A Lesson on Preparedness Matthew 25:1-13

The End Times can be a fascinating study The details can be quite confusing and overwhelming The study of the Olivet Discourse is important for that reason It gives some helpful definition to understanding end times It has also been greatly misunderstood…

The context of the discourse is important We must distinguish to whom this text relates We saw a partial reception of Christ at the TE We saw the obvious rejection of Christ by leaders We saw Christ’s pronouncement of woes… Then Jesus predicted the temple’s destruction

Matthew 24:3 “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”” (NKJV)

I. How is the Stage Being Set for the Kingdom? “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”” (Matthew 24:3, NKJV)

A. The answer to the disciples’ question is found in two chapters -Matthew’s account focuses on the kingdom and the King -Matthew recorded Jesus’ answer to the 2nd question -It relates to Christ’s return to judge and establish His kingdom -This is preceded by tribulation details, earthly responses and heavenly signs & then Christ returns

B. The parable of the fig tree indicates recognition of nearness -The general proximity of Christ’s coming can be known -The generation to see these things can know the time is near -They are also commanded to watch

Matthew 24:42-43 & 25:13 (NKJV) “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.” (24:42-43) “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” (25:13)

C. The parable of the homeowner is to reinforce the command to watch -The thief imagery … describes the sudden, unexpected arrival of divine judgment -There is an urging to be ready or recognition of it -An OT prediction about the Jews indicipates the results of the tribulation

Zechariah 13:8-9 “And it shall come to pass in all the land,” Says the Lord, “That two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die, But one-third shall be left in it: I will bring the one-third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ ” (NKJV)

-The application of the homeowner parable gives 2 themes that are expanded “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?” (Mt 24:45, NKJV) “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things….’” (Mt 25:21, NKJV) Mt 25:2 picks up the “wise” theme…

-Remember who were in view in Matthew 24:45-51 The Master = Jesus the Messiah… The servants = Israel, God’s people Faithful & wise = good leaders & shepherds Evil servants = Pharisees, scribes, evil shepherds

II. How does the Wedding Illustration relate to the Kingdom? Or, How to gain a place in the Kingdom… “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.” (Matthew 25:1, NKJV)

A. Recognize the identity of the characters The kingdom of heaven requires a king to rule it The setting is a Jewish wedding and the arrival of the bridegroom “Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” (Matthew 25:2–4, NKJV)

B. Notice the distinction between the two groups of five The five wise virgins represent believing Jews living in the tribulation The five foolish virgins represent unbelieving Jews living in the tribulation

Matthew 25:5-6 “But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’” (NKJV)

C. Consider the nature of such ANE weddings This period of delay corresponds to the time between the first signs of His coming and His appearance A review of the details of such a wedding may be helpful: First, the parents arranged the marriage with consent of the bride and groom

The nature of such weddings (2) Second, the couple passed an engagement period Third, on the day of the wedding the groom would go to the bride’s house to claim his bride Fourth, The marriage ceremony would take place at the bride’s home

The nature of such weddings (3) Fifth, on the evening of the day of the wedding, the groom would take his bride home –involving a nighttime procession through the streets Sixth, the bride and groom would consummate the marriage at the groom’s home the night of the wedding ceremony Seventh, there would be a banquet that would often last as long as seven days

-The announcement was likely common traditional practice “Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’” (Matthew 25:7–9, NKJV)

-The oil is merely an indication of preparedness “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” (Matthew 25:10–13, NKJV)

D. Recognize the purpose and significance of the parable A relationship with Christ is the defining factor A lack of relationship with Christ results in judgment and failure to enter the kingdom While this parable is for Jews living in the tribulation, the principles communicated have significance for us too