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“One will be taken and the other will be abandoned” (MAT. 24:40).
1. What will Jesus do soon?
Soon, Jesus will take up his role as judge of all mankind, just as he promised in the scriptures. This will occur during a crucial period known as “The Conclusion of the System of Things.”
Jesus predicted a sign that will enable his disciples to recognize this time, detailed in Matthew chapters 24 and 25, Mark chapter 13, and Luke chapter 21, which describe world events and social conditions such as wars, earthquakes, plagues, and an increase in wickedness.
This period will culminate in the judgment of all mankind, where Jesus will separate people, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep, representing the righteous, will inherit eternal life in an earthly paradise, while the goats, the unrighteous, will be eliminated.
2. What are we going to see in this article, and why?
In this article we will see three parables of Jesus: The parable of the sheep and the goats, the parable of the ten virgins and the parable of the talents.
Reviewing these parables is essential, because they help us reflect on our actions and motivations in daily life.
In this way, we can ensure that we are in harmony with Jesus' requirements and prepared for His judgment.
THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS
3. When will Jesus judge people?
Jesus revealed that his judgment will occur during the Great Tribulation, a time of unprecedented global distress that will precede Armageddon.
Jesus will separate people according to how they have responded to the message of the Kingdom, and their treatment of the Anointed. The parable of the sheep and the goats illustrates this division.
The sheep who faithfully supported the anointed will be blessed with eternal life, while the goats, who showed no support, will face destruction.
This judgment is not arbitrary, but a direct reflection of the relationship of people to the Kingdom and its representatives. This act highlights the importance of our attitude toward the Kingdom of God and its approval.
4. According to Isaiah 11:3, 4, why can we be sure that Jesus will judge people fairly? (See also images.)
We can be sure that Jesus will judge people fairly, because Jehovah appointed him as a Judge. According to Isaiah 11:3,4, Jesus does not rely on appearances or superficial words, but rather he distinguishes between the thoughts and the intentions of the heart. This ensures that his judgment is impartial and perfect.
Furthermore, Matthew 24:40 shows that Jesus will take into account how people treated his Anointed brothers, including their support of the preaching work they do. Those who faithfully support the Anointed will be considered righteous, and will receive the wonderful reward of eternal life on earth. On the contrary, those who do not do so will be judged as unworthy.
Jehovah makes sure that we all have the opportunity to prove our loyalty. If we remain faithful during the great tribulation, our names remain inscribed in the book of life.Books of Jehovah
ILLUSTRATION
Jesus sits on a throne high above the earth, looking down at two groups of people. Images of brothers and sisters serving Jehovah: 1. A sister looking up at the sky with a tablet in her hand. 2. A married couple reading the Bible. 3. A group of brothers and sisters building a Kingdom Hall. 4. A brother praying in a cell. 5. An elderly sister commenting at a meeting. 6. A sister in a hospital bed offering a tract to a nurse. 7. A brother studying with his wife and son. Images of men and women acting against Bible principles: 1. A man praying in a casino. 2. A man beating a woman. 3. A violent demonstration. 4. A man pulls out a gun as he follows a woman in a parking lot. 5. A religious leader praying for soldiers. 6. A woman using drugs. Soon, Jesus will judge each person to decide whether he or she has proven to be like a sheep or a goat. (See paragraph 4.)
5. What does the parable of the sheep and the goats teach us, and who should pay attention to it?
The parable of the sheep and the goats highlights how faithfulness and loyalty are central to Jesus' judgment. Those who hope to live forever on earth demonstrate these qualities by actively supporting the anointed in the work of preaching, following their direction.
This shows that loyalty is not just a feeling, but concrete actions that reflect one's commitment to the Kingdom of God. However, the warning also has an impact on the Anointed. Although they already have the heavenly hope, they must maintain their fidelity through their thoughts, words and actions.
Jesus carefully observes their conduct, as mentioned in Matthew 25, highlighting that all who are part of his people have specific responsibilities to fulfill.Books of Jehovah
THE 10 VIRGINS
6. How did five of the virgins show that they were wise? (Matthew 25:6-10)
The five wise virgins demonstrated wisdom and foresight by being prepared and willing to wait for the groom, even if he was late.
