Sunday School Lesson
March 13
Lesson 2 (KJV)
Free to Worship
Devotional Reading: Ezra 6:1–12
Background Scripture: Ezra 5; 6:1–12; 10:1–5
Ezra 6:1–12
1. Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
2. And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
3. In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;
4. With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house:
5. And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.
6. Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:
7. Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
8. Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.
9. And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:
10. That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
11. Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
12. And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.
Key Text
The God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem.—Ezra 6:12a
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. List the main points of the decree.
2. Compare and contrast the decree of Darius with that of Cyrus (last week’s lesson).
3. Commit to praying for opportunities to practice faithfulness in the tasks that God has assigned.
HOW TO SAY IT
| Achmetha | Ock-mee-thuh. |
| Darius | Duh-rye-us. |
| Herodotus | Heh-rod-uh-tus. |
| Shetharboznai | She-thar-boz-nye. |
| Tatnai | Tat-nye or Tat-eh-nye. |
| omnipotent | ahm-nih-poh-tent. |
| Zerubbabel | Zeh-rub-uh-bul. |
Introduction
A. Worcester v. Georgia
Samuel Worcester (1798–1859) was aware that it was against Georgia state law for a white person to live among the Cherokee Indians. But in 1825 he and his wife did so anyway because his mission work required it; he was translating Scripture into the Cherokee language. Additionally, he advocated for the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation.
At the same time, the state of Georgia prohibited non-Cherokees from being present or doing business on native lands without the state’s approval. Worcester did not have the state’s approval to live and work on the Cherokee lands. For this violation, Worcester was found guilty by the state. An appeal was heard before the US Supreme Court. Worcester v. Georgia ruled in favor of the Cherokee Nation. The ruling stated that Georgia’s laws interfered with the federal government’s authority. Therefore, the state had no force over the Cherokee Nation. While not always honored by the US government, Worcester v. Georgia allowed the Cherokee Nation to self-rule.
The once exiled residents of Judah and Jerusalem tried to exert their sovereignty in their homeland as they reconstructed the temple. However, certain forces delayed and prevented the construction. Instead of giving up on construction or acting violently against their opposition, the resettled Jews found support for their construction efforts from a surprising place.
B. Lesson Context
This lesson contains the text of a decree of Persian King Darius I (reigned 522–486 BC). He came to power after several years of internal strife. Darius strengthened the Persian government, established a new method of taxation, and further organized the empire. The decree continued a policy established by Cyrus (reigned 539–530 BC). His policy allowed for the return of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and the reconstruction of the Jewish temple (Ezra 1:2–5, last week’s lesson).
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the exiles returned to Jerusalem and Judah (Ezra 2:1–2; see Zechariah 4:9). Two years after the exiles returned, reconstruction began on the temple in Jerusalem, in 535 BC (Ezra 3:8–9). However, the reconstruction was delayed several times by local opposition and regional authorities (4:1–5, 24).
Today’s Scripture text comes as a response to questioning from Persian officials Tatnai and Shetharboznai. After seeing the efforts at reconstruction, they questioned Zerubbabel and the local leaders concerning whose authority granted them rebuilding rights (Ezra 5:3, 9). The builders noted that their authority came from God and Cyrus. A letter was sent to Darius to inquire on the nature and authority of Cyrus’s decree (5:5–17). Today’s lesson concerns Cyrus’s decree and Darius’s response to the Persian officials.
While Darius was concerned with following Cyrus’s decree, he also had a pragmatic reason to support the temple’s reconstruction. By allowing agreeable Israelites to return to their homeland, Darius would have loyal subjects located in a geographically expedient place near Egypt, a region known for its rebellions and insurrections. Additionally, Darius would be able to institute a new tax system among the repatriated Jews in the regions of Judah, thus increasing his coffers.
Ezra 4:8–6:18 is written in the Aramaic language (unlike the Hebrew of Ezra 1; compare 4:7). Aramaic was used for business and government dealings of the Persian Empire. As our lesson text records official government documentation, the use of Aramaic is understandable.
