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Matthew 25:30 (NLT)
[The master said] “Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

DRAWING NOTES:

TIME OF DAY:
Unspecified in parable.

LIGHTING NOTES:
Lamp light in the room (unseen, top right) illuminates this scene.

CHARACTERS PRESENT:
Falling into the outer darkness is the unfaithful/lazy/wicked servant. Below him are other such people, already in the outer darkness.
In the light doorway is the guard who threw the lazy/wicked servant out into the outer darkness.

RESEARCH/ADDITIONAL NOTES:
This cartoon shows the events immediately following the previous scene, as seen from the point of view of the people in the outer darkness, who see the doorway open briefly, and another person thrown in among them, who are reaching up towards the light.

Notice the colour of the lazy/wicked servant & his clothing, it is changing rapidly to match the environment of the outer darkness: a monotonous dark purple, representing an eternal hopelessness found there.

The people already in the outer darkness are there because they chose to be separated from God whilst they were on earth, i.e. they didn’t believe what He said, and didn’t act accordingly (just like the lazy/wicked servant of this parable). Instead they choose to go their own way; follow their own desires and rejected the leadership of God. Having chosen to reject God, they are separated from Him, the result of which is being thrown into the outer darkness. Such separation from God is MUCH more terrifying than most people can imagine, hence the expressions/actions of the people in the outer darkness: screaming, feeling tormented, horrified, anguished, etc.

The Bible tells us that God doesn’t want anyone to choose eternal separation from Him (see 1 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4) [1]. Indeed, many verses in the Bible explain clearly that God wants to save everyone. However, that requires that they believe He exists, and that they accept their condition (sinner) & their need of a Saviour (Jesus Christ). If someone hears the good news (the gospel of Jesus Christ) and responds with faith in Him, then they will be saved, and there are plenty of Bible verses that prove that will happen. This is God’s plan for saving mankind from their own wrongdoing (sin).

On the other hand, God will not force anyone to accept His method of saving us. It is offered to us, but it is up to us to accept it; therefore the power to be saved (or not) rests with us. It is a little bit like jumping out of an aeroplane… you can strap a parachute to your back, or not, the choice is yours. Those who choose the parachute (God’s plan of salvation) rely on it to save them from what would otherwise be certain death when they reach the ground. Although God’s parachute NEVER fails; salvation God’s way is guaranteed.

It is easy to be saved, but it requires our agreement, and faith in God’s plan for our salvation. If someone chooses not to accept God and His plan of salvation, then their wrongdoing remains “on their account”. To choose to go our own way, is to reject God’s method of saving us, “I know best” operates, rather than “you (God) know best”. Those people who choose to reject God & his plan to save therm, are choosing to be separated from God for all eternity when they die. Such people will be choosing to go to hell (which is simply eternal separation from God after we physically die), which is the “outer darkness” in the above illustration.

1
1 Peter 3:9 (ANIV)
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

1 Timothy 2:1-7 (ANIV)
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.