The Principle by Which Men Shall be Judged
Matthew 25:34-44
Then shall the King say to them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father…


I. CHRIST'S IDENTIFYING HIMSELF WITH MEN — "We have done it unto Me." —

1. Who are Christ's brethren to whom these acts are done, and which are counted as having been done to Him? They are humble afflicted Christians; but the word brother must have a wider meaning; coldheartedness will not be excused because those who we so treated were not of Christ's family. The spirit of pity is not confined by the knowledge we have that this man or that is one of Christ's brethren. Christ acknowledges as His brethren men whom nobody ever acknowledged before. We shall not recognize the " brethren" unless we have the brotherly spirit within us; that will open our eyes and work marvels within us.

II. That our Lord is giving AN OUTLINE OF THE PRINCIPLES OF JUDGMENT by which men shall be tried who do not know and have not known or seen Him. Its connection between Him and His brethren is not arbitrary, it is founded in nature and fact. In all ages, and in all nations, there are circumstances sufficient to test and prove the character of man. Jesus here tears asunder every false covering under which men claim to be accounted religious, when they omit the common calls on mercy and kindness. Great duties are not open to all; go were you will, opportunity for pity can be found.

(A. Watson, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

WEB: Then the King will tell those on his right hand, 'Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;




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