In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus shares the profound parable of the ten virgins, offering valuable insights and warnings about being prepared as believers in the last days. This parable provides a clear call to readiness and highlights essential qualities we must cultivate as we await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (ESV)
1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.
2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.
3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them,
4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.
5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.
6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’
7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’
9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’
10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.
11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’
12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Exploring the Parable: Key Lessons for Believers
Be Prepared and Watchful
Just as the virgins awaited the arrival of the bridegroom, we, too, await the return of Christ. We must remain vigilant, ready for His coming at any moment. This calls for spiritual preparedness, staying rooted in faith, and maintaining an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Cultivate a Life of Readiness
The wise virgins carried extra oil, symbolizing their preparedness and readiness for the bridegroom’s arrival. As believers, we are called to cultivate a life of spiritual preparedness and continuously seek God, abiding in His Word, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. This ensures equips us to navigate the challenges of the last days.
Personal Responsibility
The foolish virgins relied on others to provide them with oil, but we cannot rely on the faith of others. Each believer must take personal responsibility for their own faith, nurturing it and seeking a genuine relationship with God. We cannot borrow faith from others but must develop a personal and vibrant faith of our own.
Time is of the Essence
The bridegroom’s delay reminds us that we do not know the exact timing of Christ’s return. Therefore, we must make the most of the time we have, using it wisely to grow in our faith, serve God, and share the gospel with others and be prepared for his return at any minute.
The Closed Door of Missed Opportunity
The bridegroom’s coming is a picture of the rapture, when Jesus comes to retrieve the church (His bride) for the wedding feast in Heaven. The tribulation transpires on Earth during this time, before the return of Christ to defeat Satan during the battle of Armageddon. This parable is an ominous warning as to the state of the Church at the time of Jesus’ return. All ten virgins were professing Christians, but half of them weren’t ready for Jesus’ return, even though they knew to expect him. These foolish Christians will then have to suffer in the tribulation with the rest of the world and not partake in the wedding feast of the Lamb.
Ensuring You Are Not Following a Tare
As part of your examination, ensure you are not following someone who is a tare (imposter). Study the Word of God and compare what you are being taught to God’s Word. If you are unsure, seek help from other believers in understanding the Bible. It is crucial to align your beliefs and teachings with Scripture to avoid being led astray.
The Call to Action: Self-Scrutinize Your Faith
In light of this parable, I urge you to take time to self-scrutinize your faith. Are you truly committed to Christ, or do you merely blend in with the Christian community?
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Parable of the Ten Virgins serves as a powerful reminder to believers in the last days. Let us be wise, be prepared, and watchful as we eagerly anticipate the return of our Lord. Live a life of readiness, take personal responsibility for your faith, and make the most of the time given. Above all, let us remain faithful and committed to Christ, ensuring that we are ready to enter into the eternal joy and celebration of the heavenly wedding feast.
Note: Christians who miss the coming of the bridegroom may still enter Heaven but only after enduring all or part of the great tribulation. These are referred to as “tribulation saints” by scholars and theologians and are discussed in the book of Revelation, with their numbers too many to count (Revelation 7:9-17). The tribulation will not be an easy time for believers—they will be persecuted and likely killed for their beliefs by the worldly system of the anti-Christ.
