Parables of Jesus The Parable of the Ten Maidens Matt 25:1-13 Encouragement Inc. Dec. 2, 2018

Introduction Welcome to Advent! Remember – if we are simply waiting for Christmas, we are not waiting for enough Therefore, an apt parable for today

1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. … 1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions Our somewhat limited knowledge

1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. … 1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions Weeklong wedding celebrations Groom to bride’s home to escort her to banquet

1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. … 1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions Unmarried maidens with lights to provide escort

1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. … 1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions Unmarried maidens with lights to provide escort Likely torches with oil-soaked rags wrapped

1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions … The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ … 1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions Unmarried maidens with lights to provide escort Likely torches with oil-soaked rags wrapped

1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions … Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ … 1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions Unmarried maidens with lights to provide escort Likely torches with oil-soaked rags wrapped

1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions … ‘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.’ … 1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions Unmarried maidens with lights to provide escort Likely torches with oil-soaked rags wrapped Refusal of the “wise” out of respect for groom Availability of oil at night plausible

1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions “… 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. … 1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions Unclear where they were to meet the groom

1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions … “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ … 1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions Unclear where they were to meet the groom Barred door unexpected, but indicates parable is pointing to a greater reality

1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions … “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matt 25:1-13) 1.0. Cultural Background of the Parable Wedding Traditions The parable’s exhortation – “Watch!”

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. … 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ response to the disciples’ questions …

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) … “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Mt 24:3) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ response to the disciples’ questions …

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, … Look, your house is left to you desolate. …” 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ response to the disciples’ questions … … in response to Jesus’ words

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) … Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. …  2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ response to the disciples’ questions … … in response to Jesus’ words

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) … “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (Mt 23:37-24:2) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ response to the disciples’ questions … … in response to Jesus’ words

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.” (Mt 24:4-5) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ descriptions: of his absence

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. … 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ descriptions: of his absence

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) … For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ” (Mt 24:23-24) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ descriptions: of his absence

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Mt 24:27) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ descriptions: of his future coming

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. … 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ descriptions: of his future coming

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “… And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” (Mt 24:30) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ descriptions: of his future coming

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, … Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. … 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ descriptions: of tribulation on Judea

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “… All these are the beginning of birth pains.” (Mt 24:6-8) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ descriptions: of tribulation on Judea

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—… 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ descriptions: of tribulation on Judea

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “… then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. … 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ descriptions: of tribulation on Judea

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “… For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.” (Mt 24:15-21) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ descriptions: of tribulation on Judea

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. … 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ exhortations to endure to the end

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “… And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Mt 24:12-14) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ exhortations to endure to the end

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” (Mt 24:31) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ declaration of his separating judgment Gathering of the “elect”

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. … 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ declaration of his separating judgment The end-time “flood”

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “… For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; … 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ declaration of his separating judgment The end-time “flood”

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “… and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. … 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ declaration of his separating judgment The end-time “flood”

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “… That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left…. 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ declaration of his separating judgment The end-time “flood”

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “… Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.” (Mt 24:37-41) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ declaration of his separating judgment The end-time “flood”

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “Who then is the faithful and wise servant …? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. ….” (Mt 24:45-51) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ declaration of his separating judgment Assessment of the servants / sheep and goats

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. … 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ declaration of his separating judgment Assessment of the servants / sheep and goats

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “… After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. …” (Mt 25:14-30) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) Jesus’ declaration of his separating judgment Assessment of the servants / sheep and goats

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. … 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) The imminence of his coming

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “… Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. … 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) The imminence of his coming

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “… Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” (Mt 24:32-34) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) The imminence of his coming

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” (Mt 10:23) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) The imminence of his coming

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. … 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) The imminence of his coming

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “… Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” (Mt 16:27-28) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) The imminence of his coming

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “All these are the beginning of birth pains. ” (Mt 24:8) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) The “delay” of his coming The “birth pangs”

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “… Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. ” (Mt 24:9-13) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) The “delay” of his coming Withering persecution / tribulation

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Mt 24:14) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) The “delay” of his coming The worldwide mission

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mt 24:36) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) The unknowability of the timing

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. ” (Mt 24:44) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) The unknowability of the timing

The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) “The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of.” (Mt 24:50) 2.0. Context of the Parable The Olivet / Eschatological Discourse (Mt 24-25) The unknowability of the timing

The Typological Mission Tribulation, and Coming 2.0. Context of the Parable The Typological Mission Tribulation, and Coming The Immediate, Limited Context The limited mission to Israel culminated in AD 70 Limited Mission to Israel AD 70