I. The Conduct of a Search
(Ezra 6:1–2)
A. Regarding the Archives (v. 1)
1. Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
Archaeological remains of Persian archives reveal detailed reports of taxes, expenditures, and local government occurrences throughout the empire. However, not all official records were stored in Babylon. Other cities held local and national records and treasures. Therefore, a search for Cyrus’s records would extend outside the capital (next verse).
| What Do You Think? How will you ensure thoroughness when following the tasks God has placed before you? Digging Deeper How might you respond differently if you were met with opposition? |
B. Retrieving the Scroll (v. 2)
2. And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written.
The search for Cyrus’s decree took investigators to Achmetha, a city located about 285 miles northeast of Babylon. The city served as the summer palace for Persian royalty, so it is possible that Cyrus issued his decree there during the summer of 538 BC (see Ezra 1:1).
II. The Content of the Decree
(Ezra 6:3–12)
A. Reestablishing the Temple (vv. 3–5)
3a. In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem.
The focus of Cyrus’s decree expands on a directive given in previous text (see Ezra 1:2–4). Cyrus had given permission for the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland. Now the text elaborates on a key detail of their return: the reconstruction of the house of God in Jerusalem.
3b. Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits.
Prior to Darius’s decree, the altar where they offered sacrifices had been reconstructed (Ezra 3:2–3). Now the temple would be rebuilt to provide a space for worship. The temple’s height and breadth were to be threescore cubits, or approximately 90 feet each way. (A cubit equals about 18 inches.) These dimensions differ from those of Solomon’s temple. That temple had a length of 60 cubits, a width of 20 cubits, and a height of 30 cubits (1 Kings 6:2).
The decree did not include the temple’s length. One might assume that its length would match its height and width. If this assumption is correct, then the building would form a perfect cube. This shape would echo the dimensions of the most holy place of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:20).
4a. With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber.
Archaeological discoveries in modern-day Syria have shown that the use of timber after several rows of stones helped buildings survive earthquakes. This practice was utilized in the construction of the inner courtyard of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:36) and the courtyard of Solomon’s palace (7:12). Both mention the use of cedar wood, but Cyrus’s decree does not elaborate in that regard.
4b. And let the expenses be given out of the king’s house.
Those remaining in exile contributed to the temple’s reconstruction (Ezra 1:4, 6). But in an act of goodwill, the decree placed part of the financial burden on the king’s house, another term for the public treasury. These funds came to the treasury via new taxation practices (see 6:8, below).
5a. And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon.
The centrality of the sacred vessels, their removal from the house of God, and their eventual return to the temple is again made evident by Cyrus’s repetition (compare Ezra 1:7–11). These vessels were made by Solomon and were used at the temple for worship (see 1 Kings 7:48–51). However, Nebuchadnezzar confiscated them and took them to Babylon following the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:13–17; 2 Chronicles 36:18).
5b. Be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.
These vessels had been used in unholy ways during the exile (see Daniel 5:1–4). Therefore, they would need to be reconsecrated before they were restored and brought into the temple, the house of God. The restorative act required sacred anointing oil (see Exodus 30:22–29; 40:9). The presence of these items in the newly restored temple represented the restoration of Israelite life as the holy people of God.
| What Do You Think? How can Christians show the new life and restoration found in Christ Jesus? Digging Deeper How can Isaiah 58:1–14 and Luke 4:14–21 inform your answer? |
B. Restraining Local Leadership (vv. 6–7)
6. Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence.
What follows are the direct words of Darius to his officials, Tatnai and Shetharboznai (see Lesson Context). Beyond the river refers to the area west of the Euphrates River and east of the Mediterranean Sea. This area was a satrapy, or province, of the Persian Empire, of which Tatnai was governor (see Ezra 5:3).
The identity and role of the Apharsachites is unclear. Their name is an English transliteration of an Aramaic term. They were either an ethnic group from Samaria, the region north of Judah, or Persian officials who accompanied the governor of the satrapy. Their only mention in Scripture comes in Ezra (here and Ezra 4:9).
| What Do You Think? How can Christians make sure they are not hindering the work of God? Digging Deeper In what ways, if any, can God’s work be hindered? How does Genesis 37:12–36 and 50:15–20 inform your answer? |
7. Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
Zerubbabel served as the governor of the Jews who had returned from exile (see Ezra 5:2). The governor coordinated local affairs with the Persian authorities. Another group of localized leadership consisted of the elders of the Jews. These were leaders who handled local affairs like family disputes or village conflicts (see Deuteronomy 21:1–9; 25:7–10).
