The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1-10

Matthew 25:1–10 NKJV

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

We are studying “The Olivet Discourse” which was spoken by Jesus to the disciples on The Mount of Olives in response to the disciples questions. The context of this passage surrounds the Second Coming of Jesus and the Jews.

I found “The Bible Knowledge Commentary” very helpful in my studies of this passage. A bit of historical background is most helpful for accurate interpretation.

In Biblical times of Jesus’ day, the bridegroom would return from the house of the bride in a procession leading to his own home where a wedding banquet would be enjoyed. In Jesus’ parable, He as King will return from heaven with His bride, the Church to enter the Millennium. The Jews in the Tribulation will be some of the invited guests privileged to share in the feast.

Israel is pictured therefore as the 10 virgins (bridesmaids) awaiting the return of the bridegroom which is Jesus.

Now notice there are two groups among the bridesmaids. There are five who are ready or prepared and then there are five who are not prepared. What does it really mean to be prepared? And why is it so important?

Being prepared means you have faith in Him. Their faith is revealed in the fact they are looking for His return. Faith is believing without seeing. Christians are instructed to walk by faith not by sight.

Being prepared means you are faithful to Him. Notice the wise virgins took extra oil with them. They did not know exactly when He would be back. So they were faithful in not only bringing their lamps but also bringing extra oil. Their faithfulness is revealed in their doing their job until He comes. They had one job to do. To keep the lamps lit. In one Gospel account of another parable Jesus told them to “occupy or do business until I come. Faithfulness is determined by doing what your called to do! The foolish virgins do not fulfill their responsibilities until its too late. That is the definition of unfaithfulness.

Being prepared means you are not distracted by the unfaithful. The foolish virgins want the wise to give them their oil. Sometimes we take a foolish approach in our ministry. We sometimes are more loyal to the unfaithful than we are to the Lord. Our first accountability is to the Lord.I remember in Nehemiah when he began to do the work God instructed him to do the enemy came along and said “come down off the wall and lets talk about this.” But he refused because he was not going to allow the unfaithful to distract him from the Lord.

Notice there are two very different outcomes in this parable. In verse 10 the foolish virgins run to get what they should have had and while they were gone the bridegroom came, and those who were prepared went into the supper with the bridegroom and the door was shut. The door being shut declares the decision is final, no more time, too late to change.

Afterwards the foolish virgins came and said “Lord ,Lord open to us” but He answered “I do not know you”.

Israel in the tribulation will know that Jesus’ coming is near, but not all will be spiritually prepared for it. His coming will be sudden, when it is not expected.

Again Jesus is teaching the disciples all they need to know is to have faith in Him, be faithful to Him and continue His work until He comes. Don’t chase signs!

Christians in this dispensation, stop chasing signs, have faith in Him, be faithful to Him and don’t let the unfaithful distract you. Continue His work until He takes you out of here!