The Typological Mission Tribulation, and Coming 2.0. Context of the Parable The Typological Mission Tribulation, and Coming The Immediate, Limited Context The limited judgment of Israel in AD 70 Limited Mission to Israel AD 70

The Typological Mission Tribulation, and Coming 2.0. Context of the Parable The Typological Mission Tribulation, and Coming The Immediate, Limited Context The limited coming to Israel in AD 70 Limited Mission to Israel AD 70

The Typological Mission Tribulation, and Coming 2.0. Context of the Parable The Typological Mission Tribulation, and Coming The Eschatological, Universal Context The universal mission to all nations Limited Mission to Israel AD 70 Universal Mission to the world

The Typological Mission Tribulation, and Coming 2.0. Context of the Parable The Typological Mission Tribulation, and Coming The Eschatological, Universal Context The universal judgment of all nations Limited Mission to Israel AD 70 Universal Mission to the world

The Typological Mission Tribulation, and Coming 2.0. Context of the Parable The Typological Mission Tribulation, and Coming The Eschatological, Universal Context The universal coming to the world Limited Mission to Israel AD 70 Universal Mission to the world

The Typological Mission Tribulation, and Coming 2.0. Context of the Parable The Typological Mission Tribulation, and Coming The Limited Foreshadows the Universal Thus, imminence and delay mixed together Limited Mission to Israel AD 70 Universal Mission to the world

3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. … 3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet The consummation of the kingdom / final separation Inaugurated K. This Age

3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet “… The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.” (Matt 13:40-41) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet The consummation of the kingdom / final separation Inaugurated K. Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines.’” (Isa 25:6) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet The consummation of the kingdom / final separation The coming of the wedding / groom Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. … 3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet The consummation of the kingdom / final separation The coming of the wedding / groom Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet … Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb! (Rev 19:7-9) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet The consummation of the kingdom / final separation The coming of the wedding / groom Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet “Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.’” … 3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet The consummation of the kingdom / final separation Contextual hints Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet “… But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. … 3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet The consummation of the kingdom / final separation Contextual hints Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet “… Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” (Matt 22:1-13) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Wedding Banquet The consummation of the kingdom / final separation Contextual hints Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. … Later the others also came. …” (Matt 25:10-11) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil Holy Spirit? But the foolish acquire oil later Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. … Later the others also came. …” (Matt 25:10-11) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil Holy Spirit? No contextual support Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. … 3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil Best – faithfulness to the Son of Man Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil “… Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ … 3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil Best – faithfulness to the Son of Man Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil … “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. …” (Matt 7:21-27) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil Best – faithfulness to the Son of Man Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? … 3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil Best – faithfulness to the Son of Man Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil “… It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. … (Matt 24:45-46) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil Best – faithfulness to the Son of Man Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, … 3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil Best – faithfulness to the Son of Man Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil “… Then he went on his journey. … After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. … 3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil Best – faithfulness to the Son of Man Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil “… His master replied, ‘Well done, … Come and share your master’s happiness!’ … (Matt 25:14-30) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil Best – faithfulness to the Son of Man Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, … ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ … 3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil Best – faithfulness to the Son of Man Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. (Matt 25:31-46) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Oil Best – faithfulness to the Son of Man Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins …” (Matt 25:1) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens “Virginity” not the focus – rather, unmarried status Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins …” (Matt 25:1) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens People waiting for the kingdom / Messiah Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens “The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.” (Matt 25:13) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens The “foolish” – those who do not “wait” in faithfulness Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens “But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, ‘My master is staying away a long time,’ and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. … 3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens The “foolish” – those who do not “wait” in faithfulness Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens “… The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of.” (Matt 24:48-50) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens The “foolish” – those who do not “wait” in faithfulness Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens “You wicked, lazy servant! … Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers …”  3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens The “foolish” – those who do not “wait” in faithfulness Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens “… And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt 25:26-27, 30) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens The “foolish” – those who do not “wait” in faithfulness Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? … 3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens The “wise” – those who “wait” in faithfulness Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens “… It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.” (Matt 24:45-46) 3.0. Identification of Referents The Maidens The “wise” – those who “wait” in faithfulness Consummated K. This Age Age to Come

4.0. The Message of the Parable Exhortation to endure in persecution and suffering

4.0. The Message of the Parable Exhortation to remain ever vigilant Living in expectancy, leaning toward the Parousia

4.0. The Message of the Parable Exhortation to faithful preparedness Faithfulness to Jesus’ teachings in all of life Faithfulness to the mission to the world

4.0. The Message of the Parable How? Covenantal discipleship Servant King Spirit