According to the parable, they brought lamps with enough oil, and also extra jars, to ensure that their lamps would continue to shine in case the groom arrived late. Thanks to their preparation and vigilance, they were able to enter with him to the wedding banquet.
This account illustrates the importance of constant spiritual preparation and loyalty to Jehovah. Anointed Christians who watch and persevere, even in the face of apparent delays, are rewarded with entrance into the Celestial Kingdom. In contrast, the foolish virgins did not foresee the possibility of a delay and were not ready when the crucial moment arrived.
7. What happened to the five foolish virgins, and why?
The experience of the foolish virgins underscores the importance of being prepared for Jesus' vanity. Although they initially had the opportunity to participate in the banquet, their carelessness and lack of foresight cost them entry.
This symbolizes those Anointed Christians who do not persevere, or do not strive to maintain their relationship with Jehovah and Jesus.
Matthew 25:10-12 emphasizes that preparation cannot be improvised at the last minute. The groom's response, "I do not know you," reflects the rejection of those who do not demonstrate sustained fidelity.
This parable teaches that each Anointed One must take personal responsibility for his or her spiritual preparation, without depending on the efforts of others. The oil represents the spiritual qualities and strength that are built through prayer, Bible study, and daily obedience.
8, 9. What does the parable of the 10 virgins teach the anointed? (See also the images.)
The parable of the ten virgins teaches anointed Christians the importance of always being prepared and vigilant while awaiting the arrival of Jesus. The message of the parable is a serious warning: those who do not remain spiritually alert and persevering will not obtain their reward.
Jesus also stressed that all Christians, whether they have heavenly or earthly hope, must be watchful and prepared to endure to the end, as mentioned in Matthew 24:13.
Furthermore, the parable complements its teaching with that of the talents, highlighting not only vigilance, but also diligence in serving God.
ILLUSTRATION
A brother is watching the news and comparing the news to what he has read in the Bible. Circled inside is Jesus' parable of the 10 virgins. It is important for all of us to heed the warning in the parable of the 10 virgins and be prepared, alert, and ready to endure to the end. (See paragraphs 8 and 9.)
THE TALENTS
10. How did the first two slaves prove they were faithful? (Matthew 25:19-23)
The parable of the talents illustrates how anointed Christians are to be workers in Kingdom affairs. The first two slaves used the talents they received diligently, demonstrating their faithfulness to their master.
This effort not only brought them the approval of the master, but also the invitation to share his happiness. This is a reflection of the heavenly joy that will be received by the Anointed Ones who fulfill their responsibility.
The example of these slaves highlights the need to act with dedication in the service of God. This shows that it is not enough to be called by God; it is also essential to be diligent and faithfully fulfill the responsibilities assigned to you.
11. What happened to the lazy slave, and why?
The third slave, who was entrusted with one talent, proved neither faithful nor hard-working. Instead of using it to produce profit, he hid it in a hole in the ground. When the master returned, instead of apologizing for his inaction, he unfairly accused his master of being demanding. This slave represents those who do not take advantage of the opportunities God gives them to serve Him.
Instead of being diligent and productive in the work entrusted to them, they are negligent, and as a result, they lose God's blessings.
The lesson for Christians is clear: we must be hard workers and take advantage of every opportunity to serve Jehovah, because a lack of effort and not taking advantage of the resources that He gives us can lead to negative consequences.
12. Who do the two faithful slaves represent today?
The two faithful slaves represent the Anointed Christians who, with dedication and diligence, fulfill the responsibility of serving Jehovah until the end of their lives. Jesus rewards them with entry into his heavenly Kingdom, which will allow them to enjoy happiness.
This reward is a clear sign that those who are faithful and actively work in God's work will receive what He has promised.
13, 14. What does the parable of the talents teach the anointed? (See also the images.)
The parable of the talents emphasizes that anointed Christians must be hard workers in their service to Jehovah. It is not enough to have a passive faith; they must be actively involved in their ministry, doing all they can to multiply what Jehovah has given them.
