Fruit and Root

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:31-46

In this parable, Jesus is describing the final judgment. Sheep and goats are being separated. One of the things they are told is the righteous were the ones who ministered to the imprisoned, hungry, and naked. Jesus said that when they ministered to them, they were ministering to Him. The wicked, likewise, are judged on the same basis, but in their case, they didn’t minister and, therefore, didn’t minister to Jesus.

Both groups are astonished at the claim that they were or were not ministering to Jesus. Jesus explains that ministry to those in need is akin to ministry to Him.

The first thing we need to do in interpreting this parable is to understand that Jesus is not teaching a kind of salvation by good works here. That would run contrary to everything he taught about his purpose in coming into the world. He is not saying they are saved because they did these things. He is saying that they did these things because they were saved.

Ministry like this (although not exclusively this) is the fruit of salvation, not the root of salvation. The last line in this parable has Jesus saying that the righteous will enter into eternal life. They are not righteous because they did good work. They did good because they were righteous.

That is a huge distinction.

One way we can say this is to say that if we are not inclined to love others it might be a sign that the love of Christ is not in us. If, on the other hand, our bent or inclination is toward love, then it is a sign that God has done a work of redemption in us.

fruit and root