Parable 10 Virgins: Matt 25:1-13

[mindlight]

Have a sermon coming on this passage and would appreciate feedback.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins
25 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Having just reread this passage with a sermon in mind a number of things strike me.

1) Obviously the main point is about the church waiting for Jesus return. We are the virgins and he is the bridegroom. The main message here is be prepared.

2) Does this parable justify polygamy. Jesus will have 5 brides as a result of this passage?

3) In the modern culture virginity is not always associated with purity as readily as it was in previous times and still is in other non Western places. Is the passage a clear denunciation of sex before marriage or does it just assume that? Or is this just an affirmation of the principle that we should be keeping our lives pure and prioritizing Jesus over all worldly concerns.

4) In what ways has the church today fallen asleep or is unprepared for Jesus coming back.

5) How can we tell if we are one of the virgins that get to meet Jesus , being prepared OR that we are one of the unprepared Virgins who will not. Does this passage imply an uncertainty about the salvation of some people who currently call themselves Christians and are waiting for Christs return.

6) Why does Jesus come at night? Is this just to express the idea that it will be when we least expect him?

7) Were the wise virgins unable or unwilling to share the kind of oil that would have lit the foolish virgins lamps. Is this oil therefore more a symbol of obedience or righteous living animating the light that shone in the wise virgins life and moral character.

Anyway would be grateful to hear your thoughts on this passage.

 

[Yeshua HaDerekh]

Have a sermon coming on this passage and would appreciate feedback.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins
25 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Having just reread this passage with a sermon in mind a number of things strike me.

1) Obviously the main point is about the church waiting for Jesus return. We are the virgins and he is the bridegroom. The main message here is be prepared.

2) Does this parable justify polygamy. Jesus will have 5 brides as a result of this passage?

3) In the modern culture virginity is not always associated with purity as readily as it was in previous times and still is in other non Western places. Is the passage a clear denunciation of sex before marriage or does it just assume that? Or is this just an affirmation of the principle that we should be keeping our lives pure and prioritizing Jesus over all worldly concerns.

4) In what ways has the church today fallen asleep or is unprepared for Jesus coming back.

5) How can we tell if we are one of the virgins that get to meet Jesus , being prepared OR that we are one of the unprepared Virgins who will not. Does this passage imply an uncertainty about the salvation of some people who currently call themselves Christians and are waiting for Christs return.

6) Why does Jesus come at night? Is this just to express the idea that it will be when we least expect him?

7) Were the wise virgins unable or unwilling to share the kind of oil that would have lit the foolish virgins lamps. Is this oil therefore more a symbol of obedience or righteous living animating the light that shone in the wise virgins life and moral character.

Anyway would be grateful to hear your thoughts on this passage.

It alludes to the Jewish wedding in Yeshua's time. The groom would go away to his father's house to build a home for them and then, when the father decides he is finished, the father tells the groom to go get his bride. The bride would keep herself pure while he is gone. The groom and the bridal party would then go at midnight to get the bride. They would then go to the marriage supper. Sound familiar??
Shalom!

 

[Aussie Pete]

Have a sermon coming on this passage and would appreciate feedback.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins
25 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Having just reread this passage with a sermon in mind a number of things strike me.

1) Obviously the main point is about the church waiting for Jesus return. We are the virgins and he is the bridegroom. The main message here is be prepared.

2) Does this parable justify polygamy. Jesus will have 5 brides as a result of this passage?

3) In the modern culture virginity is not always associated with purity as readily as it was in previous times and still is in other non Western places. Is the passage a clear denunciation of sex before marriage or does it just assume that? Or is this just an affirmation of the principle that we should be keeping our lives pure and prioritizing Jesus over all worldly concerns.

4) In what ways has the church today fallen asleep or is unprepared for Jesus coming back.

5) How can we tell if we are one of the virgins that get to meet Jesus , being prepared OR that we are one of the unprepared Virgins who will not. Does this passage imply an uncertainty about the salvation of some people who currently call themselves Christians and are waiting for Christs return.

6) Why does Jesus come at night? Is this just to express the idea that it will be when we least expect him?

7) Were the wise virgins unable or unwilling to share the kind of oil that would have lit the foolish virgins lamps. Is this oil therefore more a symbol of obedience or righteous living animating the light that shone in the wise virgins life and moral character.

