In this study of Matthew 25, we look at the final instructions Jesus gave His disciples before the cross. Standing in the shadow of His prophecy regarding the destruction of Jerusalem, the disciples asked "When?" and "What signs?" Jesus responds with three powerful parables that shift the focus from when He is coming to how we should live while we wait.

We break down the chapter through three distinct calls to action:

*Be Prepared (Matthew 25:1–13): Through the Parable of the Ten Virgins, we discuss the necessity of personal spiritual readiness. Faith isn't something you can borrow or stumble into; it requires the intentional choice to keep your lamp lit. You can't get into the Kingdom on someone else’s oil.

*Use What You Have (Matthew 25:14–30): The Parable of the Talents challenges our view of stewardship. Whether you have "five talents" or "one," God has entrusted you with specific gifts—knowledge, influence, and resources—to invest back into His Kingdom. We explore the historical context of Israel's leadership and the danger of "burying" what God intended for the world to see.

*Treat Others Well (Matthew 25:31–46): Finally, we look at the Separation of the Sheep and the Goats. Drawing from the "bad shepherd" imagery in Ezekiel 34, we see that Jesus measures our faithfulness by how we treat "the least of these." True Kingdom living is marked by a love that refuses to gatekeep, gaslight, or ignore those in need.

Key Takeaways:

Following Jesus is an intentional life; it won't just "happen" without a plan.

You have exactly what you need to start serving the Kingdom today.

Our witness is found in our love, especially when it’s hard to give.

Scripture References: Matthew 25:1–46 (The Ten Virgins, The Talents, The Sheep and the Goats) and Ezekiel 34:17–21 (The judgment of the shepherds/priests)

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