Matthew 25:31-46

The last judgment described (peculiar to St. Matthew). Christ here speaks of the judgment of Christians alone, because that was the question which most concerned the Apostles and their future converts. That the persons to be judged are described in Matthew 25:32 as 'all the nations,' is in no way inconsistent with this. Jesus foresaw, and frequently prophesied, that His religion would become universal (Matthew 8:11, etc.), and therefore appropriately described the Christians who at the Last Day will rise to be judged, as all the nations of the earth. A common interpretation, however, is that the judgment of all mankind is meant. Against this is to be set not so much the title 'Lord,' which even His enemies will then give to Christ, as the statement that all the persons judged had regarded Christ as their Master during their lifetime, and had recognised the duty of serving Him.