The Wise And Foolish Virgins Matthew 25:1-13

The Parables of Jesus Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. (Matthew 25:1-5 ASV)

The Parables of Jesus But at midnight there was a cry, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those maidens rose 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 replied, 'Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. (Matthew 25:6-10 RSV)

The Parables of Jesus Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (Matthew 25:11-13 RSV) Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my father who is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21; ESV)

The Parable Meaning Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (Matthew 25:13 RSV) a) 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 b) 2 Peter 3:10-12 c) Revelation 3:2-3 We are to take His coming so seriously that we are to be ready for any contingency! Remember then what you received and heard; keep that, and repent. If you will not awake, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you. (Revelation 3:3 RSV)

The Parable Applied 1.Christians are like the virgins awaiting the Bridegroom. 2.We should not trust in previous accomplishments. 3.Preparedness cannot be borrowed. 4.When Jesus comes the time for preparation is past. A doctor said that he did not know when the Lord would return in power and great glory. But according to the mortality tables He would come for him in the next few years. (Hobbs, 349)

"But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man." (Luke 21:34-36 RSV) Christians Must Keep Themselves Awake! (Lessons from Gods Judgment on Jerusalem)

Sources The Parables of Jesus by Mark Copeland Glimpses of Eternity by Paul Earnhart Commentary on Matthew by Kenneth Chumbley