This division allowed the leaders to respond to the internal challenges of the community and maintain good relationships with the Persians. Additionally, it allowed the Persians to maintain control over the satrapy without overt concern in all local matters.
| What Do You Think? How might the government use its authority for the good of the governed? Digging Deeper How do Luke 3:14 and Romans 13:3–4 shape your answer in this regard? |
C. Releasing the Royal Treasury (vv. 8–10)
8. Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.
Darius’s decree concerned the financial burden of rebuilding the house of God. The Persians provided space for its reconstruction. They also provided a financial backing, following Cyrus’s precedent (see commentary on Ezra 6:4, above).
Specifically, Darius committed to funding part of the temple’s construction expenses from taxes and tribute money from the satrapy beyond the river Euphrates. This action reflects a larger policy to restore and provide for local temples and cults in the empire. Darius’s financial generosity highlighted his desire to honor the temple, whether or not he believed in the temple’s God.
Effective Incentives
On the morning of January 17, 1994, the heavily trafficked Santa Monica Freeway lay in ruins. That morning an earthquake had rocked Los Angeles and the surrounding region. A portion of the freeway, known for its heavy traffic, was no longer passable. As a result, traffic delays and congestion increased throughout Los Angeles.
Because the freeway was crucial for the livelihood of the region, local officials offered a financial incentive for the freeway’s rapid reconstruction. As a result, the project was completed two months ahead of schedule. The financial backing encouraged workers to rebuild rapidly. Without a restored freeway, the livelihood of Los Angeles was at stake.
As unexpected as that financial backing was, the backing by Darius was all the more so. A pagan king who offered to help subsidize Israel’s temple! Through what unexpected measures has God provided for you to do His work? How can you cut through opposition in order to continue toward the goal God has set for you?
—L. M.-W.
9. And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail.
In addition to financial backing, Darius ordered officials to provide the necessary resources for regular sacrifices in the temple. Young bulls, rams, and lambs were valuable livestock for the burnt offerings required of Israel (see Leviticus 1:2–13; 22:27; Numbers 7:87–88; 1 Chronicles 29:21). With these animals the returning exiles would eventually offer sacrifices (Ezra 8:35).
Flour made of wheat was used alongside daily sacrifices and burnt offerings (see Exodus 29:40; Leviticus 2:1–2; 5:11; 6:20; etc.). Salt accompanied grain offerings (2:13) and burnt offerings (Ezekiel 43:24). The preservative properties of salt served as a reminder of the preserving nature of God’s covenant (Numbers 18:19; 2 Chronicles 13:5). Oil accompanied the sacrifices, and wine was presented as a drink offering (Exodus 29:40; Leviticus 23:13).
Darius’s use of the title God of heaven acknowledged the power and scope of the exiles’ God (see Ezra 1:2; 5:11–12; 6:10; 7:12, 21, 23). This God is the creator of all things and omnipotent (all-powerful) over all creation, even the Persian Empire (see Genesis 14:19; Isaiah 37:16; Daniel 2:44).
10. That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
”Darius’s motives for backing the reconstruction became evident. He desired that the returning exiles have a location where they might offer sacrifices rightly. As a result, their sacrifices would be considered pleasing. Darius hoped that the God of the Jews would be content and would hear their prayers, specifically those for the king and his sons.
That these sacrifices are described as sweet savours refers to the rich ingredients included in the sacrifices (see commentary on Ezra 6:9, above). When Israel offered sacrifices in the way God desired, they were considered pleasing (Numbers 28:24; contrast with Isaiah 1:11; Jeremiah 6:20; Hosea 8:13).