Jesus warned that if the Anointed lose their enthusiasm or become lazy, they will fail to secure their calling and selection and will not enter the heavenly Kingdom.
This warning is serious, and shows that if an anointed one does not fulfill his responsibility to work in Jehovah's work, he would lose the opportunity to receive the reward of eternal life in heaven, since salvation is not automatic, nor guaranteed for those who stop striving in their faith, so everyone must remain active in their work until the end.
ILLUSTRATION
An anointed sister teaches a Bible class to a woman. Inside the circle is Jesus' parable of the talents. Jesus wants the anointed to show that they are hard workers. (See paragraphs 13 and 14.)
WHO WILL BE TAKEN AWAY
15, 16. According to Matthew 24:40, 41, why is it important for the anointed to remain vigilant?
This is important because only those Anointed Ones who demonstrate faithfulness and loyalty will be welcomed into the heavenly Kingdom by Jesus. Although two people may be doing the same activity, such as working in the field or grinding with a hand mill, only one will be taken and the other left. This highlights that it is not enough to appear faithful; what really matters is to be approved by Jehovah.
Jesus related this warning to the call to always be vigilant, since no one knows the exact moment when their Lord will arrive. This teaching highlights that all anointed Christians must remain spiritually alert, demonstrating with their actions and attitude that they are prepared to receive the promised reward.
17. If Jehovah has decided to anoint some of his faithful servants in recent years, why does that not cause us concern?
We are not worried because we trust completely in Jehovah's wisdom and justice. He knows each of his servants and knows the exact moment to anoint them to fulfill his purposes.
This principle is illustrated in the parable of the workers in the vineyard, where Jesus showed that the master rewarded all workers equally, regardless of the time they began working.
This teaches us that the reward does not depend on the time at which they were called, but on their faithfulness. Thus, those who have been anointed recently will receive the same heavenly reward as those who were anointed long before. Therefore, instead of worrying, we see that this truth strengthens our faith in Jehovah, since this impartial justice reflects Jehovah's generosity and love for his servants.
PAY ATTENTION TO WARNINGS
18, 19. What lessons and warnings have we seen in this article?
This article has taught us important lessons and warnings. The parable of the sheep and the goats highlights that those who hope to live on earth must remain faithful and loyal, especially during the Great Tribulation. At that time, Jesus will decide who is worthy of receiving eternal life.
The parable of the ten virgins underlines the need to be prepared and attentive, ready to wait as long as necessary until Jesus brings an end to this system.
The parable of the talents highlights the importance of being active and hard-working in Jehovah's service. The faithful slaves received their master's approval for their efforts, while the lazy slave was rejected.
Finally, Jesus emphasized that the anointed ones must remain vigilant in order to be taken to the heavenly Kingdom. They desire to meet Jesus and become his wife during the wedding of the lamb after Armageddon.
20. What will Jehovah do if we heed his warnings?
Jehovah promises to provide support and strength to those who heed Jesus' warnings. In Luke 21:36, Jesus assures us that the faithful will receive the power necessary to stand firm before Him on the day of Judgment.
It is essential that both the Anointed and those who hope to live on earth take the lessons of the parables to heart. Obedience, vigilance, and the effort to remain faithful are qualities that Jehovah looks for in his servants.
He rewards these qualities by writing the names of the faithful in the book of life. Therefore, these warnings should not fill us with fear, but with confidence and gratitude. We know that if we continue to strive to fulfill Jehovah's will, he will help us persevere and give us the eternal blessing of being part of his purpose.
WHAT LESSONS DO THESE PARABLES TEACH US?
The one with the sheep and the goats
It teaches us that we must be faithful and loyal to Jehovah now and during the great tribulation to receive eternal life.
The one with the 10 virgins
It teaches us that it is essential to always be spiritually prepared and attentive for the moment when Jesus brings the end of this system.
The one with the talents
It teaches us that we must strive to be hard-working and active in Jehovah's service to obtain his approval and reward.
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