Some people are more than satisfied to meander through life believing that “good enough” is just fine. A former co-worker of mine was in the habit of claiming that whatever project she had just completed was “close enough.”   Close enough doesn’t work for me.  I want my life to make an impact beyond the production of carbon dioxide.  I would like to be the kind of person about whom people will say they are better for having known.  That kind of goal is not for self-satisfaction, pride, or recognition, but to honor and respect scriptural teaching. I will do my part and do what Jesus asks of me – prepare.

Parables of Matthew

Matthew 25 relates two parables followed by an explanation of the Final Judgment taught by Jesus on the Mount of Olives.  These are part of the Olivet Discourse because of where Jesus sat down to teach them.  He relates the Parable of the Ten Virgins in which He explains that the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who take their lamps to meet the bridegroom.  Five had good heads on their shoulders and five didn’t because they neglected preparation and didn’t bring additional oil for their lamps. When the bridegroom appeared at midnight, the five lackluster virgins begged the others for oil from their lamps to no avail.  The five who prepared ahead got in, the five who didn’t stayed out.

Next, Jesus relates the Parable of the Talents in which a property owner, before heading out on a journey, entrusted talents (coins) to his three servants, “to each according to his ability.” (v. 15).  To the first he gave five, to the second two and to the last, one.  The first and second servants doubled their talents while the third, out of fear or perhaps his own misunderstanding of his master’s character, buried the talent in a field until his master’s return.  After a long sojourn, the property owner came back and demanded an accounting from his servants.  He praised the first two servants who doubled their talents and gave them greater responsibilities. The third he admonished for his laziness.  The first two were industrious in doubling their master’s money, but even more so, they were faithful servants to him.  The third, not so much.

Final Judgment

Lastly, Jesus relates an explanation of the Final Judgment.  He will separate those who are blessed by His father to the right (lsheep), and those who are not to the left (goats). Those blessed by the Father receive their inheritance of the kingdom  – not as a reward for good works they have done, but because of their saving relationship with the Father and the Son.  Those who are sheep, who have had compassion for people in need, will inherit the kingdom – not because their compassionate actions, but because of the transformation of their hearts in response to Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom.  Their compassionate actions  – for strangers, the thirsty, the hungry, the imprisoned, the sick, the poor, the naked – evidence their response to Jesus and are the same as if those actions were for Jesus himself. Those who are goats, who committed a sin of omission by not caring for those in need, shall meet a long-lasting fiery end.

Faithful Servant

Jesus explains in these examples  that we never know at what time we will receive the call before our Heavenly Father to give an accounting of ourselves. We must watch and prepare for the Coming of the Son of Man. And when I am called to that accounting, I hope I am separated to the right, and hear the words, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father.” (v. 34) I want to prepare before Jesus’ return as a faithful servant of all entrusted into my care.  I will be a good and faithful servant so additional opportunities to faithfully serve God will be given to me. Yet, like many, I fall to the wayside because I am distracted or tempted by one thing or another. Fortunately for me (and for you), our God is faithful even when we are faithless. He is right there waiting even when I forget to pay attention and prepare for His return. He is delights when I smack myself on the forehead (okay, probably not the smacking part) with the realization that eternity in His presence is much more valuable than anything I can find on Earth and return with renewed commitment to what He has called me to do. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll hear those words after all.