for us Christians. If the Lord Jesus were on the earth today, how readily would we receive and serve Him, in short, comply with His slightest wishes. Ah well! we have such opportunities every day! Gifts, hospitality, visiting, all that we do in love for some one, everything should be first of all for Him (cf. John 13:20; 1 Corinthians 12:12). Conversely, in the things we fail to do, we are failing the Lord.
