Are You, Really Ready?

Introduction

Parables are heavenly truths taught through earthly lessons

Every item of the parable is not meant to teach a lesson, most times there is just a single truth being advanced.

This becomes the focus of the parable!

Text

Matt 25:1-13 ““Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. “Five of them were foolish [actions lacking forethought], and five were prudent [showing discernment]. “For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. “Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. “But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ “Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. “The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ “But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ “And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. “Later the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ “But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

Background

An understanding of Palestine weddings is crucial to grasping the depth of this parable.

This parable has in its view members, active members of the church.

My readiness needs to be consistent. It needs to have in view a long wait. [Analogy: Ms. Cross]

Lessons

His Coming is Certain (Matt 25:1 ““Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.” )

His Coming demands preparations (Matt 25:3-4 ““For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps.” )

His Coming is Unexpected (Matt 25:5 ““Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep.” )

Application

Obey (Do what God wants)

Transform the mind (Change)

Be Faithful (Stay in Jesus) - Are you prepared for the long wait?

How we accomplish the above is by SELF-EXAMINATION, PRAYER, WORSHIP, SERVICE, HUMILITY, HONESTY

Bonus Lessons

Character is seen in crisis

Casual discipleship vs. Careful discipleship

They seemed to have it all together but lost it in the end (Matt 7:21-23 ““Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’” )

Why didn’t the wise help? - Maybe Jesus knew that you cannot prepare for anyone?