We don’t often like talking about judgment. It’s not exactly the topic of polite dinner conversation. It can make people feel uneasy and awkward but this shouldn’t be the case. Yes, it should make us fear the Lord and cast ourselves upon his grace, but it shouldn’t make us awkward. Jesus spoke freely about the coming judgment and this week we’ll examine how people are separated at the final judgment. Some people will be put on Jesus’ left, and others on Jesus’ right. We’ve spent a number of weeks looking at what will happen in the lead up to Jesus’ coming again and how we do not know when he will but here in this passage we will see what will happen when Jesus returns.

When the Son of Man comes, when Jesus comes, it will be absolutely glorious. Jesus alone is the one who his holy, who is clean before God, and he has complete authority. This time he won’t be coming in riding on a donkey but on the clouds of heaven and will be seated in his rightful place on the throne. This throne isn’t one of an earthly king that is temporarily used and then put into a museum but an eternal throne. The one who sits on this throne has eternal authority over the whole creation and there is only one person who is worthy of sitting in such a place and that is Jesus. Before him, all people will be gathered. Every person from every nation, from every age, from every century will be brought before the throne for judgment. This judgment is perfect, this judgment will be final, and this judgment is good. MC

Questions

What are some of the ideas of the final judgment that you have heard? Why does the idea of judgment make some people uncomfortable? What makes the judgments of Jesus perfect and good?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you alone are the one who sees all. Your wisdom is infinite, your justice is just, and your judgements are perfect. Expose our hearts and help us to put aside our pride and submit to your judgment. Give us insight as we examine ourselves, forgive us our sins, and transform our lives to be lived for you alone. In Jesus' Name, Amen.