I Wish I Could Sell You More
Notes
Transcript
Read Matthew 25:1-13
Read Matthew 25:1-13
“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
“At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’
“All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’
“But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’
“But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’
“But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’
“So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.
Setting the scene of the story
Setting the scene of the story
Weddings much different back then: Timing; invitees,
Weddings much different back then: Timing; invitees,
Symbolism of the virgins: 1) All had a proper invitation; 2) the label of virgin meant they had purity of character; 3) All had lamps, a symbol of light in their lives.
Symbolism of the virgins: 1) All had a proper invitation; 2) the label of virgin meant they had purity of character; 3) All had lamps, a symbol of light in their lives.
Symbolism of the oil: The Holy Spirit
Symbolism of the oil: The Holy Spirit
Read Matthew 25:1-2
Read Matthew 25:1-2
“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.
Often this passage is seen as Jesus giving a teaching on being prepared for death; since throughout the Bible He is the bridegroom and we(the church) are the bridesmaids.
Often this passage is seen as Jesus giving a teaching on being prepared for death; since throughout the Bible He is the bridegroom and we(the church) are the bridesmaids.
There is no doubt that, no matter what today’s life expectancy charts show us, that death is still an uncertainty and we need to be prepared for when we see the Bridegroom face-to-face.
There is no doubt that, no matter what today’s life expectancy charts show us, that death is still an uncertainty and we need to be prepared for when we see the Bridegroom face-to-face.
But, again, we are looking at this parable from a different perspective. Instead of concentrating on the 10 virgins, we will look at it from a person who isn’t even mentioned in the story, but who is implied throughout and in some ways is the pivotal character. Just like many dramas, both off and on stage, the fate of lead characters is determined by some minor, supporting person. In this story it is the dealer of oil.
But, again, we are looking at this parable from a different perspective. Instead of concentrating on the 10 virgins, we will look at it from a person who isn’t even mentioned in the story, but who is implied throughout and in some ways is the pivotal character. Just like many dramas, both off and on stage, the fate of lead characters is determined by some minor, supporting person. In this story it is the dealer of oil.
Read Matthew 25:3-5
Read Matthew 25:3-5
The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
Imagine the oil dealer on the day when the women made their initial purchase. 1) How much oil do you want; 2) Why are you buying the oil; 3) Knowing how wedding went back then, he would suggest buying a little more, just in case.
Imagine the oil dealer on the day when the women made their initial purchase. 1) How much oil do you want; 2) Why are you buying the oil; 3) Knowing how wedding went back then, he would suggest buying a little more, just in case.
How would this translate into the attitude people today have about church and eternal life?
How would this translate into the attitude people today have about church and eternal life?
Where would people find oil vendors of the Holy Spirit? How would they manage to have an extra supply while they wait for the bridegroom to show up.(Jesus to return)?
Where would people find oil vendors of the Holy Spirit? How would they manage to have an extra supply while they wait for the bridegroom to show up.(Jesus to return)?
How do we see the difference between the wise and foolish virgins? Can you relate them to people in your life and their attitude toward church and Jesus?
How do we see the difference between the wise and foolish virgins? Can you relate them to people in your life and their attitude toward church and Jesus?
Read Matthew 25:6-9
Read Matthew 25:6-9
“At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’
“All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’
“But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’
What are your observations about the timing of the Bridegroom’s showing up?
What are your observations about the timing of the Bridegroom’s showing up?
What about the response of the five foolish bridesmaids?
What about the response of the five foolish bridesmaids?
What about the refusal of the five wise bridesmaids to share their oil with the others?
What about the refusal of the five wise bridesmaids to share their oil with the others?
How would this relate to a relationship with God, if it does?
How would this relate to a relationship with God, if it does?
Read Matthew 25:10-11
Read Matthew 25:10-11
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
“Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’
This is one of those rare parables which Jesus gives a conclusion. It seems quite tragic and to some unfair. How do you feel about not allowing those five to come in?
This is one of those rare parables which Jesus gives a conclusion. It seems quite tragic and to some unfair. How do you feel about not allowing those five to come in?
Read Matthew 25:12
Read Matthew 25:12
“But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’
They are already on the outside looking in; listening and longing to be at the party and now the bridegroom adds an even more damaging testimony that He doesn’t even know them. How can this be? Look back at the beginning notes. The fact that they are invited virgins indicates they were known, had a valid invitation; had purity of character and had the light required. So what separates the two sets of bridesmaids and why does HE make this statement?
They are already on the outside looking in; listening and longing to be at the party and now the bridegroom adds an even more damaging testimony that He doesn’t even know them. How can this be? Look back at the beginning notes. The fact that they are invited virgins indicates they were known, had a valid invitation; had purity of character and had the light required. So what separates the two sets of bridesmaids and why does HE make this statement?
Read Mathew 25:13
Read Mathew 25:13
“So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.
Who are the foolish virgins in your life and have you suggested they need to buy more oil. (Be filled with the Holy Spirit)?
Who are the foolish virgins in your life and have you suggested they need to buy more oil. (Be filled with the Holy Spirit)?
Is there still more you can do to persuade them? Are there some tactics that just won’t work but others that you haven’t tried?
Is there still more you can do to persuade them? Are there some tactics that just won’t work but others that you haven’t tried?
Understand everyone needs to have their own oil. They can’t get by on someone else’s.
Understand everyone needs to have their own oil. They can’t get by on someone else’s.
Is the Holy Spirit essential? 1) The attribute of God which moves and forms life(Genesis 1:2) 2) That was Jesus’ gift, counselor and legacy to us.(John 14:16-17) 3) The Holy Spirit is our truth detector(John 15:26-16:15) 4) The essence of our life as God’s people and interpreter of God’s word to us.(Romans 8) 5) Giver and trainer of the gifts we have for God’s work. (1 Corinthians 12) 6) The producer of the fruits which display to others God’s image in and through us.(Galatians 5:16-26) 7) Our armor bearer as we fight the problems and spirits this world hurls at us. (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Is the Holy Spirit essential? 1) The attribute of God which moves and forms life(Genesis 1:2) 2) That was Jesus’ gift, counselor and legacy to us.(John 14:16-17) 3) The Holy Spirit is our truth detector(John 15:26-16:15) 4) The essence of our life as God’s people and interpreter of God’s word to us.(Romans 8) 5) Giver and trainer of the gifts we have for God’s work. (1 Corinthians 12) 6) The producer of the fruits which display to others God’s image in and through us.(Galatians 5:16-26) 7) Our armor bearer as we fight the problems and spirits this world hurls at us. (Ephesians 6:10-20)
For the oil sellers of today: Encourage people to buy enough oil for life’s crises, including the ultimate one. It’s a buyer’s market, and the price is within everyone’s reach. In Jesus name, BUY NOW, BUY LOTS! You can never have too much.
For the oil sellers of today: Encourage people to buy enough oil for life’s crises, including the ultimate one. It’s a buyer’s market, and the price is within everyone’s reach. In Jesus name, BUY NOW, BUY LOTS! You can never have too much.