Q: Where will Jesus judge the nations mentioned in Matthew 25:31-33: from, an earthly throne or heaven?

A: It is clear that Jesus will come back to earth. It is called His second advent. In Zechariah 14:1-4 we are told that He will gather all the nations together against Jerusalem and that is when He will come back to fight for His city and the people of Israel. His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives.

We must remember when one commits an offence or crime against the law, they will be tried in the jurisdiction where the offence was committed. All offences against God and His Law were committed on earth, not heaven. We also know that prophetically David’s house, kingdom, and throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16) This would be fulfilled in Jesus’ reign beginning with the Millennium.

Joel 3 talks about the day of the Lord. He brings out how the Lord will gather all of the heathen and they will come to the Valley of Jehoshaphat which means “Valley of Jehovah’s judgment.” They believe this location points to a deep ravine which separates Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. Joel 3:12 tells us, “Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.” (Emphasis added.)

Judgment always points to separation. Perhaps that is why we read this warning in Joel 3:14, “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.”

It is clear we must make the right decisions to make sure we are standing on the right side of our soon and coming King, Lord and Judge.