Anyway would be grateful to hear your thoughts on this passage.

It's nothing to do with natural marriage. The virgins are Christians. "Falling asleep" is a euphemism for death. Some will die with a vital, ongoing relationship with the Lord. Others die in a state of spiritual inactivity, careless about their Christian life and lacking any zeal. Many Christians are lazy, delegating their Christian lives to the pastor instead of being diligent. They will go to heaven, but they will miss out on the blessings of living in the Kingdom. They refuse to pay the price now (as in purchasing oil) and they lose out in the eternity to come.

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim Elliot, missionary who was martyred for preaching to natives of Ecuador.

 

[Ivan Hlavanda]

Have a sermon coming on this passage and would appreciate feedback.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins
25 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Having just reread this passage with a sermon in mind a number of things strike me.

1) Obviously the main point is about the church waiting for Jesus return. We are the virgins and he is the bridegroom. The main message here is be prepared.

2) Does this parable justify polygamy. Jesus will have 5 brides as a result of this passage?

3) In the modern culture virginity is not always associated with purity as readily as it was in previous times and still is in other non Western places. Is the passage a clear denunciation of sex before marriage or does it just assume that? Or is this just an affirmation of the principle that we should be keeping our lives pure and prioritizing Jesus over all worldly concerns.

4) In what ways has the church today fallen asleep or is unprepared for Jesus coming back.

5) How can we tell if we are one of the virgins that get to meet Jesus , being prepared OR that we are one of the unprepared Virgins who will not. Does this passage imply an uncertainty about the salvation of some people who currently call themselves Christians and are waiting for Christs return.

6) Why does Jesus come at night? Is this just to express the idea that it will be when we least expect him?

7) Were the wise virgins unable or unwilling to share the kind of oil that would have lit the foolish virgins lamps. Is this oil therefore more a symbol of obedience or righteous living animating the light that shone in the wise virgins life and moral character.

Anyway would be grateful to hear your thoughts on this passage.

I do believe this parable talks about the rapture.

'The Heavenly Kingdom will be like 10 virgins, 5 were wise, 5 were foolish' that means both wise and foolish will be there. Oil in this parable represent the Holy Spirit. 5 had the Spirit and 5 didn't. 5 loved God more that their Earthly life and 5 loved their Earthly live more than Jesus hence they are left behind when the rapture happens. Why is that? They love Jesus but they love their lives more, you have to love Jesus more than anything else. God is a gentlemen, you love Jesus more, you will be taken to Heaven and attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and you will escape what's coming (the great tribulation). You love your life more, you are left behind as a punishment during the great tribulation, as a last chance to repent and to teach you Jesus is more than your life. So you will have the choice, either you accept the mark of the beast and preserve your Earthly life however you lose your soul, or you lose your Earthly live for Jesus and you refuse the mark and antichrist for which they kill you. But you still go to heaven. Why are you foolish? Because you didn't love Jesus first.

When Jesus says 'depart, I never knew you' what He meant is that 'depart, I don't see the light in you'. Christians born in spirit = light of the world

Want further proof? Rev 6:10 “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Many people believe this is the martyrs, but this is the martyrs from the great tribulation only. Remember Stephen in Acts 7 59 They were stoning Stephen as he called out: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin!” And saying this, he fell asleep.

No one in Spirit asks God for vengeance when they are killed here on Earth, so why would they ask God for vengeance in Heaven after they see His glory? Makes no sense. All the Martyrs in Spirit forgive on Earth but then they see God in His glory and all of the sudden they seek vengeance? No. They ask for vengeance because how awful the great tribulation is and because they have no Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit leaves with Christians during the rapture, and the light will no longer be in the world.
Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Tess. 4:17)

Paul says in 2 Thess. 2:6-7 ‘And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.
It is the Holy Spirit who restrains the rule of antichrist. Once the Spirit leaves, only then can antichrist rule the Earth.

 

[Oseas]

6) Why does Jesus come at night? Is this just to express the idea that it will be when we least expect him?

