Volume 2 - Number 23
Loudonville Community Church
The week of April 30, 2017
Mission Possible Conference: For the Least of These, Our Neighbors
Dr. Michael Saccocio
Matthew 25:31-46
THIS WEEK’S CORE STATEMENT
Tangible Compassion: Disciples of Jesus Christ demonstrate compassion to people in need, and in so doing, minister to Jesus
Christ Himself.
John Wesley (1703-1791) often used the term “means of grace” in his sermons, theological writings, and his personal
correspondence to describe those Christian practices by which disciples experience the grace of God. Wesley divides the
practices into two categories: works of piety (hearing and reading the Scripture, receiving the Lord's Supper, public and private
prayer, and fasting) and works of mercy (feeding the hungry, showing hospitality to strangers, providing clothing for the naked,
and visiting the sick and the imprisoned). The following reading contains a portion of Wesley’s sermon entitled “On Visiting the
Sick” and should help us to understand better the tangible compassion (AKA works of mercy) that Jesus commands of His
followers.
First, I would inquire, what is the nature of this duty? What is implied in “visiting the sick?”
1. By the sick, I do not mean only those that keep their bed, or that are sick in the strictest sense. Rather I would include all
such as are in a state of affliction, whether of mind or body; and that whether they are good or bad, whether they fear God
or not.
2. “But is there need of visiting them in person? May we not relieve them at a distance? Does it not answer the same purpose
if we send them help as if we carry it ourselves?” . . . this is not properly visiting the sick; it is another thing. The word
which we render visit, in its literal acceptation, means to look upon. And this, you well know, cannot be done unless you
are present with them. To send them assistance is, therefore, entirely a different thing from visiting them. The former,
then, ought to be done, but the latter not left undone.
3. But I send a physician to those that are sick; and he can do them more good than I can. He can, in one respect; he can do
them more good with regard to their bodily health. But he cannot do them more good with regard to their souls, which are
of infinitely greater importance. And if he could, this would not excuse you: His going would not fulfill your duty. Neither
would it do the same good to you, unless you saw them with your own eyes. If you do not, you lose a means of grace; you
lose an excellent means of increasing your thankfulness to God, who saves you from this pain and sickness, and continues
your health and strength; as well as of increasing your sympathy with the afflicted, your benevolence, and all social
affections.
4. One great reason why the rich, in general, have so little sympathy for the poor, is, because they so seldom visit them.
Hence it is, that, according to the common observation, one part of the world does not know what the other suffers. Many
of them do not know, because they do not care to know: they keep out of the way of knowing it; and then plead their
voluntary ignorances an excuse for their hardness of heart. “Indeed, sir,” said person of large substance, “I am a very
compassionate man. But, to tell you the truth, I do not know anybody in the world that is in want.” How did this come to
pass? Why, he took good care to keep out of their way; and if he fell upon any of them unawares “he passed over on the
other side.” . . .
I proceed to inquire, in the second place, how are we to visit them? In what manner may this labour of love be most effectually
performed? How may we do this most to the glory of God, and the benefit of our neighbor? But before ever you enter upon the
work, you should be deeply convinced that you are by means sufficient for it; you have neither sufficient grace, nor sufficient
understanding, to perform it in the most excellent manner. And this will convince you of the necessity of applying to the Strong
for strength; and of flying to the Father of Lights, the Giver of every good gift, for wisdom; . . . Whenever, therefore, you are
about to enter upon the work, seek his help by earnest prayer. Cry to him for the whole spirit of humility, lest if pride steal into
your heart, if you ascribe anything to yourself, while you strive to save others you destroy your own soul. Before and through
the work, from the beginning to the end, let your heart wait upon him for a continual supply of meekness and gentleness, of
patience and longsuffering, that you may never be angry or discouraged at whatever treatment, rough or smooth, kind or
unkind, you may meet with. . . .
