Rethinking the “Nations” in Matthew 25

Rethinking the “Nations” in Matthew 25



1. “All Nations” in the Context are all those who fell away or rejected the gospel. The Jews are considered part of the nations because they are out of covenant with God. Jesus' established a new covenant with the rejects of that society.


This is confirmed in Acts 4:25-27, where the apostles quote Psalm 2: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” and apply it directly to Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel—a unified front of opposition against Messiah. Here, nations clearly includes Israel, particularly her leadership and those still clinging to the old system.




2. The “Goats” and Day of Atonement Imagery


Jesus’ choice of sheep and goats isn’t random—it’s richly symbolic. In Leviticus 16, two goats were central to the Day of Atonement:


One was sacrificed for cleansing,


The other—the scapegoat—was cast out into the wilderness, bearing the sins of the people.



This is precisely what happens in Matthew 25:


The “sheep” inherit the kingdom prepared for them—they represent the faithful remnant who followed Messiah.


The “goats” are sent away, cursed, and judged—they are the scapegoat, cast out of the covenant blessings, bearing the consequences of rejecting Jesus and persecuting “the least of these my brothers.”



 

3. "The Least of These My Brothers" Are Jewish Believers


Jesus calls the righteous those who cared for “the least of these my brothers” (v. 40). In Matthew’s gospel, “brothers” (adelphoi) consistently refers to Jesus’ disciples—especially the faithful remnant of believing Israel. This was not about humanitarian work for the world in general, but loyalty to Jesus’ followers during the period of persecution leading up to 70 AD. Those who rejected, imprisoned, and killed the “least” were often the religious elite and their followers—those aligned with the old covenant order, both Jew and proselyte Gentile. These were the goats.




Conclusion


In the end, Matthew 25 is a prophetic warning to Israel and her associates who rejected their Messiah, persecuted His followers, and clung to a fading covenant or system.

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