Moment of Meditation: Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth (Matthew 24:51)

''In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 24:51).''

Of the seven times that the phrase "weeping and gnashing of teeth" is mentioned in the Bible, six of them are in St. Matthew's Gospel. St. Matthew has a specific theme of judgment in mind for his readers.

The place where there is "weeping and gnashing of teeth" is a place of "outer darkness" (Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30). It is also called a "fiery furnace" (Matthew 13:42, 50). It is also the place where hypocrites will be cut up into pieces (Matthew 24:51).

This is a place we don't want to be. It is a place of judgment and bitter agony. A place where God refuses to make Himself present to the inhabitants. A place "where the unhappy prisoner, without light, or company, or comfort, spent his days and nights in weeping from grief, and in vainly gnashing his teeth from indignation. The image expresses the fact that the wicked who are lost will be shut out from the light of heaven, and from peace, and joy, and hope; will weep in hopeless grief, and will gnash their teeth in indignation against God, and complain against his justice" (Barnes' Notes).

St. Matthew wants to make sure that his readers, both then and now, do not end up in this place. Therefore he warns us to hear our Lord's call and respond in faith. Because those with true faith will not weep or gnash their teeth in eternity. Amen.