Ten Virgins
Mat 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
There were three stages to a Jewish wedding in that day. The first was engagement - a formal agreement made by the fathers. The second was betrothal - the ceremony where mutual promises are made. The third was marriage - approximately one year later when the bridegroom came at an unexpected time for his bride. (Guzik)
The ten virgins were the bridesmaids at the wedding carrying the customary ten candles, that were part of the Jewish wedding ceremony. Jesus continues to speak of being ready for the return of the bridegroom; we should be ready at all times.
Mat 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
Mat 25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
Mat 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Without oil, their lamps would not shine, as Christians we are to let our light shine before the world.
Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
The oil was required for their lamps and oil is a symbol of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Five virgins were with the oil of the Holy Spirit; and five were without. We cannot come to Jesus, the bridegroom, without the Holy Spirit.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
The Spirit overcomes the flesh, so we must be filled with the Spirit to live a life showing the light, truth and fruits of a child of God.
Mat 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
Mat 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
Isa 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
Arise, wake up, shine, for the Lord has already come and he is coming again so be prepared, be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is no time to slumber, no time to be the hypocrite pretending to be a Christian. Is your vessel filled with the oil of the Spirit? Are you trusting in Jesus, are you under the blood of the Lamb?
2 Cor 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
2 Cor 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
2 Tim 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2 Tim 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
2 Tim 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Mat 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
To trim a wick is to prepare it, or renew it to burn brighter. We trim our wick by renewing our minds in the word of God.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Knowing the will of God, we trim off the things in our life that do not conform to Jesus. Our light then shines brighter.
Mat 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
Phil 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Phil 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
Phil 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Phil 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Mat 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.
We cannot supply another with the oil of the Spirit. We must go to where it is purchased. The oil has been purchased by the blood of Jesus; you need only ask and it shall be given unto you.
Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Mat 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.
After the Lord comes, it is too late.
Mat 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
Mat 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Mat 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Be prepared, for the Lord may come at any time; your soul may be required of you. Jesus has paid the price for your salvation. The Spirit of God and the word of God are freely given to all who seek through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Gifts
Mat 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
The man leaving behind all his abilities and resources is Jesus. We are given Spiritual gifts to be used to edify the body of Christ, and to bring others to him. Jesus gave these gifts to us:
Eph 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4
All have the fruit of the Spirit, but not all have the same gifts for ministry. There are many gifts of the Spirit.
Rom 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Rom 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Rom 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12
1 Cor 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1 Cor 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
1 Cor 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
1 Cor 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
1 Cor 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
1 Cor 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
1 Cor 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
1 Cor 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
1 Cor 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
1 Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Cor 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many. 1Corinthians 12
We must use the gifts we are given. How do we know which gift we have? Do whatever comes your way as a humble servant. The gifts are by the ability of God's Spirit, through you. If others are blessed, and you enjoy your service, this probably is your gift or gifts.
talents
Mat 25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Not all are gifted equally, God takes this into account. Some receive more gifts. A man serving the Lord for forty years should show more fruit then a man saved for four years. The Spiritual fruit should be greater in the older than the younger. Fruit comes with maturity.
Mat 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
Mat 25:17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
Luke 12:48 ... For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Mat 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
I believe that this man had a measure of faith, yet did not trust Jesus as savior.
Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Mat 25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
Again Jesus is talking of end time things, the judgment of our deeds for rewards.
Mat 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
As with the teacher of the word; the good steward is also rewarded with Kingdom authority. So by this we know that all who use their gifts will be rewarded.
Mat 25:22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
Mat 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
All will be rewarded for their obedience and fruit. Our rewards will be earthly and spiritual when we seek the things of God.
Mat 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
If a person has received Jesus as savior, there will be no wrath of God, but only blessings and eternal rewards. We are to use what he has given us for his glory and conform our minds and thoughts to the mind of Christ.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
All that is not of him we put off. He is our master who we wish to please.
unprofitable servant
Mat 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strowed:
Mat 25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
He was given a measure of faith to receive the Lord and increase his faith. He did nothing because he feared. Fear kept him from receiving salvation. We can do nothing of ourselves, we need God's Spirit in our life.
Mat 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strowed:
All have sins, but to avoid Jesus because of fear is to submit to a devil. Allowing darkness to rule when God has offered forgiveness in his Son.
Mat 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Faith applied would increase, as he read the word of God. It appears that he did nothing but hide.
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Mat 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Mat 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
Gifts increase with use, the more we are faithful, the more we will have to do. He does the work through us, we do not measure ourselves; he is the abundance of God in our lives.
Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
It is not our doing, so if we refuse to allow God to come into our hearts through faith in Jesus, he has no choice at the judgment but to separate from us. This is justice, for we are given an opportunity to receive grace, and it was refused. Escape the darkness by coming to the light; Jesus is the light and truth of God.
Mat 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Not for me, I choose to receive my Lord Jesus as my savior from all-evil.
separating sheep
2 Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
Mat 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
He shall return as he went up, from the Mt. of Olives in Israel. This was close to Jerusalem. The Lord will rule from Jerusalem and He shall set on his throne of glory.
Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Acts 1:11 Which also said, 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.
Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
He returns with all of the holy angels. Why are the angels coming? To bind the unholy angels, including Lucifer and to gather all remaining nations, to the throne of glory. I believe this to be the beginning of the 1000-year reign on earth, the millennium. Is this a parable, or is it a prophecy to be fulfilled? I see it as prophecy that will be fulfilled.
Mat 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
As prophecied in other verses, this is the time to separate the saved from the unsaved. The sheep are God's people and the goats are unbelievers. Possibly the angels will bring the saved to him and the others may be destroyed. This would explain an earlier parable, it could be quick:
Mat 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Mat 24:41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Mat 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
Mat 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Mat 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
The believers in Messiah Jesus shall be on the right hand of the Lord. Jesus is now positioned on the right hand of his Father, the LORD God. It is a place for family, a place of belonging, a place of strength and blessings.
Psa 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Dear believer of the Lord, do not feel condemned. Jesus is your lawyer representing you against the accusations of the devil he intercedes for you. Who will inherit the kingdom? Those saints living on earth and the saints who return with Jesus. Jude, the Lord's half-brother spoke of these.
Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
Jude 1:15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
Again, the sheep will be judged according to their good works and the goats judged according to the degree of evil works. There will be a separating at this time. One will be saved the other cast away.
unto Jesus
Mat 25:35 For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Feeding and giving drink to the hungry, taking in a homeless person, first using discernment by God's Spirit. These acts of kindness are honored by our Lord.
Mat 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
James 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Acts of love, meeting the needs of others is the work of a believer, just as much as teaching the word. We are to show hearts of service to our Lord.
Mat 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
Mat 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Mat 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
The believers are judged for rewards according to their works. Take note of these things, for they are of great value to our Lord. To do something to the least of his brethren, those who trust in the Messiah, is to do it unto him.
Mat 10:41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.
Mat 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Mat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
How long is everlasting?
Mat 25:42 For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
Mat 25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
Mat 25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
Mat 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
How long is everlasting punishment?
Death is not the end, but the beginning. Where will you spend eternity? The ungodly only do good works if they are seen of men, their good works will not save them and their lack of concern will add to their condemnation.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Saved first, then works follow.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
It is unpopular to speak of hell and when I do so, often I am accused of not showing love. We speak as Jesus spoke:
"And these shall go away into everlasting punishment..."
If we do not warn people, then they may say they have an excuse, because they did not know. There is no excuse when we reject Jesus and his brethren. God knows the hearts and his judgment is just.
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