Knowing The Word in Matthew 25:1-13

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

[This is a parable of constant readiness for a time no one can predict with an emphasis on the division between the wise and foolish. It is a warning to those in the church to be prepared.]

1 “Then [when God’s purposes reach their climax in the parousia of the Son of man] the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins [bridesmaids] who took their lamps [torches] and went to meet the bridegroom. [This is a bold figure for Jesus to use of himself as God, not the Messiah, is pictured as a bridegroom in the OT. See Isaiah 54:4-5 and 62:5; Jeremiah 2:2; and Hosea 1-3.] 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. [The difference between the two is that of being ready for the summons of the bridegroom’s approach.] 5 As the bridegroom was delayed [why?], 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 [put their torches in order]. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ [Well-soaked torches burned about 15 minutes before needing additional oil, but those without oil burned out almost immediately.] 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.’ [No one, ultimately, can rely on another’s preparedness.] 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast [the Messianic banquet], 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. [This is Jesus’ command to his disciples and to us. This is why there is an urgency to evangelize others. Exactly how we are to prepare is not the purpose of this parable but is of the next.]