Quizzing Lesson_Matthew 25

Three parables: Virgins and Torches, Bags of Gold and Sheep and Goats

Some quick thoughts on each, and then I will summarize:

Virgins

All the virgins fell asleep, actually, both groups are exactly the same, except for how they prepared. They are part of the wedding procession, waiting for the coming groom. This is an honor. Often stores would be open late in case last minute things like this would be needed, but the result of their poor planning is rejection by the groom himself. Maybe this is the reason for the whole thing: not being known by God is what fuels not being prepared for his return.

Story #2: Bags of gold

Three servants: each get a different amount of gold, the first two put their money to work, the third put it in a hole. Then the master came back, was pleased with the first two (and spoke the same blessing over them).

The third servant was not ready for the master’s return because he did not have an accurate idea of him. He did not know the master, or at least used some truths about the master to justify idleness. First virgin did not know him, the second parable the unwise character did not act in light of what he knew about him.

Story #3: The Sheep and Goats

When Jesus comes back there will be a separation. Those who have cared for the needy are put on His right. Those who did not were put on His left.

There is no third category. There is no wiggle room. He doesn’t talk about people who have feed some but didn’t invite in the stranger.

Does this passage teach that we are saved by works? Jesus has done this perfectly. Wouldn’t you say this is a good summary of His earthly ministry? And He freely extends His record to those who acknowledge that they haven’t. But this should not stop us from doing these things!

The final wise group is qualified not by knowing Jesus or even recognizing him, but know who He is and acting in light of who He is. The King says, “You didn’t know it was me, but that didn’t matter.”

Let’s talk about some other themes that are in these parables:

All have two types of characters: the wise and the unwise.

All three are about judgement and the end times.

Parable...Wise… Result… Unwise… Result

Virgins... stay vigilant... wedding banquet... did not stay vigilant... left out/rejected

Bags of gold... “put $ to work”... made more...shared in happiness...lazy thrown out

Sheep/goats...fed/gave/invited...inheritance...did not...eternal punishment

Our faith calls for action. None of these “unwise” people were “actively sinning” but they were not actively following Jesus. The wise ones kept the end in mind and did not sit passively. The unwise didn’t prepare and believed their own excuses. Which one are you? Time will tell.

But knowledge plays a central role in all three!

The groom claims to not know the foolish virgins

The foolish/lazy worker doesn’t really know (or act in light of what he knows about the master)

The people who are serving Jesus didn’t even know they were doing it!