Matthew 25:1-13

Matthew 25:1-13 #1
Do not allow the chapter division throw you off. Jesus is continuing His discourse with the disciples. However, you will notice that He is no longer talking about the destruction of Jerusalem. Notice the beginning phrase: “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like…” Now Jesus has moved beyond the destruction of Jerusalem and is speaking about the nature of the kingdom after the physical nation of Israel has been taken out of the way. After Jerusalem is destroyed, the next big concern for any disciple is to be the final Judgment. Thus, Jesus gives three pictures in this chapter, two parables (virgins and talents), and a picture of Judgment Day.
The story of the ten virgins would have been very familiar to first century Jews. In the Hebrew culture vows were said at the beginning of the engagement period, not at the end. As a result, a couple so engaged, were considered bound in marriage even though they had not yet come together sexually. Further, a couple to be married did not have a wedding day, but a wedding week in which their friends were invited in for the honeymoon instead of them escaping away for the honeymoon. In fact, the bridegroom enjoyed making a game of it. He would send a messenger to his bride informing her that he would come for her some time within a two to three day period. This meant she would need to be ready at any time. The bridegroom on the other hand, would often try to catch her unawares. Her only warning would be a shout by a herald minutes before his arrival. Therefore, the wedding party needed to have all their preparations made. Nothing could be done at the last minute.
Once the bridegroom came, the maidens accompanying the bride would light the way with torches until they ushered the newlyweds to the home of the bridegroom where a week of feasting and merrymaking would ensue. Anyone arriving late, after the doors were shut, would not be allowed to enter. If you loved the couple enough, you would be on time. If not, you were left out.
With this understanding, certain lessons become clear from the parable. Consider the following:
1. All the virgins wanted to be at the wedding feast just like most people would like to be in heaven. But serious preparedness is necessary. A “casual” desire to be in heaven is not enough.
2. The foolish virgins had oil, just not enough. In like manner, a little preparation for heaven is not enough. We must give our all.
3. The wise could not share their oil. Instead, they told the foolish virgins to “buy for themselves.” So it is with us. Righteousness and preparedness are not shared. We all must “buy for ourselves.”
4. Judgment Day will be too late to “go and buy.” Preparation must be now because we do not know the day or the hour when the Lord will come.
5. Finally, imagine the disappointment! Imagine the anguish! To be left out of that wedding feast is to be left out of an eternity of joy with the Lord. In other words, if you miss heaven, you just missed all there is.
Berry Kercheville