.
No, JESUS is referring to the turn of the MILLENNIUM, as it happened in Eden when God - the Word-JESUS - JESUS is Word made flesh - walked in the Garden in the cool of the Day-(Genesis 3: v.8-10). ~~~> But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2Peter 3:v.8)

From Adam until today has passed six complete Days, we are in the beginning of the seventh and last Day, the Lord's Day, or seventh and last millennium, precisely in the beginning of this first century of the seventh millennium, the Millennium of Christ, the Millennium of Truth, the Millennium of Judgment, the Judgment Seat of Christ, and the Millennium of Vengeance. 2Thessalonians 1:v.7-12:
7 And to you who are troubled (tribulation) rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be REVEALED from heaven (Ephesians 1:v.3 and Philippians 3:v.20-21) with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

9 Who shall be PUNISHED with everlasting destruction (pestilences, famines, earthquakes, and he will destroy them which destroy the earth-Revelation 11:v.18, and so on) from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power;

10 When he shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that Day. - the Lord's Day -

11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 7:1-4
I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds(four angels) of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth(Israel), nor on the sea(the Gentiles), nor on any tree(the God's people).

2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth (Israel) and the sea (the Gentile peoples),

3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

May our LORD God bless and keep us, and give us His protection
Amen

 

[Oseas]

I do believe this parable talks about the rapture.

'The Heavenly Kingdom will be like 10 virgins, 5 were wise, 5 were foolish' that means both wise and foolish will be there. Oil in this parable represent the Holy Spirit. 5 had the Spirit and 5 didn't. 5 loved God more that their Earthly life and 5 loved their Earthly live more than Jesus hence they are left behind when the rapture happens. Why is that? They love Jesus but they love their lives more, you have to love Jesus more than anything else. God is a gentlemen, you love Jesus more, you will be taken to Heaven and attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and you will escape what's coming (the great tribulation). You love your life more, you are left behind as a punishment during the great tribulation, as a last chance to repent and to teach you Jesus is more than your life. So you will have the choice, either you accept the mark of the beast and preserve your Earthly life however you lose your soul, or you lose your Earthly live for Jesus and you refuse the mark and antichrist for which they kill you. But you still go to heaven. Why are you foolish? Because you didn't love Jesus first.

When Jesus says 'depart, I never knew you' what He meant is that 'depart, I don't see the light in you'. Christians born in spirit = light of the world

Want further proof? Rev 6:10 “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Many people believe this is the martyrs, but this is the martyrs from the great tribulation only. Remember Stephen in Acts 7 59 They were stoning Stephen as he called out: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin!” And saying this, he fell asleep.

No one in Spirit asks God for vengeance when they are killed here on Earth, so why would they ask God for vengeance in Heaven after they see His glory? Makes no sense. All the Martyrs in Spirit forgive on Earth but then they see God in His glory and all of the sudden they seek vengeance? No. They ask for vengeance because how awful the great tribulation is and because they have no Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit leaves with Christians during the rapture, and the light will no longer be in the world.
Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Tess. 4:17)

Paul says in 2 Thess. 2:6-7 ‘And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.
It is the Holy Spirit who restrains the rule of antichrist. Once the Spirit leaves, only then can antichrist rule the Earth.

Matthew 16:v.24-27
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Matthew 24:v.1-8
24 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. (This will fulfil LITERALLY at the year 70AD)

3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming? And of the END of the world?

The SIGNS
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. - About false Christ, JESUS said to the Jews: John 5:v.43 -47: 43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if ANOTHER shall come in his own name him ye will receive
(AN IMPOSTOR, A FALSE MESSIAH, A FALSE LAMB - Revelation 13:v.11-18 - THE SON OF PERDITION-2 Thes.2)

6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom(NATION shall rise against NATION...G-7, and G20, and EU, and UNO, among others Entities, will be DISSOLVED henceforward?) : and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

 

[Spiritual Jew]

Have a sermon coming on this passage and would appreciate feedback.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins
25 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Having just reread this passage with a sermon in mind a number of things strike me.

1) Obviously the main point is about the church waiting for Jesus return. We are the virgins and he is the bridegroom. The main message here is be prepared.

Agree.

2) Does this parable justify polygamy. Jesus will have 5 brides as a result of this passage?

No. This passage has nothing whatsoever to do with earthly marriage as we know it. This is a spiritual marriage between Christ and His church. It just has to do with the day we finally see Him face to face and will then be with Him forever.

