The Wise and Foolish Virgins

Introduction

Talk about being prepared

Matthew 25:1–13 NIV

1 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ 7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ 9 “ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 “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. 11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

A First Century Wedding

They were very extravagant occasions

There was a period of betrothal

Betrothal (be·troth·al) is defined as a mutual promise or contract for a future marriage, distinct from modern engagement. In ancient customs, the betrothal involved a representative of the bridegroom and the bride's parents, confirmed by oaths and often accompanied by gifts. Celebrated with a feast, it sometimes included the bridegroom placing a ring on the bride's finger as a symbol of love and fidelity. Betrothal was an integral part of the marriage process in Hebrew tradition, with serious consequences for changing intentions, including potential fines. The biblical example of betrothal is notably seen in the relationship between Joseph and Mary. A betrothal typically lasted one year, during which the couple was regarded as husband and wife, though they could not engage in sexual relations until the marriage was consummated. The actual marriage occurred when the bridegroom took the bride to his home.

Marriages were usually arranged by there parents and gifts were often exchanged

The next stage in the marriage procedure was the betrothal.

First mentioned in Exodus 22:16, the term is used several times in Deuteronomy (20:7; 22:23, 24). The betrothal had the legal status of a marriage (Dt 28:30; 2 Sm 3:14), and anyone violating a betrothed virgin would be stoned according to the law of Deuteronomy for violating his neighbor’s “wife” (Dt 22:23, 24). The meaning of a betrothal involved taking possession, in a manner similar to that of receiving tribute. Nevertheless, there remained a distinction between betrothing a woman and taking her to wife (Dt 20:7). During the period of betrothal, the prospective groom was exempt from military service. It was assumed that the betrothal was a formal part of a permanent relationship (Mt 1:18; Lk 1:27; 2:5)

Ceremony was not in the synagogue but in the home of the groom.

The bridegroom went to the home of the bride and escorted her to his home

Friends and family would await their arrival.

The celebration could last as long as a week.

No one knew when the bridegroom would arrive but, it was usually in the evening

The young women to be alert and prepared with lighted torches to escort the groom

When he would arrive there would be a celebration with singing and dancing.

The bride and groom were treated like royalty.

Not even the Son of Man

These parables are about the future. What is to come.

This should be taken in context with the Olivet discourse (Matthew 24:1-36). Which is referencing that he would return but no one knows the time “not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36 “36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” ).

This parable follows two parables where Jesus is teaching about the importance of waiting and being diligent in waiting.

No homeowner knows when a thief might break into his house, he should be alert at all times (Matthew 24:42–44); and the second is an encouragement for responsible stewardship and a stern warning for irresponsible management. If a wealthy homeowner goes on an extended trip and puts one of his servants in charge, he will reward the servant if he is diligent in managing the household. But if the owner returns unexpectedly and discovers that his servant has been reckless and self-indulgent, he will severely punish that servant (Matthew 24:45–51).

Paul reiterates Jesus second coming.

Paul urges us to vigilant so they are not caught by surprise.

References (1 Thessalonians 4:1-18)

Wise and Foolish

The torches were oil-soaked cloths on poles, and since they didn’t know the exact arrival time of the groom, the young women should have brought extra oil to keep the torches burning.

When the groom didn’t arrive as expected, the foolish young women asked the wise young girls for oil.

The five wise refused, and told the five unwise to go buy oil.

Unfortunately, while the foolish young women were trying to buy oil, the groom arrived.

The five wise women were rewarded for their diligence, and accompanied the groom to the festival.

Once the door was shut, the unwise were locked out.

This was counterculture because typically the doors would be left open for guest to leave and come.

the unwise pleaded for the Lord to open the door, he refused. And in another surprising twist in the parable, he said, “I don’t know you” (Matthew 25:12)

Matthew 25:12 NIV

12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

Lord, Lord

The parable of the ten virgins is about missed opportunity.

Some have suggested “preparedness” is the gift of the Spirit, and as mentioned, interpret the oil as a symbol for the Holy Spirit. The foolish young women are told to go buy oil, but to buy the Spirit would be to commit the sin of Simon, who tried to buy the gift of the Spirit

Acts 8:18–23 “18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.””

What it means to be prepared is suggested in the pleading of the foolish young women and the reply of the Lord: “‘Lord, Lord’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you’” (Matthew 25:11–12).

Those who are prepared to enjoy the blessings of the kingdom are those who have an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—

Jesus concludes with these words Matthew 25:13 “13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable: For Personal or Small Group Use The Wise and Foolish Virgins

1. Why do you think the young women are described as wise and foolish rather than prepared and unprepared?

2. How are the customs of the wedding described in the parable similar and different from weddings today?

3. Weddings were obviously important in Judaism.

a. Do you think formal weddings with a reception (celebration) are important today? Why or why not?

b. What are some of the positive values of a formal wedding?

c. It is common and acceptable today for couples to live together. How would you counsel them about the importance of a formal wedding?

4. Though the main point of the parable is about being prepared for the Lord’s return, the principle of preparedness applies to many life experiences. In my first homiletics (preaching) class, my professor said, “We should always be ready to preach, pray, or die! So, if you are ever unexpectedly asked to preach, pray and see what happens!” How do you prepare for an important event? Can we prepare for unexpected events? If so, how?

5. The foolish young women were unable to borrow oil from the wise. When I was teaching I used to tell students that they wouldn’t become godly merely because they were at Moody Bible Institute. Godliness is a virtue you must acquire for yourself. What are some of the other virtues of character that cannot be borrowed? How do you nurture your spiritual growth as a follower of Christ?

6. The point of this parable is more than a warning about missing a wedding celebration. Though all the young women were essentially the same, the separation of the ten into two distinct groups had eternal consequences—either entering the kingdom or being forever locked out. Why is it urgent that people prepare in advance for the return of Christ, and what would you tell them they should do?

Marty, William H. Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable: For Personal or Small Group Use. Bethany House, 2020, p. 76