Matthew 25
Living Ready for Christ’s Return: A Call to Stewardship and Faithfulness
In our Christian walk, we often find ourselves in a rhythm of doing the things we know we’re called to do—attending church, being in community, repenting of sin, and speaking of Jesus. These are things we just do. But waiting for Christ’s return, or even the unexpected end of our lives, demands more than mere routine; it calls for action, intentionality, and deep spiritual readiness.
A Twofold Waiting
The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 illustrates the essence of waiting. While this waiting is often interpreted as waiting for Jesus’ return, it also reflects the truth that we don’t know when our time on earth will end. This should not cause fear but rather a deep sense of urgency. We are reminded not to delay what God is calling us to do, recognizing that His kindness and patience are meant to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4). Every moment is an opportunity to respond to God’s invitation to walk in faithfulness and repentance.
We are also reminded that while we wait, we are to join in the work of the Spirit. Just like the parable of the talents, where the servants are entrusted with resources, we are entrusted with gifts, time, and opportunities. How we steward these resources while we wait matters deeply.
The Oil in Our Lamps: Stewarding the Holy Spirit
In the parable of the ten virgins, the oil in the lamp represents something deeper than just preparedness—it symbolizes the Holy Spirit, who resides within us as believers. When Jesus returns, what will separate us from the rest is not our deeds or morality but the presence of the Holy Spirit testifying that Jesus’ work on the cross has been applied to our lives.
This should lead us to pause and reflect: What has God entrusted us with? How are we stewarding His gifts? It’s not just about having the oil in the lamp; it's about having the Holy Spirit within us, guiding and empowering us to live in a way that honors God. This requires us to live with a sense of responsibility, using what we’ve been given for the glory of God, not for personal gain or safety.
The Parable of the Talents: A Call to Action
In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus teaches us the importance of using the gifts and resources He has entrusted to us. The servants who received five and two talents invested them wisely and were commended for it. But the servant who buried his talent in fear was rebuked. This parable is a stark reminder that we are called to actively steward what God has given us, whether it’s our financial resources, relationships, or talents.
As we reflect on this, we should ask ourselves: What has God entrusted to us, and how are we using it for His kingdom? Are we playing it safe, burying what we’ve been given out of fear? Or are we taking risks, using our resources to further His work and bring Him glory?
Living with Hope and Purpose
This brings us to the final image in Matthew 25—the separation of the sheep and the goats. In the end, Jesus will separate those who have truly followed Him from those who have not. The sheep, representing the people of God, are those who have repented, believed in Jesus, and actively lived out their faith. The goats, on the other hand, represent those who have not.
The question we need to ask ourselves is whether we are living in a way that reflects our true identity in Christ. Are we living with the hope of His return, or are we caught up in fear, focusing only on ourselves? God has entrusted us with much—our time, resources, and relationships—and He calls us to live faithfully, using these gifts for His kingdom.
As we wait for Christ’s return, let’s remember the importance of being good stewards of what He’s given us, walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, and actively investing in His kingdom work. When we live with this mindset, we are not only prepared for His return, but we are also living out our calling to reflect His love and truth in the world today.