Leaders asking that their constituents pray to their gods was not inconceivable. Greek historian Herodotus (c. 484–425 BC) described how Persians would offer a prayer for the king while offering sacrifices to their pagan gods. The practice continued through the New Testament era (see 1 Timothy 2:1–2). Sometimes rulers recognized Israel’s God as a supreme God (Daniel 2:47; 6:26–27). As a result, Israel fulfilled the promise that they would be a blessing to Gentiles (Genesis 12:3).
| What Do You Think? What prayer can you offer for leaders of your local, state, and national governments? Digging Deeper How can Jeremiah 29:7 and 1 Timothy 2:1–4 inform your prayers? |
D. Risking the Curse (vv. 11–12)
11. Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
As with an ancient covenant or a royal inscription, the decree ended with a warning or curse for anyone who might disregard or alter the words of the king. The dramatic and violent conclusion would not have shocked ancient audiences. Worshippers and leaders would have thought it appropriate that anyone not honoring the temple of a god should have their own house destroyed and turned to refuse (compare Jeremiah 26:1–6).
As for the form of punishment, the underlying Aramaic text is unclear whether the punishment referred to being hanged, crucified, or impaled. While gruesome, the act of hanging an individual as punishment would not be unprecedented for a Jewish audience (see Genesis 40:22; Joshua 8:29). However, the Law of Moses restricted the practice of hanging (Deuteronomy 21:22–23). Persian audiences would be familiar with the punishment of hanging, as Persian officials suffered a similar gruesome fate after a failed assassination attempt of the king (Esther 2:21–23). Further, Haman, a high-ranking Persian official, was hung after he attempted to massacre Jews in Persia (5:14; 7:10).
Unholy Interference
“Ouch!” My husband let out a shriek as I investigated a small blemish on his forehead. The surrounding skin was hot to the touch. He thought it was infected, but I was unsure. Maybe he was overreacting? I was skeptical that it was anything serious. I told him to take some ibuprofen. Maybe the blemish would improve in the morning.
The next morning, the blemish had not improved. In fact, his face was so swollen that his eye was almost shut. A few hours passed and the swelling only got worse. Finally, I admitted concern and took him to the emergency room. The doctors diagnosed him with a staph infection! Contrary to my skepticism, my husband had been right; the blemish was serious. I had to apologize for not taking his concerns to heart sooner.
While others expressed doubt and opposition to the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple, Darius confirmed the project’s legitimacy. When have you let doubt or opposition interfere with the work God has for you? Or might you be opposing God’s work in someone else’s life? If so, why?
—L. M.-W.
12. And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.
Following the format of a curse, the decree’s final line acknowledges the presence of God and the protection of all under His domain. This is the same God who promised to choose a place at which He would “cause his name to dwell there” (Deuteronomy 12:11; see Exodus 20:24). This promise referred to the unique place where God met His people, the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:29; 9:3; 2 Chronicles 6:2).
Darius anticipated that Israel’s God would protect His holy place and all within its premises. By calling a curse to destroy all kings and people, Darius followed an ancient Near Eastern tradition that taught that the gods would protect that which was considered precious and divine. This protection was notable for all people and items located within holy places.
While unlikely that Darius was influenced by ancient Hebrew literature, the psalmist warned against the “kings of the earth … and the rulers” who “take counsel … against the Lord, and against his anointed” (Psalm 2:2). The Lord would “break them” and “dash them in pieces” (2:9). Those who would go against the Lord and the His intentions would be destroyed. Those who would stand against and defile the temple of God would suffer destruction. While the temple of God that Darius envisioned no longer stands, God’s promises to watch over His “temple” remain true (see 1 Corinthians 3:16–17).
Conclusion
A. Surprising Circumstances
The ruling of Worcester v. Georgia did not improve the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation. Seven years after the decision, US President Andrew Jackson oversaw the forced removal of the Cherokees from their homelands through the Trail of Tears. Even as the U. S. Supreme Court (surprisingly) ruled in favor of the Cherokees, the sovereignty they won was short-lived.
The sovereignty the Jews gained under Cyrus and maintained under Darius was short-lived. In the centuries that followed, the Jewish people experienced many years of occupation. However, in that specific season under the reign of and support from Darius, the Jews survived and even flourished as they resettled their homeland.
Especially in difficult circumstances and trying situations, God calls His people to be faithful to His purpose for their lives. That Cyrus and Darius, two Gentile leaders, allowed for the resettlement of Jerusalem and the reconstruction of the temple showed the surprising ways God provides for His people. How has God called you to obey Him? Through what unexpected circumstances is He calling you to obey Him?
