Matthew 25:31-46
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Main Idea
Like it or not, Hell is God’s Judgment
Outline
JUDGMENT IS COMING (vv. 31–33)
HELL IS WHAT WE ALL DESERVE (vv. 34–45)
HELL IS ETERNAL PUNISHMENT (v. 46a)
JESUS OFFERS ETERNAL LIFE (v. 46b)
Discussion Questions
JUDGMENT IS COMING (vv. 31–33)
What stands out to you about how Jesus describes His return?
The separation is described as clear and decisive. How does that challenge modern ideas about moral relativism or universalism?
What does this passage teach us about accountability before God?
How should the certainty of judgment shape the way we live now?
HELL IS WHAT WE ALL DESERVE (vv. 34–45)
When you first read this passage, does it sound like salvation is earned by good works? Why or why not?
Why is the word “blessed” in verse 34 so important?
How does “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” shape our understanding of grace?
Why does Jesus describe works in such detail if salvation is by faith alone?
Where do you see evidence of transforming grace in your life?
Are there areas where your faith has not yet translated into action?
HELL IS ETERNAL PUNISHMENT (v. 46a)
Why is the word eternal so important in this verse?
How would you respond to someone who says eternal punishment is unfair?
How does this passage deepen your understanding of God’s justice?
How does understanding what we deserve magnify grace?
JESUS OFFERS ETERNAL LIFE (v. 46b)
How does the cross resolve the tension between God’s justice and God’s love?
Why is it significant that the One who sits on the throne first hung on a cross?
How does believing in eternal judgment fuel evangelism?
What fears keep you from sharing the gospel boldly?
Looking Forward
Who in your life who needs to hear the gospel urgently? What would taking a step of boldness to bring them the good news of Jesus look like this week?
Prayer Focus
Pray for a deeper awareness of the seriousness of sin in your own life.
Pray for humility to recognize that apart from Christ, you deserve judgment.
Pray for renewed gratitude that Jesus took your place.
Pray that the reality of eternal life would fill you with joy and assurance.
Pray that your faith would produce visible fruit.
Pray for compassion toward the “least of these” in your community.
Pray for opportunities this week to serve someone in tangible ways.
Pray that your obedience would flow from grace, not guilt.
Pray that your life would increasingly reflect the character of Christ.
Pray for a growing burden for those who do not know Jesus.
Pray for boldness to speak about both judgment and grace with clarity and love.
Pray for wisdom to know when and how to start gospel conversations.
Pray for courage to overcome fear of awkwardness or rejection.
Pray for specific friends or family members by name who need reconciliation with God.
Pray that Peace Church would never shy away from hard truths in Scripture.
Pray that we would be known for gospel clarity and gospel compassion.
Pray that serving others would increasingly mark our church family.
Pray that temporary comforts would not distract you from eternal realities.
Pray that the hope of eternal life would anchor you in trials.
Pray that remembering coming judgment would cultivate holiness and urgency.