1. As to the particular method of treating the sick, you need not tie yourself down to any, but may continually vary your
manner of proceeding as various circumstances may require. But it may not be amiss, usually, to begin with inquiring into
their outward condition. You may ask whether they have the necessaries of life; whether they have sufficient food and
raiment; if the weather be cold, whether they have fuel; whether they have needful attendance; whether they have proper
advice, with regard to their bodily disorder; especially if it be of a dangerous kind. In several of these respects you may be
able to give them some assistance yourself; and you may move those that are more able than you, to supply your lack of
service. . . . Use all the address, all the understanding, all the influence you have; at the same time trusting in Him that
has the hearts of all men in his hands.
2. You will then easily discern, whether there is any good office which you can do for them with your own hands. Indeed,
most of the things which are needful to be done, those about them can do better than you. But in some you may have more
skill, or more experience, than them; and if you have, let not delicacy or honour stand in your way. Remember his word,
“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, ye have done it unto me;” and think nothing too mean to do for Him.
Rejoice to be abased for his sake!
3. These little labours of love will pave your way to things of greater importance. Having shown that you have a regard for
their bodies, you may proceed to inquire concerning their souls. And here you have a large field before you; you have scope
for exercising all the talents which God has given you. . . .
The third point to be considered is, By whom is this duty to be performed? The answer is ready: By all that desire to “inherit the
kingdom” of their Father, which was “prepared forth from the foundation of the world.” For thus saith the Lord, “Come, ye
blessed; inherit the kingdom; For I was sick, and ye visited me.” And to those on the left hand, “Depart, ye cursed; for I was sick,
and ye visited me not.”
1. Does not this plainly imply, that as all who do this are “blessed,” and shall “inherit the kingdom;” so all who do it not are
“cursed,” and shall “depart into everlasting fire?”
2. All, therefore, who desire to escape everlasting fire, and to inherit the everlasting kingdom, are equally concerned,
according to their power, to practise this important duty. It is equally incumbent on young and old, rich and poor, men and
women, according to their ability. None are so young, if they desire to save their own souls, as to be excused from assisting
their neighbours. None are so poor, (unless they want the necessaries of life,) but they are called to do something, more or
less, at whatever time they can spare, for the relief and comfort of their afflicted fellow-sufferers.
3. But those “who are rich in this world,” who have more than the conveniences of life, are peculiarly called of God to this
blessed work, and pointed out to it by his gracious Providence. As you are not under a necessity of working for your bread,
you have your time at your own disposal! You may, therefore, allot some part of it every day for this labour of love. If it be
practicable, it is far best to have a fixed hour; (for any time, we say, is no time;) and not to employ that time in any other
business, without urgent necessity. You have likewise a peculiar advantage over many, by your station in life. Being
superior in rank to them, you have the more influence on that very account. Your inferiors, of course, look up to you with a
kind of reverence. And the condescension which you show in visiting them, gives them a prejudice in your favour, which
inclines them to hear you with attention, and willingly receive what you say. Improve this prejudice to the uttermost for
the benefit of their souls, as well as their bodies. While you are as eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame, a husband to the
widow, and a father to the fatherless, see that you still keep a higher end in view, even the saving of souls from death, and
that you labour to make all you say and do subservient to that great end. . . .
4. Whenever thou hast an opportunity, go about doing good, and healing all that are oppressed of the devil; encouraging them
shake off his chains, and fly immediately to Him Who sets the prisoners free, and breaks the iron bondage from their
necks. Above all, give them your prayers. Pray with them; pray for them; and who knows but you may save their souls
alive?
5. You that are old, whose feet are ready to stumble upon the dark mountains, may not you do a little more good before you
go hence and are no more seen? . . . As you have lived many years, it may be hoped you have attained such knowledge as
may be of use to others. You have certainly more knowledge of men, which is commonly learned by dear-bought experience.
With what strength you have left, employ the few moments you have to spare, in ministering to those who are weaker than
yourselves. Your grey hairs will not fail to give you authority, and add weight to what you speak. . . . You have frequently
been a sufferer yourself; perhaps you are so still. So much the more give them all the assistance you can, both with regard
to their souls and bodies, before they and you go to the place whence you will not return.
