The Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Matthew 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

Matthew 25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

Matthew 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

Matthew 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Matthew 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

Matthew 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

Matthew 25:9 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.

Matthew 25:10 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.

Matthew 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

Matthew 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Then Shall...

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Then shall... The first word of this parable is important, “Then...” This discourse began in Matthew 24 and continued through the end of Matthew 25. The chapter break is unfortunate, for the two chapters contain only one discourse.

Then shall... Matthew 24 and 25 constitute a single discourse in the teaching of our Lord to His disciples. It was occasioned by a word of Jesus about the destruction of the Temple, and the questions the disciples asked as a result.

Matthew 24:3a And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying,

Matthew 24:3b Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

When Shall These Be? This question is in reference to the destruction of the Temple. Jesus answers that question in Matthew 24:4-36. He explains in great detail how the Romans would destroy the Temple in Jerusalem.

What Shall Be The Sign This question is in reference to the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus answers that question in Matthew 24: He explains that there will be no sign of His Coming. We must be ready always.

Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh...

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Then shall... Then refers to that time already referred to in Matthew 24. Then is the key to this parable. When shall the kingdom be like unto ten virgins? Not now, but then. At the Second Coming of Christ.

The Kingdom Of Heaven

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Revelation 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, the prayers of saints.

Revelation 5:9a And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:

Revelation 5:9b for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Revelation 5:9a (ASV) And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof:

Revelation 5:9b (ASV) for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation,

Revelation 5:10 (ASV) and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth.

Kingdom - Church Jesus purchased the church with His blood. But He purchased people with His blood. And He made those people into a kingdom and priests. The church is the kingdom.

Kingdom of Heaven When He spoke of the kingdom of heaven, He spoke about His church, the Church of Christ. The kingdom is synonymous with the church. This parable is a parable about the church.

Kingdom of Heaven This parable stands as a beacon to the church in all ages. It is a witness against apathy and indifference among members of the church of the Lord. It is a warning to all careless and slothful Christians!

Likened Unto Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Likened to ten virgins The focus of this parable is on the ten virgins. Seeing it is about the Church, the ten virgins are of necessity members of the Church. Hence, the focus is on members of the Church of Christ!

Took Their Lamps And Went Forth

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Outward Appearances All ten virgins took their lamps. All ten virgins went out to meet the bridegroom. Outwardly, to the human eye, no difference could be seen between the ten virgins. They appear the same to men.

Outward Appearances They attend the same services of the church. They sit in the same building, on the same pews. They sing the same songs and hear the same sermons. They appear to be the same.

Five Were Wise, Five Were Foolish

Matthew 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

Two Distinct Groups The Lord divided the virgins into two distinct groups, wise and foolish. Members of the church of Christ all fall into one of those groups. Some are wise, others foolish.

Wise v. Foolish The term wise means, intelligent, prudent. The term foolish is from a Greek word moros. Moros is the word from which we get the word moron. Moros means “stupid.”

Wise v. Foolish The Church is composed of two distinct classes of people. There have always been both, the wise and the foolish, in the Church and there always will be. They might look alike, but they are not.

Wise v. Foolish There is no sight more beautiful in this world than an assembly worshipping God together. There is no visible line dividing the assembly in two parts. But God searches the hearts of men and He knows which group each of us belongs to.

Wise v. Foolish God knows who is wise and who is foolish. He knows who is prepared for the Coming of Christ, and who is not prepared. He examines us and knows to which group we belong.

The Foolish Took No Oil

Matthew 25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

Not Prepared Outwardly, the foolish looked to be just like the wise. They were baptized into Christ. They attended the services. But they were not prepared for the Coming of Christ. They took no oil for their lamps.

The Wise Took Oil

Matthew 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

They Were Prepared The wise did all the outward things, but they did more than that. They made proper preparation for the Coming of Christ. They went beyond the externals to prepare their hearts.

