Bible Study Matthew 25:40....What does it really mean?

[civilwarbuff]

An interesting article.......

Matthew 25:40, it turns out, is a famously difficult and controversial passage, the subject of at least one book, numerous articles and contentious disagreements among biblical scholars. According to biblical scholar Diana Butler Bass, the “inclusivist” interpretation — that Jesus was referring to the poor and outcasts — was favored in the Eastern Catholic tradition and began gaining ground in the West with the ascendance of humanist beliefs and the rise of the Social Gospel in the 19th century.

But in an email exchange with me, Erickson referenced an older “exclusivist” tradition in Western Christianity:
“The prevailing wisdom in the early, renaissance, and reformation church era from Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant writers was that the ‘least of these’ refers to Christians, particularly ministers and those sharing the gospel.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/the-leas...the-struggle-over-matthew-2540-160022794.html

 

[JLB]

An interesting article.......

Matthew 25:40, it turns out, is a famously difficult and controversial passage, the subject of at least one book, numerous articles and contentious disagreements among biblical scholars. According to biblical scholar Diana Butler Bass, the “inclusivist” interpretation — that Jesus was referring to the poor and outcasts — was favored in the Eastern Catholic tradition and began gaining ground in the West with the ascendance of humanist beliefs and the rise of the Social Gospel in the 19th century.

But in an email exchange with me, Erickson referenced an older “exclusivist” tradition in Western Christianity:
“The prevailing wisdom in the early, renaissance, and reformation church era from Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant writers was that the ‘least of these’ refers to Christians, particularly ministers and those sharing the gospel.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/the-leas...the-struggle-over-matthew-2540-160022794.html

I read this article this morning.


Are we to discuss the meaning of Matthew 25:40 here or were you wanting to discuss the article?


JLB

 

[Knotical]

Quite honestly this passage seems pretty straight forward. Jesus is speaking to how we treat our fellow man, from economically challenged to the spiritually challenged. We should treat everyone we come in contact with with love and compassion.

 

[civilwarbuff]

I read this article this morning.


Are we to discuss the meaning of Matthew 25:40 here or were you wanting to discuss the article?


JLB

Well, I was thinking along the lines of the 'inclusivist' vs 'exclusivist' perspective....something I had never heard of before. I have heard this scripture preached to mean people in general not just believers According to the article there was belief amongst the early church that it referred to believers only.

 

[Douglas Summers]

An interesting article.......

Matthew 25:40, it turns out, is a famously difficult and controversial passage, the subject of at least one book, numerous articles and contentious disagreements among biblical scholars. According to biblical scholar Diana Butler Bass, the “inclusivist” interpretation — that Jesus was referring to the poor and outcasts — was favored in the Eastern Catholic tradition and began gaining ground in the West with the ascendance of humanist beliefs and the rise of the Social Gospel in the 19th century.

But in an email exchange with me, Erickson referenced an older “exclusivist” tradition in Western Christianity:
“The prevailing wisdom in the early, renaissance, and reformation church era from Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant writers was that the ‘least of these’ refers to Christians, particularly ministers and those sharing the gospel.”
https://www.yahoo.com/news/the-leas...the-struggle-over-matthew-2540-160022794.html

The Scripture (Matt. 25:40) is not to the Church (born again believers). This is during the persecution of the Jewish witnesses for Christ during the great tribulation. Notice they gave food and drink to STRANGERS, not knowing about Christ at the time, but having mercy upon them with food and clothing (the Strangers were the called of Christ brethren, witnessing to Israel about The coming King of Israel "The Son of David", "The Son of God". (Rev. 7:1-17) (Rev. 14:1-5). Rev. 14:6 begins the coming judgment of Christ (The everlasting Gospel)
Brethren is used in two way of Christ, Brethren of the Spiritual body of Christ (Son's of God) (Rom. 8:14-17) and "Brethren" to the Jew by Birth of the Flesh (Genealogy) (Matt. 1:1-17)

 

[JLB]

Well, I was thinking along the lines of the 'inclusivist' vs 'exclusivist' perspective....something I had never heard of before. I have heard this scripture preached to mean people in general not just believers According to the article there was belief amongst the early church that it referred to believers only.

40 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 to Me.’ Matthew 25:40

The people who were being Judged were believers.