6. On the other hand, you that are young have several advantages that are almost peculiar to yourselves. You have generally
a flow of spirits, and a liveliness of temper, which, by the grace of God, make you willing to undertake, and capable of
performing, many good works, at which others would be discouraged. And you have your health and strength of body,
whereby you are eminently qualified to assist the sick and those that have no strength. You are able to take up and carry
the crosses, which may be expected to lie in the way. Employ then your whole vigour of body and mind in ministering to
your afflicted brethren. . . .
7. “But may not women, as well as men, bear a part in this honourable service?” Undoubtedly they may; nay, they ought; it is
meet, right, and their bounden duty. Herein there is no difference; “there is neither male nor female in Christ Jesus.” . . .
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You, as well as men, are rational creatures. You, like them, were made in the
THIS WEEK’S
image of God; you are equally candidates for immortality; you too are called of
COMPLEMENTARY PASSAGE
God, as you have time, to “do good unto all men.” Be “not disobedient to the
Micah 6:6-8 (ESV)
heavenly calling.” Whenever you have opportunity, do all the good you can,
particularly to your poor, sick neighbour. And every one of you likewise “shall
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“With what shall I come before the
receive your own reward, according to your own labour.” . . .
Lord, and bow myself before God on
8. Seeing then this is a duty to which we are called, rich and poor, young and old,
high? Shall I come before him with
male and female, (and it would be well parents would train up their children
burnt offerings, with calves a year old?
herein, as well as in saying their prayers and going to church,) let the time past
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Will the Lord be pleased with
suffice that almost all of us have neglected it, as by general consent. O what need
thousands of rams, with ten thousands
has every one of us to say, “Lord, forgive me my sins of omission!” Well, in the
of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn
name of God, let us now from this day set about it with general consent. And I
for my transgression, the fruit of my
pray, let it never go out of your mind that this is a duty which you cannot
body for the sin of my soul?” 8 He has
perform by proxy; unless in one only case, unless you are disabled by your own
told you, O man, what is good; and
pain or weakness. In that only case, it suffices to send the relief which you would
what
does the Lord require of you but
otherwise give. Begin, my dear brethren, begin now; else the impression which
to do justice, and to love kindness, and
you now feel will wear off; and, possibly, it may never return! What then will be
to walk humbly with your God?
the consequence? Instead of hearing that word, “Come, ye blessed! For I was sick,
and ye visited me;” you must hear that awful sentence, “Depart, ye cursed! For I
was sick, and ye visited me not!”
STEP ONE . . .
READING what the passage says
(Read it at least three times)
Matthew 25:31-46
31
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious
throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a
shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on
the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and
you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was
naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’37 Then the
righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give
you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And
when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to
you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
41
“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared
for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me
no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in
prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you
hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will
answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it
to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
STEP TWO . . .
OBSERVING how the passage moves
Return to the passage and mark key words, phrases and movements:
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Circle all of the words in these passages that speak of the Triune God (Father, Son, Holy
Spirit, etc.).
Underline the significant verbs/action words in these passages.
In Matthew 25:31, underline the phrase: “he will sit on his glorious throne.”
Highlight Matthew 25:32-33.
In Matthew 25:34, underline the phrase: “Come, you who are blessed by my
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Highlight Matthew 25:35-36.
Underline Matthew 25:37-39.
Highlight Matthew 25:40.
Highlight Matthew 25:41-43.
Underline Matthew 25:44.
Highlight Matthew 25:45-46.
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STEP THREE . . .
Ask the five “W” questions and the one “H” question:
1. WHO is speaking? Who is this about? Who are the main characters? And, to whom is it speaking?
2. WHAT is the subject of the passage? What does the passage say about the subject?
3. WHEN do or will the events occur? When did something happen to a particular person, people, or nation?
4. WHERE did or will this happen?
5. WHY is something said or mentioned? Why would or will this happen? Why at this time? Why this person?
6. HOW will it happen? How is it to be done? How is it illustrated?
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STEP FOUR . . .
