Lessons from Ten Virgins: Matthew 25 Parable Analysis

Three Lessons From Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13

Matthew 25:1-7, ASV 1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them: 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 But at midnight there is a cry, Behold, the bridegroom! Come ye forth to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 2

Matthew 25:8-13, ASV 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Peradventure there will not be enough for us and you: go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went away to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour. 3

INTRODUCTION Such weddings were common in Jesus day These were major social events Invited guests would wait for the bridegroom Jesus teaches concerning the final judgment Context of the final judgment continues from Matt. 24:36 The Bridegroom is the likeness of Christ - John 3:29 The virgins a likeness of the church representing holiness 2 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Peter 4:17-19 4

Three Important Lessons Are Taught By Jesus In This Parable 5

PREPARATION Has An Eternal Reward Lesson # 1 We must prepare abundantly - vss. 3-4 It is foolish and dangerous to do only the minimum foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them - vs. 3 wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps - vs. 4 The New Testament emphasizes abounding work and service 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 2 Peter 1:8 Constant daily preparation is necessary Many practice religion in a mediocre fashion We must ALWAYS be prepared - vs. 10, 13 1 Corinthians 15:58; Luke 21:33-36 6

PROCRASTINATION Will Doom Eternally Lesson # 2 There is danger in not preparing Foolish virgins should have prepared and not slept - vs. 5 They should have not waited to buy oil - vs. 10 There is danger in thinking there s plenty of time Young - prepare when I m older - Ecclesiastes 12:1ff World - prepare after pleasures of sin enjoyed - Hebrews 11:25 The dangers of procrastination are many Lord could come (0r death) anytime - vs. 13; James 4:13-15 Weighted down with cares and the burden of sin - Luke 8:14 The hardening effect of sin - Hebrew 3:13; Acts 24:24-25 7

PERSONAL ACCOUNTABLITY To God Lesson # 3 The Foolish could not borrow from the Wise! The Wise could not spare to lend to the Foolish! Each soul must obey and make preparation to meet God Galatians 6:4-5; 2 Corinthians 5:10 Paul could not obey for his Jewish brethren - Romans 10:1-4 Parents cannot obey and prepare for their children Nor children for parents Preachers cannot obey and prepare for the congregation Nor the congregation for the preacher 8

From Ten Virgins Three Lessons Three Lessons PREPARATION Has An Eternal Reward PROCRASTINATION Will Doom Eternally PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY To God Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming - Matthew 25:13 REVIEW & CONCLUSION 9

Alien sinners must Hear the Gospel Romans 10:17 Believe the Gospel John 8:24 Repent of Their Sins Acts 17:30 Confess Their Faith in Christ Before Men Matthew 10:32 Be Baptized in Water to Wash Away Their Sins Acts 2:38 Erring children of God must Repent & Pray for Forgiveness Acts 8:21-23 Christians must live faithful unto death Revelation 2:10 what shall we do? Acts 2:37 10