Be prepared! “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.” – Matthew 25:1-2 (ESV)
Jesus gave us many warnings about being ready for His return, but few are as striking as the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25. In this parable, all ten virgins expected the bridegroom’s arrival, but only half were truly prepared. The five wise virgins had extra oil, while the foolish ones did not. When the bridegroom came, the wise were ready to enter the wedding feast, but the foolish were left outside, hearing the sobering words: “Truly, I say to you, I do not know you” (Matthew 25:12).
This is not just a story—it is a warning.
The Danger of Being Unprepared
Many today claim to be Christians, yet they live as if Jesus’ return is far off or unlikely. Some even teach that there will be no rapture, or that believers must endure the Great Tribulation. But Scripture tells a different story.
In this parable, all ten virgins represent those who profess faith in Christ. They all expect His return. But Jesus makes it clear that belief alone is not enough. Half of them—those He calls foolish—are not ready when He comes. They had lamps but no oil. Their faith had no substance. They were unprepared to endure the wait, and when the time came, they were shut out.
This is a stark reminder that not everyone who calls themselves a Christian will be part of the wedding feast. Jesus Himself said:
“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)
It’s not enough to believe that Jesus exists. It’s not enough to go to church or to know Bible verses. The foolish virgins knew of the bridegroom, but they were not prepared to meet Him.
What Does It Mean to Have Oil in Your Lamp?
The wise virgins were ready because they had oil in their lamps. This oil represents the Holy Spirit, a genuine relationship with Christ, and a life lived in obedience to Him. It is the difference between those who say they follow Jesus and those who truly do.
Jesus is not looking for lukewarm believers who claim His name but live for themselves. He is looking for those who love Him, obey Him, and walk in His Spirit.
Having oil means:
- A real, personal relationship with Jesus (John 10:27)
- A life led by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16)
- A heart that longs for Christ’s return (Titus 2:13)
- A faith that endures even when He seems delayed (Matthew 24:13)
The foolish virgins had lamps but no oil. They looked like believers, but when the test came, they were exposed. At the last moment, they tried to borrow from others, but salvation cannot be borrowed. Each person must be ready for Christ on their own.
The Wedding Feast and the Coming Judgment
This parable is not about Jesus’ return at the Battle of Armageddon. At that point, the wedding feast is already over, and judgment follows. This warning is about His return for His bride—the Church. Those who are ready will go with Him. Those who are not will be left behind.
The most chilling part of this passage is the closed door. Once the bridegroom arrives, the opportunity to enter is gone. The foolish virgins begged to be let in, but the answer was final: “I do not know you.”
Jesus is coming at an unknown hour. Will you be ready?
The Call to Watchfulness
Jesus ends the parable with this command:
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” – Matthew 25:13 (ESV)
Are you watching? Are you prepared? If Jesus came today, would you be among the wise or the foolish?
Now is the time to make sure your lamp is full. Repent, seek Him, and live each day as if He could return at any moment. Don’t assume you have time to get ready later. One day, the door will close—and only those who were prepared will enter.
Be ready. The bridegroom is coming.
Are you a wise Christian or an UNWISE Christian?
I pray, MARANATHA! (Come quickly, Lord Jesus!)
Duane
An important note on the closed door. If Jesus closes the door on you when he comes to collect his Church, it means you must endure the Great Tribulation, the time when God pours out his wrath upon the earth, culminating in the Battle of Armageddon. It is possible to survive during this period, but the costs are very high – you will not be able to buy or sell without the mark of the beast – which is a mark of condemnation, and you don’t want it! The Antichrist will behead most Christians during the Great Tribulation, so if you are shut out of the wedding feast, KNOW the consequences! It is FAR better to live for Christ today, walking in obedience so that you are prepared for Jesus’ return to take his Church into the wedding feast.
Other articles to consider:
Is Heaven your Treasure?
The days of Noah and the signs of our times