UNDERSTANDING what the passage means
This commentary is intended to enhance your own study of the text.
Matthew 25:31-46 (ESV)
25:31 - “Son of Man.” This was a term used in the Old
Testament to simply signify a human being. However, in
Daniel 7:13 a human being, called “a son of man,” comes
riding on the clouds of heaven - the mode of transportation
for Deity - and is given the eternal kingdom. The title “Son of
Man” was not used in rabbinical Judaism. Jesus used this
term as a self-designation which included the concepts of
humanity and Deity and did not have the narrow Jewish
nationalistic, militaristic connotation. Just as the Son of Man
rode on the clouds of heaven in Daniel 7:13, He now comes
with all the holy angels to judge mankind.
“And all the angels with him.” The angels will do the work of
gathering and dividing. They were often associated with
Christ’s coming.
“He will sit on his glorious throne.” He will take His seat on
the throne of God not only as Lord and King, but as Judge.
25:32 - “Before him will be gathered all the nations.” All
questions about the end time are not dealt with. One wonders
if all nations include those humans who are alive and dead,
or just those who are alive. The phrase “all the nations”
implied the universal spread of the gospel to all people which
included Israel. This is the goal from the beginning; Israel’s
call was to be a light to the nations!
“He will separate people one from another.” Much like the
parable of wheat and tares in Matthew 13 could not be
separated until judgment day, so the sheep and the goats
wait until the last day for all to see the fruit of their lives.
Also notice there are only two categories.
“As a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” God as
shepherd was a common Old Testament metaphor.
“Shepherd” was used in Ezekiel 34 to describe the false
shepherds of Israel and God as Chief Shepherd and Judge.
The same terminology is applied to Jesus in Zechariah 11
and John 10. It is difficult to identify with certainty who “the
goats” are: (1) those who have rejected the gospel, or (2) those
who have an outward profession only? Both groups call Jesus
“Lord.” This judgment seems to be limited to those who have,
at least outwardly, responded to the gospel. Therefore it is
similar in meaning to the parable of the soils in Matthew 13.
The pressures of end time events and the lack of love for
other believers will clearly reveal false professions of faith in
Jesus Christ.
25:33 - “And he will place the sheep on his right.” This is a
biblical phrase to describe the place of preeminence, honor,
power, and authority.
25:34 - “The King.” Jesus was often spoken of as the Coming
King. Yahweh was also spoken of as the King, which brings
additional significance to this term when it was used for
Jesus. This transference of title was a common technique of
New Testament authors to assert the full deity of Jesus of
Nazareth.
“Come, you who are blessed by my Father.” They have been
blessed in the past and continue to be blessed. God was and is
the active agent of their blessings.
“Inherit.” The judgment experienced by Christians will not be
based upon our sins, but upon our use of spiritual gifts and our
availability to God.
“The kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the
world.” The New Testament used this phrase several times to
describe things that God did for believers even before creation.
The Trinity was active in redemption before creation! God’s
work never fails!
25:35-39 - Our good deeds and lifestyle of love reveal and
confirm our initial faith commitment to Jesus Christ. Faith
without works is dead!
25:40 - “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,
you did it to me.” The term “brother” here must refer to a
believer. It is believers caring for other believers, which is
emphasized. The close relationship between Jesus and His
followers can be seen throughout the New Testament. To hurt
one is to hurt both; to bless one is to bless both!
25:41 - “Depart from me.” The worst aspect of hell is the
separation from fellowship with God. God does not send people
to hell; they send themselves by their sinful choices.
“You cursed.” This grammatical construction was used several
times in this context. It speaks of that which happened in the
past and the results of which have continued into the present.
The action is done by an outside agent. These people’s
rejection of God and His Christ in the past has been
consummated into permanent blindness and rejection! This
rejection is revealed in a lack of love for other human beings.
“Into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”
Hell was not made for man, but for angelic beings in rebellion.