3) In the modern culture virginity is not always associated with purity as readily as it was in previous times and still is in other non Western places. Is the passage a clear denunciation of sex before marriage or does it just assume that?

No, this passage has nothing to do with that, but there are plenty of other passages that denounce sex before marriage.

Or is this just an affirmation of the principle that we should be keeping our lives pure and prioritizing Jesus over all worldly concerns.

Yes. It relates directly to this:

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

4) In what ways has the church today fallen asleep or is unprepared for Jesus coming back.

By not preaching the importance of repentance and pursuing righteousness and godliness. They preach "Just believe in Jesus while doing whatever you want and all will be well". That's all that's being preached in some churches. Nothing about repentance or the importance of focusing on things that are pure. I'm not sure if this passage is in the Bibles of some pastors:

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Pastors and Bible teachers need to encourage people to do what Paul talked about in this passage. If we don't then we can easily lose sight of God's will for our lives and fall into sinful behavior and not be productive in our walk with Christ.

5) How can we tell if we are one of the virgins that get to meet Jesus , being prepared OR that we are one of the unprepared Virgins who will not. Does this passage imply an uncertainty about the salvation of some people who currently call themselves Christians and are waiting for Christs return.

We can tell partly by examining ourselves and asking questions about ourselves. What do we spend our time doing? Are we thinking about the things of God or only other things? Are we praying and having fellowship with others? If not then something is seriously wrong and we have to repent and ask God to forgive us and help us overcome distractions and temptations.

6) Why does Jesus come at night? Is this just to express the idea that it will be when we least expect him?

Yes, it only has to do with Him coming when people are not expecting it and not what time of day He comes. We should be watching for Him to come by way of serving Him and being in communication with Him daily. If we're too busy doing other things and have other priorities and can't fit Him into our schedules then we will not be expecting Him. These passages illustrate what I'm trying to say:

Matthew 24:45 Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ 49 and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. 50 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. 51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth

1 Thess 5:1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

7) Were the wise virgins unable or unwilling to share the kind of oil that would have lit the foolish virgins lamps. Is this oil therefore more a symbol of obedience or righteous living animating the light that shone in the wise virgins life and moral character.

It isn't that they are unable or unwilling, it's that each of us is responsible for ourselves. We can't repent and have faith for someone else. They are responsible to do that. If they haven't done it by the time the Bridegroom (Christ) returns then it will be too late at that point.

 

[Oseas]

Matthew 25:v.6-14

THE WARNING
6 And at midnight there was a cry made (midnight is the turn of the millennium on the clock of God), Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.

THE COMMOTION - THE UPROAR - MOMENTS OF TENSION
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

THE SELLERS-ANGELS OF CHURCHES:- PASTORS; BISHOPS; EVANGELISTS; THEOLOGIANS,ETC.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

THE DISAPPOINTMENT - UNCONTROLLABLE CRYING - TORN HEART -
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.


NOTE: According to the Word of God, we can see that both those who went to buy oil and those who were selling it were lost, remaining outside the kingdom of God.

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

THE DAY OF RETURN

19 After a long time (let us say around two thousand years or in the beginning of the third Day-John 2:v.19) the Lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

30 Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth

 

[Rachel20]

... so why would they ask God for vengeance in Heaven after they see His glory? Makes no sense.

May be a clue these are Jewish martyrs if they're calling on a go'el ha-dam

AVENGER OF BLOOD - JewishEncyclopedia.com

 

[Marilyn C]

Have a sermon coming on this passage and would appreciate feedback.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins
25 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7 “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9 “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Having just reread this passage with a sermon in mind a number of things strike me.

1) Obviously the main point is about the church waiting for Jesus return. We are the virgins and he is the bridegroom. The main message here is be prepared.

2) Does this parable justify polygamy. Jesus will have 5 brides as a result of this passage?

3) In the modern culture virginity is not always associated with purity as readily as it was in previous times and still is in other non Western places. Is the passage a clear denunciation of sex before marriage or does it just assume that? Or is this just an affirmation of the principle that we should be keeping our lives pure and prioritizing Jesus over all worldly concerns.

4) In what ways has the church today fallen asleep or is unprepared for Jesus coming back.