B. Prayer
God of Heaven, You are the creator of all good things. You bring life and joy, laughter and healing, peace and plenty. You provide for Your people in unimaginable ways. Surprise us! Show us how we might follow You in ways unimaginable. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
God can work through surprising circumstances to bring restoration and renewal.[1]
KID’S CORNER
A Great Separation is Coming
Matthew 25:31-46
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Matthew 25:31-46
(Matthew 25:31) “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.
Jesus Christ identified himself as the Son of Man. He said He would come again after His death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. When He comes again everyone (sheep and goats) will see Him in His glory as King of kings. He will come and visibly show himself as the Great King upon His throne, as He now truly is in glorious splendor forever. His angels will come with Him to do His will and carry out His promised plans.
(Matthew 25:32) “All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;
Jesus Christ is now and will visibly show himself to be the Lord and King over all the nations of the earth. Many worldly leaders and people in all nations are goats, and Jesus will deal with these evil leaders and people when He comes again. He will set the evil goats to one side so they can never afflict or persecute His followers (the sheep) again. The sheep will inherit eternal life and joyous celebrations in heaven forever.
(Matthew 25:33) and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.
The right hand of God is sometimes described as the authority and power of God. The loyal and loving followers of Jesus Christ will be placed at the right hand of God to exercise His authority and power as God directs. The evil leaders and people of this world will be replaced. The followers of Jesus will reign with Him. Notice: Jesus did not say that He would kill the goats. Sheep and goats will live forever, but in different places.
(Matthew 25:34) “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
The Father and Jesus prepared a kingdom for the followers of Jesus before they ever created this world. Jesus was, is, and will be the King of His kingdom. His followers will inherit eternal life in His eternal kingdom, because Jesus the King died and rose again for them. They are blessed by God’s many gifts. Jesus told His disciples that He was going to heaven to prepare a place for them: imagine what a place this will be for believers!
(Matthew 25:35) ‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;
Those who love God and others as the Scriptures teach will live, love, and act in ways like Jesus and the Good Samaritan in Jesus’ parable. Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit indwell every one of His faithful followers and enable them to live as He directs. When His followers love and help one another, they are showing love and helping Him. Jesus’ followers will meet the needs of one another and others as Jesus leads them.
(Matthew 25:36) naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’
Food, drink, compassionate companionship, clothing, medicine offered with personal concern and tenderness, are all needed and will be needed by everyone. The New Testament and 2000 years of history show Christians being persecuted, imprisoned, and killed for following Jesus. The goats try to destroy the lives and testimony of God’s sheep; therefore, believers seek to help one another especially. When they do so, they are helping Christ, who indwells His followers.
(Matthew 25:37) “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?
The sheep, the righteous people, are righteous because of their faith in Jesus Christ, who leads them in their daily lives as their Lord and Savior. The supernatural loving power of the Holy Spirit within them leads them to do as Christ without any self-righteous concern or focus on themselves. They do not even remember all the good they are doing or have done, because their focus is on following Christ and not on their achievements or on their rewards from God for doing good deeds.
(Matthew 25:38) ‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?
Some people see the list that Jesus gave as “duties,” as something they must be sure to do to earn eternal life, as a check list of duties to complete before they see Jesus. However, as much as it is true that Christians must do their duty and obey God, the list Jesus gives describes the attitude and perspective of one of His true followers. His followers will seek to love and serve others because of their new character as born-again believers and because of their love for their Savior.
(Matthew 25:39) ‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’
Christians will suffer physical needs and even suffer from neglect, from sickness and persecution. Jesus as our Great King did not say that He would prevent our suffering in this world; rather, He promised to be with us in our suffering and time of need. One of the ways He is with us is by living His life within us. Another way He is with us is when our brothers and sisters in Christ draw near us to bless and help us, to offer us encouragement and support when truly needed. When we as Christians draw near to help others, Jesus himself is reaching out to them through us to meet their needs.
