Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 25:40

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, [even] these least, ye did it unto me." — Matthew 25:40 (ASV)

The change from “Son of Man” (see comment on Mk 8:31) to “King” (vv.31, 34) is not at all unnatural; for the Son of Man in Da 7:13–14 approaches the Ancient of Days to receive “a kingdom,” and here that kingdom is consummated . The kingship motif has long since been hinted at or, on occasion, made fairly explicit to certain persons (4:17; 16:28; 19:28). Yet Jesus still associates his work with his Father, something he loves to do (10:32–33; 11:25–27; et al.). He addresses the sheep, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father.” They are “blessed” (GK 2328) inasmuch as they now receive their inheritance (Romans 8:17; Revelation 21:7), which presupposes a relationship with him. That inheritance is the kingdom (4:17). This glorious inheritance, the consummated kingdom, was the Father’s plan for them from the beginning.

The reason they are invited to take their inheritance is that they have served the King’s “brothers” (cf. Isaiah 58:7). The reason for admission to the kingdom in this parable is more evidential than causative, as is suggested by the surprise of the righteous (vv.37–39). When he is questioned, the King replies that doing the deeds mentioned to the least of his brothers is equivalent to doing it to him (v.40), and by implication to refuse help to the King’s brothers is sacrilege.