Ready for Return

Living the Parables
-Part XVII-

#31 The Foolish Bridesmaids
Matthew 25:1-13

1 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, 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. 8The 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. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!' 12 But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.' 13 Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

The End of the Olivet Discourse

24:36-41 Coming Compared to Days of Noah
24:42-44 Coming Compared to Thief at Night
24:45-51 Coming Compared to Master’s Return
25:1-13 Coming Compared to Bridegroom’s Arrival
25:14-30 Coming Compared to Master’s Return
25:31-46 Coming Described as Time of Separation


UNDERSTANDING JEWISH CUSTOM

1. The Arrangement
2. The Betrothal
3. The Celebration

UNDERSTANDING THE SYMBOLS

At that time… Judgment Day
Bridegroom… Jesus Christ
Five foolish… Nominal Christians
Five wise… Genuine Christians
Lamps… External Faith
Oil… Internal Preparation
Long time… Church Age
Midnight… Unexpected Hour
Door was shut… End of Opportunity


POINTS TO PONDER

There will be a delay prior to the 2nd Coming
1. He is waiting for an increase in QUANTITY
2. He is waiting for an increase in QUALITY

The wise were prepared for both delay
1. The wise person keeps WORKING
2. The wise person keeps WATCHING

The foolish weren’t prepared for delay
1. They think they can be saved by OTHERS
2. They think they can be saved by TIME