INHERIT THE KINGDOM PREPARED FOR YOU

Text: Matthew 25:31-46
25 December 2009

(I) PRECIOUS WORDS OF JESUS

“Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” Matthew 25:34

1. A Special word of Welcome

“Come, blessed of My Father…” Matthew 25:34a

a) Tender words of affection

b) Gracious words of recognition

2. A Supreme word of Commendation

a) Blessed of God the Father

b) Inheritance of the Kingdom especially prepared

(II) PROFOUND WORDS OF JESUS

“For I was hungry and you gave Me food;I was thirsty and you gave Me drink;I was a stranger and you took Me in;I was naked and you clothed Me;I was sick and you visited Me;I was in prison and you came to Me.” Matthew 25:35-36

1. Deeds done to Jesus noted

2. Deeds done to Jesus blessed

(III) PUZZLED REPLY OF THE HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink?When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?” Matthew 25:37-39

1. They were thinking only in very literal terms

2. They did not actually minister to Jesus personally

(IV) THE PROCLAMATION OF JESUS THE KING

“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it for Me.’ ” Matthew 25:40

1. A poignant moment

2. A profound answer

3. A personal application