Daily text, Monday, October 17. 2016

[Queen Esther]

To the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.—Matt. 25:40.

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2016/10/17

Jesus has been speaking to Peter, Andrew, James, and John, his close companions. They have just heard him relate illustrations about the faithful and discreet slave, the ten virgins, and the talents. Jesus concludes his discussion with one more parable. He describes a time when “the Son of man” will judge “all the nations.” How this illustration must have fascinated his disciples! In it, Jesus focuses on two groups, one classed as sheep and the other as goats. And he highlights an important third group that he identifies as “brothers” of “the King.” (Matt. 25:31-46) Jehovah’s people have long been intrigued by this illustration and rightly so, for in it Jesus speaks about the fate of people. He reveals why some will receive everlasting life while others will be cut off in death forever. w15 3/15 4:1, 2