5) How can we tell if we are one of the virgins that get to meet Jesus , being prepared OR that we are one of the unprepared Virgins who will not. Does this passage imply an uncertainty about the salvation of some people who currently call themselves Christians and are waiting for Christs return.

6) Why does Jesus come at night? Is this just to express the idea that it will be when we least expect him?

7) Were the wise virgins unable or unwilling to share the kind of oil that would have lit the foolish virgins lamps. Is this oil therefore more a symbol of obedience or righteous living animating the light that shone in the wise virgins life and moral character.

Anyway would be grateful to hear your thoughts on this passage.

Hi mindlight,

This parable does not concern the Body of Christ as that revelation was not known then, and the Lord did not reveal it till He gave it to the Apostle Paul many years later.

In the Old Testament Israel is referred to `like a wife,` and God as its `husband,` which means `master.` God said -

`I will betroth you to me forever; yes I will betroth you to me in righteousness and justice in loving-kindness and mercy; I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord.` (Hosea 2: 19 & 20)

He will come to them at midnight, when they least expect Him, however we, the Body of Christ are of the day and the Lord comes to us as the morning star. (Rev. 2: 28, 22: 16)

Now if you are desiring to speak on people being ready for the Lord coming then I suggest you look at these scriptures -

Heb. 9: 28 about being eagerly watching and not caught up in the world`s turmoil.

Heb. 10: 25 about exhorting, (encouraging & warning) and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 Thess. 5: 5 & 5 about being sons of light and not of the darkness.

Eph. 4: 11 - 16 about not being overcome by error but speaking the truth in love.

Col. 2: 18 & 19 about holding fast to the `Head,` Christ and not this world.

And I`m sure you`ll find many more encouraging truths to build up the part of Body you are speaking to.

regards, Marilyn.

 

[Rachel20]

just a side note, I've always thought the "pure oil olive beaten for the light" in verses below were a picture of Christ & is significant to the parable. Both virgin groups are believers of the Abrahamic God since both are waiting for Messiah, but one group has oil that doesn't last. So I think the parable pictures the church & non-believing Israel. If the grooms appearance pictures the rapture, the latter group would be left to become tribulation saints, assuming they turn to Christ, & explains why the martyrs are crying out to their go'el ha-dam

And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. Exo 27:20

Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually. Lev 24:2

 

[Spiritual Jew]

just a side note, I've always thought the "pure oil olive beaten for the light" in verses below were a picture of Christ & is significant to the parable. Both virgin groups are believers of the Abrahamic God since both are waiting for Messiah, but one group has oil that doesn't last. So I think the parable pictures the church & non-believing Israel. If the grooms appearance pictures the rapture, the latter group would be left to become tribulation saints, assuming they turn to Christ, & explains why the martyrs are crying out to their go'el ha-dam

And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. Exo 27:20

Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually. Lev 24:2

I don't know if it's appropriate to debate the scripture in this thread or not since the OP was just asking for other people's input on Matt 25:1-13. Let me know if it's not appropriate to debate it here and, if it's not, I'll just delete this post.

But, it's hard for me to read something like this and not respond. You're indicating that you think the virgin group that doesn't go up to be with Christ represents non-believing Israel and they would be left to become tribulation saints. I don't know how that can be possible in light of what it says at the end of the parable.

Matt 25:10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

First of all, why would it matter if they missed the wedding if they would still get a chance to be saved after being shut out of it? Why the warning to "keep watch" if they would get a second chance to be saved after that, anyway? What difference does it really make if they're saved before or after the wedding in that case?

Notice that the Bridegroom in this parable, representing Jesus, says to the foolish virgins: "Truly I tell you, I don't know you".

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Clearly, Jesus is not happy at all with people who pretend to be Christians and even do some good things, but don't have a personal relationship with Him. They will try to plead their case, but He will just say "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!". That doesn't sound like something He would say to people who He's giving another chance to be saved.

When else would they be trying to plead their case except on judgment day when everyone has to give an account of themselves? If you continue reading in Matthew 25 in verses 31-46, you can see that when Jesus comes with His angels there won't be a time of tribulation following that. Instead, He will sit on the throne of His glory to judge all people. That will be the time when people try to plead their case that they did all these things like prophesy in His name and perform miracles, but He will say He never knew them and will say to them "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matt 25:41).