Matthew 25 mixes the metaphors of its darkness in verse 30
and fire in verse 41. The horrors and torments of hell are so
far beyond human vocabulary and finite conceptions that the
Bible used the most vivid imagery possible. Most of the
metaphors come from the garbage dump outside Jerusalem in
the valley of the Sons of Hinnom called “Gehenna.” Jesus often
spoke about it.
25:45 - “Truly, I say to you.” Literally “amen,” this was a
Hebrew term meaning “to be firm.” It was used by biblical
authors to affirm the reality and truthfulness of words,
concepts and teachings. Jesus uniquely used it to begin
sentences. Often He would double it for even more emphasis.
25:46 - “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but
the righteous into eternal life.” The same Greek term that
describes heaven as everlasting is applied to hell as
everlasting. Daniel 12:2 described a resurrection of both the
righteous and wicked. The eternality and finality is the
impetus of the urgency of preaching, teaching, and witnessing!
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An eternal hell is not only a tragedy for rebellious man but also for God! God created human kind as the apex of His creative
event. We were made in His image and likeness for fellowship with Him. God’s choice to allow mankind a choice resulted in a
significant percentage of God’s creation being separated from Himself! Hell is an open, bleeding sore in the heart of God that
will never be healed.
Resource for Commentary: Robert James Utley’s Study Guide Commentary Series from Logos software.
STEP FIVE . . .
EXPLORING the passage through discussion
Please try and read the entire passage before gathering with your Growth Group.
1.
How did the Holy Spirit speak to you from this passage of Scripture?
2.
What did you find striking in this passage of Scripture?
3.
What do we learn about the nature and character of God from this passage of Scripture?
4.
What do we learn about the nature and character of human beings from this passage of Scripture?
5.
How does this passage of Scripture point us to Jesus and reveal to us our need of Him?
6.
How does this passage of Scripture challenge you? How does it encourage you?
7.
How did the Holy Spirit speak to you from this morning’s message?
8.
What are the implications of this passage of Scripture and of this morning’s sermon for your personal walk with Jesus
Christ?
9.
What are the implications of this passage of Scripture and of this morning’s sermon for us as a Growth Group or even as
Loudonville Community Church?
10. What are the missional implications of this passage of Scripture and of this morning’s sermon for us as a Growth Group or
even as Loudonville Community Church?
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STEP SEVEN . . .
APPLYING the passage to my life
Our desire is to not be merely hearers of the Word but doers ~ James 1:22
When you apply God’s Word, you are thinking about what God might be saying to you through the Scriptures. Application
involves action. Application makes your reading become a reality in your own life. Make your applications specific (state who,
what & when). You are encouraged to use the S.P.E.C.K. method to apply God’s Word to your life. Remember that each passage
of Scripture may not lend itself to answering all five of these questions.
S - SINS to confess and avoid (Are there sinful actions, attitudes, or thoughts that you need to confess to God
based upon your study of these Scriptures?)
P - PROMISES to claim (List God’s promises for you from these Scriptures.)
E - EXAMPLES to follow (What examples, for right thinking or right actions, can you take for you own life from
these Scriptures?)
C - COMMANDS to obey (List God’s commands for you from these Scriptures and seek to be obedient to them.)
K - KNOWLEDGE of God to apply (God’s character is visible throughout the Scriptures as an example to us.
What attributes and/or attitudes does God display that you can apply to your own life?)
Memory Verse
40
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25:40
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Sermon Notes:
#asithappened
(one(one-year chronological walk through the Bible)
Sunday, April 30 thru Saturday, May 6
Ps 102-104; 2 Sam 5:1-10, 1 Chron 11-12; Ps 133;
Ps 106-107; 2 Sam 5:11-6:23, 1 Chron 13-16;
Ps 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, 68; Ps 89, 96, 100, 101, 105, 132
© The Abide in Me Bible study series is written by the pastoral staff of Loudonville Community Church, 374 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211 (www.lcchurch.org)