What does Matthew 25:37 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 25:37 speaks to the heart of Christian service and charity. In the context of the parable of the Sheep and the Goats, this verse shows the righteous, known as the 'sheep', expressing surprise at being commended for serving the Lord through their care for others.

The verse implies that the righteous were not aware that by serving those in need, they were in essence serving Christ himself.

The deeper meaning here is that genuine acts of kindness and love, especially to the least advantaged, are seen as direct service to Jesus.

It underscores an ethic of unknowingly doing the right thing without an expectation of reward, which accentuates the purity of their actions.

Historical Context

The verse is part of a parable found in Matthew 25:31-46, which was delivered by Jesus during the Olivet Discourse. During this time, Jesus is talking to his disciples about the end of the age and the final judgment.

The cultural and historical context of first-century Judea, where Jesus preached, was one of social stratification and where the needs of the poor and the marginalized were often ignored.

Jesus' audience would have been well aware of the poor and needy in their midst, and his teaching would challenge the prevailing cultural norms concerning who was deserving of God's favor.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse raises important points about the nature of salvation and good works. Different traditions interpret the role of works in salvation differently.

Some would see this as emphasizing the importance of good works as evidence of faith, while others may argue that it indicates the intrinsic value of loving deeds in the Christian life, with salvation being through faith alone but faith necessarily producing good works.

Furthermore, it touches on the doctrine of the imago Dei, the belief that all humans are created in the image of God, which would fundamentally necessitate the dignified treatment of all individuals.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse encourage believers to engage in acts of kindness and compassion towards others, particularly those in need. The importance is not just the act itself but the spirit of the act, performed with humility and without the aim of seeking recognition.

This verse can motivate contemporary Christians to participate in local and global acts of charity, volunteer in shelters, feed the hungry, provide for the thirsty, and meet other practical needs, reflecting Christ's love through their actions.

Cross-References

• Matthew 25:40 - "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
• Hebrews 13:2 - "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
• James 2:15-16 - "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"
• Proverbs 19:17 - "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words to consider include:

• "Righteous" (δίκαιοι - dikaios): often connoting justice or virtue, in this context, it refers to those who live according to God's will.
• "Hungred" (πεινᾶν - peinan) and "fed" (ἐθρέψαμεν - ethrepsamen): These words are related to physical hunger and providing food, suggesting meeting essential needs.
• "Saw" (εἴδομέν - eidomen) and "gave" (ἐποτίσαμεν - epotisamen): These verbs highlight the action taken upon seeing a need, indicating an immediate response.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar concepts of caring for the needy occur in other religious and ancient traditions.

In Islam, for example, giving to the poor (zakat) is one of the Five Pillars.

Hinduism espouses the principle of 'Seva', or selfless service.

The Jewish tradition also has a strong emphasis on charity and helping the less fortunate, known as 'tzedakah'.

These parallels illustrate a common moral impulse across different cultures and religions to support and care for those in need.

Scientific Perspectives

The altruism exhibited in this verse can be examined from a psychological and evolutionary viewpoint.

Science has studied why human beings might be compelled to help others, even when there's no direct benefit to themselves.

Theories range from the kin selection theory, which suggests that aiding others is a way to ensure the survival of shared genes, to various models of social and group selection.

Studies in psychology have also shown that helping others can elevate one's own mood and health, an effect sometimes known as the "helper's high."

Commentaries

Biblical commentators offer various interpretations of Matthew 25:37:

• William Barclay notes that the surprise of the righteous indicates that their service was done out of their love for others and not for their own glory or reward.
• John Calvin stresses the importance of the believers' actions echoing their faith, seeing works as a fruit of faith.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary highlights the eschatological (end time) aspect, teaching that final judgment will take into account the compassionate acts of believers.

This selection of commentaries demonstrates the range of approaches scholars and theologians take to understanding and applying the message of this verse.