Another way to show that there is no tribulation period after what is described in Matthew 25:1-13 is the fact that His coming of which no one knows the day or hour is also described in Matthew 24:29-36 and it is said to occur after the tribulation of those days.

So, with all that in mind, I believe Jesus is contrasting believers and unbelievers (not just unbelieving Israelites) in general in Matthew 25:1-13 and what will happen to each on the day He returns. Later in the chapter He gets more specific about what happens to each group (see Matt 25:34, 41 and 46).

 

[Rachel20]

You're indicating that you think the virgin group that doesn't go up to be with Christ represents non-believing Israel and they would be left to become tribulation saints. I don't know how that can be possible in light of what it says at the end of the parable.

Matt 25:10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11 “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ 12 “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ 13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

You've summarized my current belief correctly. A wedding banquet is also brought up in Matthew 22 with a kingdom parable. Those who were first called to the wedding refused to come, so the master's servants went out into the highways inviting everyone and furnished the wedding with all who would come.

First of all, why would it matter if they missed the wedding if they would still get a chance to be saved after being shut out of it? Why the warning to "keep watch" if they would get a second chance to be saved after that, anyway? What difference does it really make if they're saved before or after the wedding in that case?

If the groom's appearance is the rapture, the difference is spending the 70th week of Daniel with the Lord at the marriage of the Lamb or spending it on earth in a time described as the greatest tribulation the world has ever seen or ever will (Matthew 24:21).

Notice in Revelation 19 the marriage of the Lamb takes place, with the bride seen arrayed in fine linen, clean and white - same description of the armies that come with the Lord at his second advent:

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. Rev 19:7-9

And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. Rev 19:14

Notice that the Bridegroom in this parable, representing Jesus, says to the foolish virgins: "Truly I tell you, I don't know you".

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

I don't link Mat 7 to the parable because I don't see the parable picturing the second advent with its sheep & goat judgement, but rather the rapture. Certainly those that aren't in Christ at the rapture would be "unkown" to him.

Another way to show that there is no tribulation period after what is described in Matthew 25:1-13 is the fact that His coming of which no one knows the day or hour is also described in Matthew 24:29-36 and it is said to occur after the tribulation of those days.

Same answer here. But I can understand your view if you're post-trib.

 

[Oseas]

"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept." Why?
Because it is already midnight. Who are not sleeping?

At midnight there was (there will be) a cry made. This is as a sound of trumpet. By the way, 1Thes.4:v.15-16 say: 15 For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord -the Word is God-, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep (the dead in Christ will arise first).
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the TRUMP of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first-Daniel 12:v.2.

"Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go YOU out to meet him".
Go out from where? Now, where are you? Where are you Adam? Genesis 3:v.8-10

Is anyone awake? So far I have not heard any cry of warning of the groom's arrival.
Well, it 's midnight, it' s a time for terror, a night time fright. There are many that are sleeping a deep sleep, well, it is already midnight, a hour of terror. But for those who is of the LORD and trust Him , there are promises of security in the Psalms 91, among others Scriptures.

Let us wake up, despite the midnight darkness. Be wise and take oil in your vessel and with lamps to see well in the darkness that covers the earth.

 

[mindlight]

It alludes to the Jewish wedding in Yeshua's time. The groom would go away to his father's house to build a home for them and then, when the father decides he is finished, the father tells the groom to go get his bride. The bride would keep herself pure while he is gone. The groom and the bridal party would then go at midnight to get the bride. They would then go to the marriage supper. Sound familiar??
Shalom!

Sorry for being so slow getting back on this one. Some cool insights here, on how Jesus contextualised his message about being prepared in something the Jews of the time would have been familiar with. So he is not marrying these 10 women he is marrying his bride. They are the bridal party rather than the bride herself. I should imagine if the groom came at night then it may have been a common problem to run out of oil. So it was a common complaint against some members of a bridal party who failed to cater for the prolonged wait in darkness.

 

[mindlight]

It's nothing to do with natural marriage. The virgins are Christians. "Falling asleep" is a euphemism for death. Some will die with a vital, ongoing relationship with the Lord. Others die in a state of spiritual inactivity, careless about their Christian life and lacking any zeal. Many Christians are lazy, delegating their Christian lives to the pastor instead of being diligent. They will go to heaven, but they will miss out on the blessings of living in the Kingdom. They refuse to pay the price now (as in purchasing oil) and they lose out in the eternity to come.

