Jesus gave three parables to warn about the judgment at the end of this system of things: the sheep and the goats, the discreet and foolish virgins, and the talents. These parables highlight how our conduct now will determine how we are judged during this climactic time foretold in Matthew chapters 24 and 25.

• Jesus’ Parables and the Time of Judgment

  Jesus warned about the time of judgment at the end of this system of things.
• “One will be taken along and the other abandoned.” (Matthew 24:40).
• He described a prophetic “sign” of his invisible presence and the “conclusion of the system of things.”
• The parables of the sheep and the goats, the discreet and foolish virgins, and the talents highlight how behavior impacts judgment.

THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS

Judgment Based on Support for Christ’s Brothers

• Jesus will separate people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats during the great tribulation. (Matthew 25:31-46)
• Those supporting his anointed brothers will be judged as “righteous” and receive “everlasting life.” (Matthew 25:46)

Jehovah’s Appointed Judge

• Jesus will judge with righteousness, considering conduct, attitude, and speech. (Isaiah 11:3, 4; Matthew 12:36, 37)
• Assisting in the preaching work is a primary way to support Christ’s brothers.

Faithfulness Leads to Everlasting Life

• Remaining faithful ensures inclusion in “the book of life” and the marvelous reward of living forever on earth. (Revelation 20:15)

THE DISCREET AND THE FOOLISH VIRGINS

Lesson of the Virgins

• The discreet virgins prepared for the bridegroom, bringing extra oil, representing vigilance and faithfulness. (Matthew 25:1-10)
• The foolish virgins were unprepared and missed the opportunity to join the marriage feast.

• Application for Anointed Ones

• Faithfulness to the End Is Crucial. Without preparation, the anointed risk losing their heavenly reward. (Matthew 24:13; John 14:3)

Warning for All

• Whether one’s hope is earthly or heavenly, remaining spiritually prepared and vigilant is essential.

THE TALENTS

Industrious Faithfulness

• Two slaves faithfully used the master’s talents, doubling them, and were commended with the invitation to “enter into the joy of [their] master.” (Matthew 25:19-23)
• The third slave, described as “sluggish,” buried his talent and was cast out for failing to act. (Matthew 25:24-30)

Warning Against Sluggishness

• Anointed Christians must avoid losing their zeal to secure their calling. (2 Peter 1:10)

WHO WILL BE “TAKEN ALONG”?

Final Judgment

• Jesus described two individuals doing the same work; one will be “taken along,” the other “abandoned.” (Matthew 24:40, 41)
• Only genuine, faithful anointed ones will join Jesus in the heavenly Kingdom.

Call to Watchfulness

• All of God’s people, regardless of their hope, must remain spiritually alert and faithful.

HEED THE WARNINGS

Lessons from the Parables

• Sheep and Goats: Stay loyal to Jehovah and support Christ’s brothers to be judged as “righteous.”
• Discreet and Foolish Virgins: Be prepared to endure faithfully until the end.
• Talents: Work diligently in Jehovah’s service to secure His approval.

Final Encouragement

• Faithfulness and vigilance ensure inclusion in Jesus’ Kingdom, whether one’s hope is heavenly or earthly.
• Remain busy in Jehovah’s service and prove yourself faithful to the end.

Thank you for reading,
-Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31)