Parable 10 Virgins: Matt 25:1-13

[mindlight]

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

That is quite thought provoking and I had not considered that angle. AS you say both parties are waiting for the same Messiah, but one group are running empty and the other are full. A comparison of life in the Spirit versus life in the flesh, between imputed righteousness and self righteousness

 

[mindlight]

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).

I do not believe in a pre trib second coming or indeed rapture. In the context , which was all Jews, the contrast between believers and unbelievers was all Jews. All were waiting for their Messiah, but many had different understanding of what that meant. Those who waited for Jesus got access to the kingdom of heaven in this passage.

 

[Oseas]

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).

Acts 14:v.22 - Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

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

Based in the Word of God, the source of the truth, on God's plan of six Days of creation and one Day of rest (a total of seven days) plus the Scriptures that teach that one Day is with the Lord as a thousand years(Psalm 90:4; II Pet. 3:8; Heb. 4:4) so MANKIND would go through six God Days of 1,000 years each

The Word of God is the true source, the times God the Father has put in His own Power. The only truth is the expressed biblical Chronology.

In the fourth Day of God's plan to restoration all things-Acts 3:v.18-26-, I mean around two thousand years ago,evidently, our Lord JESUS said: My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.John 5:v.17. That said, it is obvious that a total of 6,000 years is already concluded plenly / fully, right?

In fact, today we are in the beginning of the FIRST century of the seventh and last millennium, or seventh and last Day, the Lord's Day. You know that the Most High and Almighty God reserved previously exactly the current seventh Day for His rest, we are living in.

I state by the Word of the Most High God: JESUS is now sat in His throne, the Judgment Seat of Christ is already running, while the Most High and Almighty God is resting of His works.

That said, here goes Acts 3:v.18-24 - Remember: It was still the fourth Day

18 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all His prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. (combined with Hebrews 1:v.1-14)

19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

20 And God shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

21 Whom the heaven (the third heaven where JESUS is now) must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

 

[Spiritual Jew]

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 tWhe church. Repentance is a part of a true Christians life and there should be an integrity between life and words.

I do not believe we can earn our salvation, but we are responsible to humble ourselves before God and place our faith in Christ as our Lord and Savior. I see that as accepting a gracious gift rather than trying to work for salvation which would require us to be perfect (obviously, none of us are and only Christ is perfect).

 

[Marilyn C]

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.



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

Yes a `wedding,` for God had `divorced Israel for their waywardness, and even had Hosea to marry again his wife who was a prostitute, to illustrate what God was doing. thus God, through His Son will `connect/marry` again Israel. (Hosea 3: 1) He is their `husband/master.` (Isa. 54: 5)

 

[Aussie Pete]

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.

Watchman Nee has what I consider the best explanation of this parable. He explains his conclusions far better than I can.

 

[Oseas]

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.

My focus was to highlight verse by verse about the 10 virgins, and showing the significance of the message of each verse. I would like to know from you, what are the things you highlighted as "a lot of extra things that don't seem to be warranted by the text". Your opinion will help me to improve my vision in the interpretation of the biblical content on the parable of 10 virgins.

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.

Yes, the lamp is the Word of God the foolish virgins (men and women) well knew, they attended the services /cults of the Church, they did read the Bible, they sang hymns, all as informal gathering among fellows for self-satisfaction within a peculiar and proper environment of those who apostatized themselves or departed from the faith. They banned the Holy Spirit from themselves.

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.

It won't be long, and there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

 

[Ivan Hlavanda]

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

The Great Tribulation is God pouring His wrath on us, if us in Christ we were just and washed away by His blood, then explain to me how is it possible that Christians (born in Spirit) are still here during the Great tribulation. 'Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:36)
If the pre-tribulation rapture did not happen, then how could we escape it all as Jesus says here. If you say this is second coming, then why would we need to be on watch, for what? When He comes second time He will destroy the enemy by His breath and then establishes His Millenia Kingdom here on Earth, what are we have to be on watch for? There is more verses about the pre-tribulation rapture.

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

The verse clearly say both foolish and wise will be in Kingdom of Heaven. Who are they? Why are they foolish or wise? The wise love Jesus above their life, they are always ready for Him, and serve Him every moment in their life, that is why they have the oil (Holy Spirit) and they are taken so they escape the Great Tribulation. But the foolish, the foolish did not prepared themselves, they love Jesus, but they love their Earthly lives more, and do not expect Jesus (Jesus will come like a thief night), they have no oil (Holy Spirit) and they are left behind in Great Tribulation so they have a chance to repent, and finally give up their life for Lord Jesus, for which they get killed by Antichrist but they still go to Heaven. There is more Bible verses I can quote that describe exactly the same thing.

 

[garee]

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 would suggest that 5 is used to represent those r

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 would suggest that parable like other use the word five to indicate the redeemed while ten represents all of humanity. Two groups .

The oil represents the light of the gospel. In that way the essence of God unseen glory is the revealing factor. God is light and not that he is only able to create it out of darkness separate from his glory .

Three thing make the essence of God. God is light. God is Spirit .God is love.

The church is represent by two .The Jew and the gentile as one chaste virgin bride the church

Revelation 11:4
These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.