Keith Sharp | Matthew 25:1-13
The Lord taught the last three parables Matthew records to His disciples alone (Matthew 24:1) on Tuesday before He was crucified that Thursday (Matthew 26:1-2). As the Lord’s last few days upon earth passed in turmoil and confrontation, He diligently prepared the disciples for events after His departure. After He had pronounced His final woes and condemnation upon the religious guides of the Jewish nation and upon the nation itself (Matthew chapter 23), He foretold the destruction of the Temple and the nation and gave His followers signs by which they could know when this was about to occur (Matthew 24:1-34). Then He urged upon them the necessity of being prepared for His eventual return (Matthew 24:35-51). Finally He spoke the parables that would encourage all His disciples to be ready for His return (Matthew chapter 25). The first is the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).
In the context of the parable the Master repeatedly warns us we must be ready for His return, for we do not know when it will be. “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (Matthew 24:36; cf. Mark 13:32). “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42). In fact, He warns us He is coming when we don’t expect Him. “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44). The point is “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is” (Mark 13:33).
The Lord and His apostles repeatedly warn us to watch (Mark 13:33-37; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Revelation 3:3). This is not a command to gaze at the sky. To watch is to be ready, to be prepared. The command to watch is accompanied by the admonition to pray (Mark 13:33), to “stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13), to “be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6), and to “hold fast and repent” (Revelation 3:3).
It is not certain exactly what was involved in Jewish weddings in the first century. The father of the bride had to consent, and the groom had to give a dowry for his bride (Exodus 22:17; cf. 1 Corinthians 7:36). Marriage was certainly preceded by an engagement that was so binding it took a divorce to break it (Matthew 1:18-19). There was a wedding feast (John 2:1-2,9) at which festive garments were expected (Matthew 22:11-12), and the bride wore special attire (Jeremiah 2:32; Revelation 19:7-8; 21:2). The parable before us relates there was a time the groom came, it could vary, and at least these virgins (similar to bridesmaids?) were to be ready whenever he came, so they could participate in the festivities.
The virgins each took oil lamps and waited for the arrival of the groom. Due to the lengthy wait, they fell asleep. At midnight the cry was heard, “Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!” (Matthew 25:6) Panic time. As they trimmed their lamps, five of the maids realized they hadn’t brought sufficient oil. Such a foolish lack of preparation! They couldn’t borrow from the wise virgins, else all ten would run short of oil. They had to go at midnight to find oil to buy.
By the time they got back, the doors were closed to the party, and the groom wasn’t letting in any more guests.
Being refused entrance to a wedding party might be temporarily devastating to a bridesmaid, but the lesson speaks to the horror of being shut out of the eternal kingdom when Christ returns because we were foolish and failed to make adequate preparation.
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (Matthew 25:13). That is really the only point of the parable, but it is a terribly important lesson. Christ could return at any time. It will be too late then to prepare (2 Corinthians 5:10). Those who are not watching will be lost. Death could come at any moment, and there will be no second chance after that (Luke 16:26). How foolish not to be watching for the Lord’s return. Are you prepared? Have you believed and obeyed the gospel? Are you living for the Master? Are you watching for His return?