The people who they did not minister to are plainly called His "brethren", which would also refer to believers, or anyone to who the Lord puts it on our heart to minister to, knowing that the person could one day be a brother, and may turn to Him through the simplest act of kindness.



JLB

 

[JLB]

The Scripture (Matt. 25:40) is not to the Church (born again believers). This is during the persecution of the Jewish witnesses for Christ during the great tribulation. Notice they gave food and drink to STRANGERS, not knowing about Christ at the time, but having mercy upon them with food and clothing (the Strangers were the called of Christ brethren, witnessing to Israel about The coming King of Israel "The Son of David", "The Son of God". (Rev. 7:1-17) (Rev. 14:1-5). Rev. 14:6 begins the coming judgment of Christ (The everlasting Gospel)
Brethren is used in two way of Christ, Brethren of the Spiritual body of Christ (Son's of God) (Rom. 8:14-17) and "Brethren" to the Jew by Birth of the Flesh (Genealogy) (Matt. 1:1-17)

These throughout the Olivet discourse, are teachings about His servants.

Those being judged in Matthew 25:40 are believers, His servants.

Starting in Matthew 24:45 through the end, the context refers to "His servants" and what He expects them to do, and the rewards and or punishment for obedience or disobedience.


45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 24:45-51



JLB

 

[reba]

Question: "Inclusivism vs. exclusivism—what does the Bible say?"

Answer: Is personal faith in Jesus the only way to heaven (exclusivism), or did Jesus’ death also provide salvation for some who do not believe (inclusivism)? This question is often posed by non-Christians when first confronted with the claims of biblical Christianity. Many skeptics charge that it is unreasonable for God to demand allegiance to Jesus Christ in order to receive the forgiveness of one’s sins. In the last several decades, many Christians have begun to opt for a different answer than that which has traditionally been given by the majority of Christian believers. The trend is toward “inclusivism.”


Had to look that one up

 

[Corn Pop]

Christ is the life and light of all Man. Without Christ nothing is. Every human has Christ in them, without Christ they cannot be, and no one is inherently evil. Christ is the light of all Man, many just don't find Christ (the Kingdom of God) within them.

So, how you treat others, is how you treat Christ. You feed a hungry person, you feed Christ, you give a thirsty person some water, you give Christ water. You hate another person, you hate Christ.

People get a little upset in this world with the truth, religions like to think there Gods special children and not others, or Christ dwells in them and not others, or they will go to heaven and not others, because the whole world has rejected Christ, just judging others through the knowledge of good and evil.

 

[JLB]

Question: "Inclusivism vs. exclusivism—what does the Bible say?"

Answer: Is personal faith in Jesus the only way to heaven (exclusivism), or did Jesus’ death also provide salvation for some who do not believe (inclusivism)? This question is often posed by non-Christians when first confronted with the claims of biblical Christianity. Many skeptics charge that it is unreasonable for God to demand allegiance to Jesus Christ in order to receive the forgiveness of one’s sins. In the last several decades, many Christians have begun to opt for a different answer than that which has traditionally been given by the majority of Christian believers. The trend is toward “inclusivism.”


Had to look that one up

Jesus death and resurrection provided salvation for all men, especially those who believe.



For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10



JLB

 

[Nathan]

I think there is a time to be inclusive and a time to be exclusive. Basic necessities of life - inclusive. Lords supper, baptism, discipleship - exclusive.

God Himself sends rain on the just and unjust, but only His Spirit on the just.

 

[civilwarbuff]

Christ is the life and light of all Man. Without Christ nothing is. Every human has Christ in them, without Christ they cannot be, and no one is inherently evil. Christ is the light of all Man, many just don't find Christ (the Kingdom of God) within them.

So, how you treat others, is how you treat Christ. You feed a hungry person, you feed Christ, you give a thirsty person some water, you give Christ water. You hate another person, you hate Christ.

People get a little upset in this world with the truth, religions like to think there Gods special children and not others, or Christ dwells in them and not others, or they will go to heaven and not others, because the whole world has rejected Christ, just judging others through the knowledge of good and evil.

