Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matt. 25:1-13)
The Parable of the Ten Virgins is part of the Olivet Discourse. This parable is a call to prepare, because “… of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” Matt. 24:36.
Four Timeless Truths from the Olivet Discourse:
#1 – “Take heed that no man deceive you!” These are the words of Christ. Beware of falsehoods, false prophets, and false doctrines. If this is Christ’s first warning to His inquiring disciples concerning the end of days, we must assume that much of what we hear and see from this world is lies and deceit- and we are very susceptible to believing it.
#2 – “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” The Word of God stands. Take hold of this stabilizing truth! Wouldn’t our tendency be to panic that heaven and earth are going to pass away? The idea that everything around us will cease to exist is a devastating level of unknown. But this is not cause for concern, since Jesus says His Word is Eternal. And that is our promise of security.
#3 – “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come…Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Be prepared for His return. This is the principle of spiritual readiness. Following this warning comes the Parable of the Ten Virgins. The Ten Virgins all started in the same place. They all looked the same, and they all carried a lamp. But they were not all prepared to meet the Bridegroom. All people who have lived, are living, or will live in time belong to one of these two groups: wise or foolish, prepared or unprepared, believers or unbelievers. And spiritual preparation can’t be borrowed.
#4 – “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” (Matt. 24: 45-46) As faithful servants of our Lord, we should be busy doing our Master’s business. What are you busy with in your life today? Is it the Master’s business… or your own plans and pleasures? “Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.” (V.K.S.)
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