(Matthew 25:40) “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’
Jesus answered, or will answer someday, that the righteous in Christ did many good deeds for those who are righteous in Christ. That does not mean that Christians only help one another, because Jesus commanded His followers to love their enemies (our enemies are also our neighbors). He did not tell His followers to restrict their service to true Christians only. However, true Christians will love and serve one another, and show special concern for their brothers and sisters in Christ.
(Matthew 25:41) “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;
Sheep and goats are two different species of animals that act very differently. Sheep and goats are fitting descriptions of different types of people who naturally act according to their nature. We all like sheep have gone astray, but those who trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior are born again. Christians have a new nature, quite unlike the nature of goats. The goats are the accursed. As Jesus once said to some, your father is the devil. There are some (even some powerful leaders in business, church, and government), who act like the devil and oppose Christ and His people. They promote ungodliness and wickedness and specific sins that the Bible especially condemns. God prepared a place for the devil and his angels, and God will send their followers to join them in a place of eternal punishment. The goats do not die; they are only separated from the sheep forever. Jesus, who died on the cross to save them, will send them away because they refused the salvation and new life that He offered them after He rose from the dead and that He offers today to those who will accept Him and the good news about Him.
(Matthew 25:42) for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;
Jesus indwells His followers. Goats either ignore those who follow Jesus, disparage them, or do horrible things to them. When goats see one of Jesus’ followers in need, they refuse to help them. They especially refuse to help believers because they follow Jesus. The right way of living by the sheep brings feelings of self-condemnation and other feelings to the unrighteous, so they want to destroy or live as far away from the sheep as possible. Rather than destroy the goats, Jesus will give them what they chose: He will send them away as far as possible from the sheep.
(Matthew 25:43) I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’
Jesus listed the same opportunities to love and serve others that both the sheep and the goats had and have. The sheep, when presented with the opportunities, helped those in need. The goats, when presented with the same opportunities, did not help others. If they ever helped anyone, it was because they wanted to serve their own or the devil’s selfish purposes. They had no real care or love for others.
(Matthew 25:44) “Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’
The goats will ask Jesus the same question as the sheep, but the reason they did not serve others was because they were so selfish and self-centered they did not see or care about the needs of others. Their sins were sins of omission for lack of love for God and others. They had a supreme love only for themselves, and they only helped others if they perceived the possibility of some selfish benefit.
(Matthew 25:45) “Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’
The goats, as children of the devil, will either afflict Christians or refuse to help Christians, especially Christians in need. Jesus expressed deep love and concern for “the least” of His followers, and His followers should do the same. The goats will, or will try to, take advantage of “the least,” and they will often look for “the least” so they can take unjust advantage of them.
(Matthew 25:46) “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
This is the second time in this lesson that Jesus mentioned eternal fire or eternal punishment. He was seriously making an important point. The goats did not find happiness living with the sheep; they hated it. God will not force them to live with the sheep or try to get along with them. God will send them far away from the sheep and himself. They will suffer there because they are going to a place that was originally prepared for the devil and the devil’s angels that rebelled against God. In this life, the goats experience many of God’s good gifts and good gifts from God’s people. They will be going to a place where they will experience no good at all. This should not surprise us, because our loving God did and will do the most loving thing for the goats—He will send them to their desired and deserved place forever, but make no mistake, it will be a place of punishment, but perhaps less of a place of punishment than the goats spending eternity with those they hate in heaven. The righteous, those who have come to love and serve God and others through faith in Jesus Christ, will spend a joyful eternity with the ones they love and the One who loves them.
A Great Separation is Coming
Matthew 25:31-46
Sunday, March 13, 2022
“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:31-32—KJV).
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:31-32—NRSV).
