Three to Get Ready

Imagine a young father lying on a hospital bed as his children bound into the room. He is counting down the days the doctor has given him to live. But when he sees his children, he greets them warmly and expresses his love aloud. He tells them to always listen to their mother, be faithful at their work, and follow Jesus. He is a teacher to the end.

Likewise, Jesus continues teaching disciples though he faces an impending death (Luke 21:37-38). Out of love, he tells three parables to prepare them for his return.

A Hope That Waits (Matthew 25:1-13)

His first parable is about ten lantern-bearing virgins who will light the path as the wedding party travels to the banquet (v. 1). Five of them, though, foolishly forget to bring extra oil for their lamps (vv. 2-4). So, when the bridegroom suddenly arrives, they’re unprepared. They ask the others, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” Yet there was not enough to share (vv. 5-9).

So also, at Christ’s second coming, we are each responsible for our spiritual readiness (vv. 10-12). “Watch therefore,” Jesus teaches, “for you know neither the day nor the hour” (v. 13). You can’t save the date on your calendar or write it in your daily planner. So, remain always vigilant! Look forward with hope to Christ’s return. That’s a party you will not want to miss because the greatest joy of all is to be forever with our Savior—the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:23).

As a pastor, I’ve prayed with many people near the end of their life to encourage them with hope. And there’s one question I inevitably ask in some form or another: “Are you ready to stand before the Lord?” I want them to know the living hope of Christ’s resurrection (1 Pet. 1:3-9)—that Jesus is the Son of God who died on a cross to pay the penalty for their sins—that after he rose again, he promised one day to return (1 Cor. 15:3-4).

Even if today we are young and healthy, every one of us is on our deathbed. For each life is but a speck of time in relation to eternity. So, are you ready for Christ’s return? Do you have a hope that waits?

A Faith That Works (Matthew 25:14-30)

The second parable describes a master who entrusted three servants with a great deal of money based on each man’s proven ability (Matt. 25:14-15). For in Christ’s kingdom, we don’t all receive the same amount, but we’re all expected to be faithful.

The man given five talents doubles what he received, while the man given two talents produces two more (vv. 16-17). They receive the same commendation, though, based on faithfulness, not results (vv. 19-23). For Christ does not compare you to others; Rather he compares you to you: What have you done with the gifts he has entrusted?

The third servant does nothing with the one talent he received. Instead, he hides it in the ground out of fear (v. 18). He plays it safe and gives no chance of return on investment. He even disparages his master as cruel and dishonest (vv. 24-25). He makes excuses as he thrusts the talent into his master’s face: “Here! Take back what belongs to you.” Thus, the master rebukes him as wicked lazy (vv. 26-30).

So too, we must not excuse ourselves by accusing Christ. For we fail to trust in him if we do not truly know him. Don’t seek to save your life or to keep your possessions in mint condition. Instead, go all out for the kingdom and run from “do-nothing” Christianity! Invest your every talent to store up your treasures in heaven. For though we are not saved by works, we must possess a faith that works (Eph. 2:8-10).

What talents has Christ, your Master, given you? Is it time, knowledge, health, strength, intellect, relationships, opportunities, natural abilities, or spiritual gifts to serve in ministry? Are you employing them to serve your Master? Do you have a faith that works?

A Love That Serves (Matthew 25:31-46)

Christ’s final parable teaches us to love the unloved—the ones society has neglected (Matt. 25:31-39). For when we serve each other, we serve the King himself: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (v. 40). “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).

Jesus calls us to do what may seem small: Feed the hungry; Offer a drink to those who thirst; Show hospitality to one another; clothe and care for those exposed to the elements; visit the sick and friends in prison. The King’s command is not to stare into the sky, but to actively serve. Therefore, our preparation for his coming requires us to see him present in the church today.

Then, when Christ returns, he will divide the sheep from goats—the righteous from the wicked. And he will do so based on how we loved him (Matt. 25:41-46). There is no middle ground—not one goat will be left among the sheep nor sheep among the goats. For the Good Shepherd marks us by our love for him—by the way we serve the helpless and the hopeless. So, does your life reveal Christ’s love? Do you have a love that serves?

Eternal Reward

Christ felt so strongly about these truths that he taught them to his disciples just days before he died. Therefore, we also should treasure them in our hearts, so that when Christ returns as Judge, he will reward us with his precious commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” When he finds us to be faithful stewards, we will delight in greater kingdom responsibilities: “For to everyone who has will more be given.” And for this reason, we anticipate our glorious future hope: “Enter now into the joy of your Master!” Faith, hope, and love bear the fruit of eternal reward.