Commentary on Matthew 25:37

Introduction

Matthew 25:37 states, "Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?" This verse is part of the parable of the sheep and the goats, where Jesus illustrates His final judgment. The implications of this passage are profound, touching upon themes of compassion, service, and the criteria for divine approval.

Exegesis of the Verse

The Context

This verse is situated in the larger context of Matthew 25, where Jesus describes the separation of the righteous from the unrighteous. Prior verses detail the actions taken by the righteous, highlighting their ignorance of the significance of these actions in relation to Jesus Himself.

The Identity of the Righteous

According to Matthew Henry, the identity of the “righteous” in this text refers to those who have genuinely lived out the principles of the Gospel, caring for those in need as an expression of their faith. Their answer reflects a humble inquiry, revealing their lack of awareness of their righteousness. This humility is a key characteristic of true discipleship.

The Nature of the Inquiry

Albert Barnes emphasizes that the righteous do not remember specific instances of service to Christ directly. This ignorance serves to highlight their selflessness; they acted out of love and compassion rather than seeking recognition or reward.

Understanding Human Need

Adam Clarke notes that the attribute of being "hungred" and "thirsty" can be understood on multiple levels, encompassing both physical and spiritual needs. The righteous were sensitive and responsive to the needs of others around them without realizing that they were serving Christ in doing so. This speaks to the call of Christians to be aware of and respond to societal needs.

Theological Implications

The Nature of Service

This passage calls into question the motivation behind service. The righteous are depicted as unaware of their good deeds, suggesting that true service to God is often accompanied by humility and a lack of self-interest. As Matthew Henry explains, this reflects the genuine disposition of a heart transformed by grace, wherein acts of kindness flow naturally from faith.

Christ’s Identification with the Needy

One of the most impactful theological positions derived from this verse is the identification of Christ with those in need. Albert Barnes posits that Christ’s response to the righteous underscores the profound connection between Him and the marginalized, affirming that service to others is tantamount to service to Christ Himself. This idea reinforces the mandate for Christians to advocate for the poor, sick, and disenfranchised.

The Beatitudes and Kingdom Living

This theme is echoed throughout the Sermon on the Mount, specifically in the Beatitudes. The righteous herein exemplify the heart of the Beatitudes as they embody the principles of mercy and compassion without awareness of their 'reward'. Adam Clarke articulates that this paradigm of living is indicative of a life that truly embodies the values of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Practical Applications for Believers

Awareness of Needs

Believers are called to maintain a sensitivity to the needs of others. Practicing discernment in our communities allows us to be the hands and feet of Christ effectively. Matthew Henry encourages believers to cultivate a habit of service that aligns with the teachings of Jesus, urging them not to overlook the marginalized and oppressed.

A Call to Humility

The verse serves as a challenge to pastors and leaders to embody humility in their service. Leaders must be reminded, as pointed out by Albert Barnes, that their positions do not elevate them above those they serve, but rather position them to serve more authentically and compassionately.

Faith in Action

The call for Christians is clear: faith must correspond with action. Adam Clarke advises that believers should not only be hearers of the Word but also doers. This integrated approach aligns with the overall message of Jesus, as seen in this passage, where faith manifests in acts of charity and love.

Conclusion

Matthew 25:37 encapsulates the essence of Christian service, emphasizing that acts of compassion and mercy are integral to our faith. The responses of the righteous reflect a heart that genuinely loves God by loving others. As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate a spirit of servanthood, characterized by humility and a deep awareness of the needs of those around us, thus fulfilling our mission as representatives of His Kingdom.