Matthew 25:42 Commentary and Bible Study

Just as the righteous were identified by their love for Christ, so the wicked will be known by their hatred of him. To them he means nothing. When he was in the world they despised his person and rejected his words, arguing against his teaching, refusing to believe that he was the Messiah come down from heaven and sent by the Father. They questioned the basis of his miracles, found fault with his disciples, denied his authority, and finally in a mockery of a trial they put him to death as a criminal, preferring him to a murdererBecause they had no love for him it meant nothing to them that he should suffer hardship in this world. They were content to allow him to go hungry and thirsty and to offer him no relief. Who was he that they should care anything about him or raise a finger to help him? If they had found him in prison, it was no concern of theirs that he was innocent and therefore falsely imprisoned. Why should they trouble themselves over that or make any effort to have him freed? And why should they worry that he was sick and had no one to care for him? His message, which told them of their sin and guilt before God and of their need of repentance, was an offence to them. Why should they assist one who brought them such an unwelcome message?