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim Elliot, missionary who was martyred for preaching to natives of Ecuador.

NOt sure I read this properly first time. If Jesus says to someone, "I do not know you", and then shuts the door on them, I doubt that they were simply foolish Christians, who really should have read the bible more, and prayed more. It looked like an absolute rejection of them, to me. So the message here, is that if we are not waiting for Jesus to come back, if we are not preparing for that day, then maybe we are not among the saved at all.

 

[mindlight]

I do believe this parable talks about the rapture.

Think that is quite forced and disagree with dispensationalist pre trib rap.

'The Heavenly Kingdom will be like 10 virgins, 5 were wise, 5 were foolish' that means both wise and foolish will be there. Oil in this parable represent the Holy Spirit. 5 had the Spirit and 5 didn't. 5 loved God more that their Earthly life and 5 loved their Earthly live more than Jesus hence they are left behind when the rapture happens. Why is that? They love Jesus but they love their lives more, you have to love Jesus more than anything else. God is a gentlemen, you love Jesus more, you will be taken to Heaven and attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and you will escape what's coming (the great tribulation). You love your life more, you are left behind as a punishment during the great tribulation, as a last chance to repent and to teach you Jesus is more than your life. So you will have the choice, either you accept the mark of the beast and preserve your Earthly life however you lose your soul, or you lose your Earthly live for Jesus and you refuse the mark and antichrist for which they kill you. But you still go to heaven. Why are you foolish? Because you didn't love Jesus first.

When Jesus says 'depart, I never knew you' what He meant is that 'depart, I don't see the light in you'. Christians born in spirit = light of the world

Want further proof? Rev 6:10 “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Many people believe this is the martyrs, but this is the martyrs from the great tribulation only. Remember Stephen in Acts 7 59 They were stoning Stephen as he called out: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin!” And saying this, he fell asleep.

No one in Spirit asks God for vengeance when they are killed here on Earth, so why would they ask God for vengeance in Heaven after they see His glory? Makes no sense. All the Martyrs in Spirit forgive on Earth but then they see God in His glory and all of the sudden they seek vengeance? No. They ask for vengeance because how awful the great tribulation is and because they have no Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit leaves with Christians during the rapture, and the light will no longer be in the world.

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Tess. 4:17)

Paul says in 2 Thess. 2:6-7 ‘And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.
It is the Holy Spirit who restrains the rule of antichrist. Once the Spirit leaves, only then can antichrist rule the Earth.

You have forced an entire theology into the passage here. All Jesus says is I do not know you and shuts the door.

 

[mindlight]

Agree.

No. This passage has nothing whatsoever to do with earthly marriage as we know it. This is a spiritual marriage between Christ and His church. It just has to do with the day we finally see Him face to face and will then be with Him forever.

Agreed this refers to the bridal party in context not the bride. Also it looks forward to the wedding supper of the Lamb and his bride when He comes again.

No, this passage has nothing to do with that, but there are plenty of other passages that denounce sex before marriage.

I do think the virgin comments are meant to imply purity, but I suppose in context they could have simply been a reference to the young unmarried women who were in the brides party, excited about the wedding but in varying degrees of preparedness.

Yes. It relates directly to this:

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Like that quote and I might use that in my talk and it is pertinent.

By not preaching the importance of repentance and pursuing righteousness and godliness. They preach "Just believe in Jesus while doing whatever you want and all will be well". That's all that's being preached in some churches. Nothing about repentance or the importance of focusing on things that are pure. I'm not sure if this passage is in the Bibles of some pastors:

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Pastors and Bible teachers need to encourage people to do what Paul talked about in this passage. If we don't then we can easily lose sight of God's will for our lives and fall into sinful behavior and not be productive in our walk with Christ.

We are saved by grace and our righteousness is imputed not earnt. But there is a difference between the truly saved and those who are just cultural hangers on to the church. Repentance is a part of a true Christians life and there should be an integrity between life and words.