The Bridegroom Tarried

Matthew 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

The Lord Tarried We know Jesus will return, but we do not know when. The Lord tarries. The only reason in Scripture for the Lord delaying His Coming is His longsuffering desire for men to be saved.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

While The Lord Tarried Though the Lord tarries, we all know that His longsuffering is not going to continue forever. There will come a day when He will judge all men. Till then, the wise are going to be preparing for His coming.

2 Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

2 Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteous- ness.

2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

They Slumbered And Slept

Matthew 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

Slumbered And Slept Both wise and foolish virgins slumbered and slept. The word slumbered means “to nod.” The word slept here indicates a continuous action. The wise prepared, then slept.

The Midnight Cry

Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

At Midnight Midnight is used to describe the darkest part of the night. It was an unexpected time for the bridegroom to come. Even so, the coming of Christ will be at an unexpected time.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

A Thief In The Night The Lord will come when He is not expected to come. The virgins knew the wedding was very near. The foolish, however, wasted the opportunity to prepare. Then came the midnight cry!

The Bridegroom Cometh

Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Bridegroom Cometh Christ will come in great glory. He came in person the first time, and His Second Coming will also be in person. He came visibly the first time, and His Second Coming will be visible also.

Acts 1:11 Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Go Ye Out To Meet Him

Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Go Out To Meet Him To go to meet the bridegroom was to bring honor to him. Each of the virgins had a duty to perform. Each, individually, was to go out to meet the bridegroom. We will meet Him individually.

Arose And Trimmed Their Lamps

Matthew 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

Arose And Trimmed The Midnight cry awoke all ten of the virgins from their sleep. They all arose and trimmed their lamps. They poured oil into the lamps in order to light them and go out to meet the bridegroom.

Our Lamps Are Gone Out

Matthew 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

Difference Discerned The foolish virgins now knew that they were not prepared. They did not anticipate that the bridegroom would come at that hour, when it would be too late for them to purchase oil. They were not ready!

Matthew 24:43a But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come,

Matthew 24:43b he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

2 Corinthians 13:5a Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.

Buy For Yourselves

Matthew 25:9 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.

Go Buy For Yourselves When called to the judgment seat of God, no one can be of any help to you then. All the saints may weep for you, but they cannot save you. Salvation is an individual matter. No one can be saved for you.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

The Folly Of Delay

Matthew 25:10 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.

While They Went The foolish virgins had failed to make preparation when they had opportunity to do so. Now they went to buy oil, but it was now too late. The bridegroom came while they were gone.

James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

They That Were Ready Went In

Matthew 25:10 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.

They That Were Ready Only those prepared to meet the bridegroom were able to go in to the marriage. And to go to heaven, you must make preparation now, while you still have opportunity to do so.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

And The Door Was Shut

Matthew 25:10 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.

The Door Was Shut While the foolish went to buy oil, the door of the house was shut. If they had made preparation while they had the opportunity, they too could have entered. There is no time to delay. We must be ready always.

Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

The Door Was Shut The shutting the door was final. It was “shut to stay shut.” All the pleading in the world could not open it. Upon death, or at the Coming of the Lord, the opportunity to be saved will be over forever.

Revelation 3:7 These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

Lord, Lord, Open To Us

Matthew 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

Lord, Lord, Open To Us When the Lord shut the door to the ark in the days of Noah, all the pleading in the world could not open the door. After death or at the Coming of Jesus, all pleading for the Lord to open the door will be in vain, to no avail.

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

I Know You Not

Matthew 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

I Know You Not The Church is filled with people not ready to meet the Lord. No sadder words can be heard in that day than the words of this text, “I know you not.” They are the words of eternal torment.

Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Luke 13:25a When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us;

Luke 13:25b and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are.

Luke 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

Luke 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

Watch Therefore

Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Watch Therefore The door to the kingdom is now open, but someday will be shut. Many will be found unprepared. They will stand before God to give an account for their lives without being prepared to meet Him.

Matthew 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Matthew 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken up.

Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh...

Ye Know Not The Day You don’t know when you will die. There is no escape from the Day of Judgment. There will be no second chance. The only way you can make sure you are ready for the Lord’s return is to be ready every day.

Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

Don’t Be Caught Unprepared

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