The more we learn about some world events the more appalled we become. Jesus Christ promised to take away the sin of the world (to solve the world’s problems). For two thousand years Jesus has done this when people have come to believe in Him and obey Him. Unhappily, some people hate Jesus and His followers; furthermore, they do not want to have anything to do with His way of life. Jesus promised to come again someday and solve this problem too. Surprisingly, perhaps, Jesus will not solve the world’s problems by killing those who do evil. When He comes, He will separate those who love God from those who do not, the sheep from the goats. Interestingly, the devil is often pictured as a goat, but Jesus will not kill the devil and those who live like the devil. Jesus promised He would bring peace to the world by separating the sheep from the goats. Jesus said that He would send those He characterized as goats to the place originally prepared for the devil and his angels (those who rebelled against God). Jesus will never compel a goat (someone who does not want to love God and live with Him and His followers) to live with sheep; however, those who do not want to live with His sheep will live forever in a place not prepared for them; therefore, people must choose wisely where they want to live forever
Thinking Further
A Great Separation is Coming
Matthew 25:31-46
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Name __________________________________
1. Jesus has told us some of His plans upon His return to earth as our glorious King. Who are those who will rejoice when he comes?
2. For what group did God prepare the place of eternal fire for eternal punishment?
3. Based upon the way they act and have acted, with which group will the goats be the happiest: the sheep or other goats? Which group forever?
4. What might you say to someone who says they do not believe in hell, and a loving God would never send anyone to hell?
5. When Christians help other Christians in need, how are they helping Jesus? How is Jesus helping those in need?
Discussion and Thinking Further
1. Jesus has told us some of His plans upon His return to earth as our glorious King. Who are those who will rejoice when he comes?
The sheep, the righteous, those who love Jesus as their Lord and Savior and show it by the way they treat others.
2. For what group did God prepare the place of eternal fire for eternal punishment?
The devil and his angels.
3. Based upon the way they act and have acted, with which group will the goats be the happiest: the sheep or other goats? Which group forever?
The goats. The goats.
4. What might you say to someone who says they do not believe in hell, and a loving God would never send anyone to hell?
That Jesus and the Bible teach there is a hell and God will send people there who have rejected God and the Way of Salvation. Those who go to hell have rejected heaven and the way people want to live and will live in heaven. That a loving God knows the unrighteous would be miserable in heaven and they would make others miserable too. A loving God will send them where they will be the happiest, far away from God and those who love God for God and those who love God have and would make them miserable in heaven by their love and righteousness, but they will suffer from being far away from God and those who love God. They will be with people like themselves and make each other miserable.
5. When Christians help other Christians in need, how are they helping Jesus? How is Jesus helping those in need?
Jesus indwells Christians. When a Christian helps someone, Jesus is helping them. When a Christian receives help from another Christian, Jesus is helping them.
Word Search
A Great Separation is Coming
Matthew 25:31-46
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Name ______________________________________
E I L G D E M O C L E W Q Z O
N Y E T A I G Z Q P B F S F P
O X C N X Y O W E Z L U O V Q
R R K E O A G E K C O X M U Z
H I F M L T H X S I T P E F K
T G R H B S R B R G S N Z N M
O H E S T Q X O X F A T H E R
N T G I H W L E T A R A P E S
R E N N F G N C V P V W X K V
G O A U I O Y U O H O R A D G
O U R P S K D R J F T Q J V E
A S T A Q W O S H E P H E R D
T I S I H Y B E I C O W S M U
S Z D U S V X D A F U T U W Z
J C P E O P L E O H M Y S Q S
Glorious
Throne
Separate
People
Shepherd
Sheep
Goats
King
Father
Son
Stranger
Welcomed
Righteous
Cursed
Punishment
True and False Test
A Great Separation is Coming
Matthew 25:31-46
Sunday, March 13, 2022
Name _____________________________________
Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.
1. What we do matters to the Father and the Son of Man. True or False
2. Jesus the King sits on a glorious throne, and He will come someday to bless the righteous. True or False
3. Jesus will gather people from some of the nations of the earth, but not others. True or False
4. Jesus will do what a shepherd does, and He will separate the sheep from the goats. True or False
5. The righteous are the blessed who welcomed strangers True or False
6. The cursed did not help Jesus and His followers. True or False
7. Today, everyone in every nation helps Jesus’ followers. True or False
8. Only the devil and his angels will suffer eternal punishment. True or False
9. From the foundation of the world, a kingdom has been prepared for the righteous. True or False
10. The very least of Jesus’ followers are important to Him. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- False
- False
- True
- True
Prayer
We pray for a peace that the world cannot give us.
We pray for a peace that will make us whole
And transform us into ambassadors of justice for Your sake.
Lord, give us Your peace! Amen