sf931 - The Second Coming Of Christ 9 Of 11 - Waiting For Christs Return (Matthew 25 1-13)

Matthew 25:1-13

Introduction

The parable of the ten virgins is given to accentuate the importance of being spiritually prepared to meet Christ when He returns to earth.

The setting for this parable was a typical Jewish wedding ceremony.

A Jewish marriage consisted of three parts,

The first of which was the engagement. Most often arranged by the fathers of the bride and groom, the engagement amounted to a contract of marriage in which the couple had little, if any, direct involvement.

The second stage was the betrothal, the marriage ceremony at which the bride and groom exchanged vows in the presence of family and friends. At that point the couple was considered married, and their relationship could be broken only by formal divorce. The betrothal could last for many months, sometimes a year, during which time the groom would establish himself in a business, trade, or farming and would make provision for a place for the couple to live.

Third, the wedding feast would be held. This festivity, which could last a week, began with the groom’s coming with his groomsmen to the bride’s house, where her bridesmaids were waiting with her. Together the bride and groom and their attendants would then parade through the streets proclaiming that the wedding feast was about to begin.

The central truth is that once He has arrived, there will be no second chance and the opportunity for salvation will be gone forever.

As the parable unfolds, Jesus focuses first on the bridesmaids, then on the bridegroom, and finally on the warning that the parable is given to reinforce.

1A. The Bridesmaids (25:1-5)

1B. Their number

The Jews considered ten to be a number representing completion. According to Josephus, a minimum of ten men was required to celebrate the Passover. The same number was required to establish a synagogue and to give an official wedding blessing.

2B. Their character

The attendants were virgins because it was the custom of that day that bridesmaids be chaste young women who had never been married.

3B. Their lights

The torches used by wedding attendants consisted of tightly wrapped cloths attached to long poles. In addition to lighting the way for the procession, the lamps, or torches, served to identify members of the wedding party.

4B. Their preparation

The wise virgins took oil in their vessels, the oil represents preparedness. (Matthew 22:9-14)

The foolish virgins took no oil, they had the same outward appearance without an inward preparedness.

2 Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

James 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

5B. Their slumber

There is no indication in this context that sleep represents laziness or faithlessness. It illustrates that no one, not even faithful saints, will know exactly when Christ will appear.

2A. The Bridegroom (25:6-12)

1B. His coming will be sudden. (25:6)

At midnight underscores the unexpectedness of Christ’s return.

Luke 12:40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

2B. His coming will find many unprepared (25:7-9)

Many will be trusting in their good works

Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

The preparation of someone else will not help the unprepared. (25:8-9)

There is only one source of salvation.

Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

3B. His coming will seal the fate of the unprepared (25:10-12)

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment

Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

3A. The Warning (25:13)

Watch, (gregoreo) to be awake.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves…

How are we to watch? (2 Peter 1:1-11)

Our motive – God has graciously given us all things… (1:1-4)

Ø Pertaining to life and godliness

Ø Exceedingly great promises

Ø Partakers of the divine nature

Ø Escaped the corruption in the world

Our method – We urgently seek to add… (1:5-7)

Ø Virtue (arête, moral excellence) to our faith

Ø Knowledge (gnosis,) to our virtue

Ø Self-control (egkrateia, control over your desires) to our knowledge

Ø Perseverance (hupomone, patience, steadfastness) to our self-control

Ø Godliness (piety, godly living) to your perseverance

Ø Brotherly kindness (philadelphia, love for a brother or sister in Christ) to our godliness

Ø Love (agape) to our brotherly kindness

Our reward (1:8-11)

Ø We will be fruitful in our knowledge of the Lord (1:8)

Ø We will be sure of our salvation and not stumble (1:10)

Ø We will enter the kingdom (1:11)

Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Matthew 25:1-13

1A. The Bridesmaids (25:1-5)

1B. Their __________________________________

2B. Their __________________________________

3B. Their _______________________________

4B. Their preparation

The wise virgins took oil in their vessels, the oil represents ____________________. (Matthew 22:9-14)

The foolish virgins took no oil, they had the same outward appearance without an inward preparedness. (2 Timothy 3:5; James 2:17)

5B. Their _____________________________________

2A. The Bridegroom (25:6-12)

1B. His coming will be ___________________. (25:6; Luke 12:40; 1 Thessalonians 4:16)

2B. His coming will find many unprepared (25:7-9)

Many will be trusting in their good works (Matthew 7:22-23)

The preparation of someone else will ______________ help the unprepared.

There is only _________________ source of salvation. (Acts 4:12)

3B. His coming will seal the fate of the unprepared (25:10-12; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 21:8)

3A. The Warning (25:13’2 Corinthians 13:5 )

How are we to watch? (2 Peter 1:1-11)

Our ________________ – God has graciously given us all things… (1:1-4)