The article argues that Matthew 25:40 is directed at 'believers' and not at the poor in general. However, there were no Christians (in the true sense of the word) at that time so maybe it carries a somewhat different meaning in that it was directed toward Jews. Jews held themselves apart from other peoples, much as Christians are urged to not be a part of the world. Messiah was come only to the lost sheep of Israel and not the rest of the world so that would make some sense. I don't recall in the Epistles where money is collected and distributed to the poor outside of the church (I could be wrong). So does this scripture really speak to the Church as applies to giving within the framework of the Church for support of poor believers or was it meant in the larger sense to include all people? Any supporting scripture is helpful......

 

[Nathan]

James 1:27 - Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Jesus might have made the statement before the 'church' was formed, but He made the statement about what would be said in the end - which is after the 'church' is formed.

I think its simply a reiteration of what God has said before - in real life examples;

Micah 6:6-8
With what shall I come before the LORD,
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”

He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?

 

[JLB]

Jesus might have made the statement before the 'church' was formed, but He made the statement about what would be said in the end - which is after the 'church' is formed.

The "Church" the "ecclesia", the "called out holy nation" began with Abraham.

We, Gentiles, who believe, are "grafted into" that Covenant between the [same] Lord Jesus and Abraham, that was "refreshed" and now called the New Covenant.



JLB

 

[Nathan]

The "Church" the "ecclesia", the "called out holy nation" began with Abraham.

We, Gentiles, who believe, are "grafted into" that Covenant between the [same] Lord Jesus and Abraham, that was "refreshed" and now called the New Covenant.



JLB

Right. We see this from a hind sight point of view, I was referencing it from a first person point of view - as if someone was listening to His words in person. At that time they did not understand just yet about the church.(although it had been prophesied long before).

 

[JLB]

Right. We see this from a hind sight point of view, I was referencing it from a first person point of view - as if someone was listening to His words in person. At that time they did not understand just yet about the church.(although it had been prophesied long before).

Got it.


A good study and review of this subject would help many to understand some very relevant truths today.


So many are taught that the commandments and laws of God Abraham walked in, are not for the Church today, because we are in the New Covenant, a "brand new" with Jesus Christ.




JLB

 

[reba]

I dont understand the consent push to divide His people His body His Church His holy nation
We are all one in Christ correct?
The way i see scripture is Yup most the NT is letters written to different groups.. and the BIG BUT is God's word is as relevant today as it was then.. Just as the OT scriptures... All of God's Word is relevant .

Then the term 'rightly dividing " the Word comes up ... my answer to that is His Word tells us we are ONE .. how can it be 'rightly dividing' His people into them and us ?

 

[Nathan]

I dont understand the consent push to divide His people His body His Church His holy nation
We are all one in Christ correct?
The way i see scripture is Yup most the NT is letters written to different groups.. and the BIG BUT is God's word is as relevant today as it was then.. Just as the OT scriptures... All of God's Word is relevant .

Then the term 'rightly dividing " the Word comes up ... my answer to that is His Word tells us we are ONE .. how can it be 'rightly dividing' His people into them and us ?

reba - satan has been at work in this manner for as long as humans have been alive. You honestly will never understand why he does it, just that he does it.

The NT might have been written to different groups - but they were written to one body. When we look at the letters in the light of being a member of Christ all divisions vanish.

Rightly dividing(actually means handling) the truth is simply taking and putting the things that are true in one pile and the things that are false in another - based on what people tell you. Everything found to be true in the Word is put in the true pile, and likewise for the false pile.

 

[dirtfarmer]

reba - satan has been at work in this manner for as long as humans have been alive. You honestly will never understand why he does it, just that he does it.

The NT might have been written to different groups - but they were written to one body. When we look at the letters in the light of being a member of Christ all divisions vanish.

Rightly dividing(actually means handling) the truth is simply taking and putting the things that are true in one pile and the things that are false in another - based on what people tell you. Everything found to be true in the Word is put in the true pile, and likewise for the false pile.

hello Nathan, dirtfarmer here

Can you give examples of "true pile" and "false pile". While I will agree that there are falsehoods recorded in scripture, all scripture is true. Just as I have stated, there are some falsehoods recorded in scripture, but scripture is not making false statement, only recording what someone else has stated that is false.

 

[Corn Pop]

The "Church" the "ecclesia", the "called out holy nation" began with Abraham.

We, Gentiles, who believe, are "grafted into" that Covenant between the [same] Lord Jesus and Abraham, that was "refreshed" and now called the New Covenant.



JLB

And Jesus said he is not of this world.