We can tell partly by examining ourselves and asking questions about ourselves. What do we spend our time doing? Are we thinking about the things of God or only other things? Are we praying and having fellowship with others? If not then something is seriously wrong and we have to repent and ask God to forgive us and help us overcome distractions and temptations.

Yes true, but again we do not earn our salvation we express it with the things that we do. The fundamental requirement is that Gods grace must be active in our lives.

Yes, it only has to do with Him coming when people are not expecting it and not what time of day He comes. We should be watching for Him to come by way of serving Him and being in communication with Him daily. If we're too busy doing other things and have other priorities and can't fit Him into our schedules then we will not be expecting Him. These passages illustrate what I'm trying to say:

Matthew 24:45 Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ 49 and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. 50 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. 51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth

1 Thess 5:1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

So we need to be ready cause he could come at any time

It isn't that they are unable or unwilling, it's that each of us is responsible for ourselves. We can't repent and have faith for someone else. They are responsible to do that. If they haven't done it by the time the Bridegroom (Christ) returns then it will be too late at that point.

We each of us have our own relationship with God, someone else cannot live that relationship for us. If it is not ours then it is not real.

 

[mindlight]

Matthew 25:v.6-14

THE WARNING
6 And at midnight there was a cry made (midnight is the turn of the millennium on the clock of God), Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.

THE COMMOTION - THE UPROAR - MOMENTS OF TENSION
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

THE SELLERS-ANGELS OF CHURCHES:- PASTORS; BISHOPS; EVANGELISTS; THEOLOGIANS,ETC.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

THE DISAPPOINTMENT - UNCONTROLLABLE CRYING - TORN HEART -
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.


NOTE: According to the Word of God, we can see that both those who went to buy oil and those who were selling it were lost, remaining outside the kingdom of God.

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

THE DAY OF RETURN

19 After a long time (let us say around two thousand years or in the beginning of the third Day-John 2:v.19) the Lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

30 Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth

The simple message of this passage is be prepared cause Jesus is coming back, you are reading a lot of extra stuff that does not seem to be warranted by the text.

But it is interesting that the foolish virgins did actually fill their lamps and came back only to be rejected. So maybe we can go to far with interpreting the oil. It was the bride herself that was the key for members of her bridal party being recognised. If they were not with that original party at the time he came then he might very well not recognise them. Because they were not ready when he came they were not recognised. They were not ready cause they had not been mindful enough of the occasion to make adequate preparation. By the time they realised their mistake it was already too late.

 

[mindlight]

Hi mindlight,

This parable does not concern the Body of Christ as that revelation was not known then, and the Lord did not reveal it till He gave it to the Apostle Paul many years later.

In the Old Testament Israel is referred to `like a wife,` and God as its `husband,` which means `master.` God said -

`I will betroth you to me forever; yes I will betroth you to me in righteousness and justice in loving-kindness and mercy; I will betroth you to me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord.` (Hosea 2: 19 & 20)

Hi Marilyn, must admit I disagree. You refer to the comparison in existing Jewish thought between Gods relationship with Israel and with a wife. The passage here also begins with a reference to a bridegroom, implying a wedding. The symbolism Jesus uses is something many of the Jews of the time would have been familiar with and refers to a wedding. Paul confirms meanings already articulated in the prophets and alluded to by Jesus, he is not simply inspired with something brand new.

He will come to them at midnight, when they least expect Him, however we, the Body of Christ are of the day and the Lord comes to us as the morning star. (Rev. 2: 28, 22: 16)

Now if you are desiring to speak on people being ready for the Lord coming then I suggest you look at these scriptures -

Heb. 9: 28 about being eagerly watching and not caught up in the world`s turmoil.

Heb. 10: 25 about exhorting, (encouraging & warning) and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 Thess. 5: 5 & 5 about being sons of light and not of the darkness.

Eph. 4: 11 - 16 about not being overcome by error but speaking the truth in love.

Col. 2: 18 & 19 about holding fast to the `Head,` Christ and not this world.

And I`m sure you`ll find many more encouraging truths to build up the part of Body you are speaking to.

regards, Marilyn.

Thanks for the verses which were helpful, however the midnight time was the traditional time when the bridal party would be collected for the wedding feast. It is also the time when people might be least prepared for what was about to happen. You spend daylight preparing for things later on when you cannot see so clearly or when you start to grow drowsy from having waited so long