Matthew 25:1-13, The Parable of the Ten Virgins

1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 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.5 As the bridegroom was delayed, 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. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 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.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, 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.

Comments

This is a parable about 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 for when God’s purposes reach their climax in the return of Jesus and the Messianic wedding banquet.

Jesus remarkably and boldly presents himself as the bridegroom. God, not the Messiah, is pictured as a bridegroom in the Old Testament. The virgins are bridesmaids. The difference between the two groups is that of being ready for the summons of the bridegroom’s approach. Well-soaked torches burn about 15 minutes before needing additional oil, but those without oil burn out almost immediately. No one, ultimately, can rely on another’s preparedness. Jesus commands his disciples and us to be prepared and to see the urgency to evangelize others. Exactly how we are to be prepared is not the purpose of this parable but is of the next.

Prayer

Keep us, O Lord, while we tarry on this earth, in a serious seeking after thee, and in an affectionate walking with thee, every day of our lives; that when thou comest, we may be found not hiding our talent, nor serving the flesh, nor yet asleep with our lamp unfurnished, but waiting and longing for our Lord, our glorious King, for ever and ever.

(Richard Baxter, 1615-1691)