PARABLE OF THE 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.
25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
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.
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.
25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
The Bridegroom Is Jesus
The Five Wise Virgins Are Christians
The Five Foolish Virgins Are Professing Christians
The Lamp Denotes Outwardly Professing Christians
The Oil Denotes The Holy Spirit
The Arrival Of The Bridegroom Is The First Phase Of The Second Coming of Christ.
The First Coming Of Christ Was As A Babe In The Manger And It Was In One Phase Only.
The Second Coming Is In Two Phases, The First Phase Will Be His Return As A Thief In The Night For His People.
The Second Phase Is When He Returns In Revelation And All Eyes Shall Behold His Coming With His Saints To Judge the World.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
* The parable of the ten virgins. [Matthew 25:1-13] The circumstances of the parable of the ten virgins were taken from the marriage customs among the Jews, and explain the great day of Christ's coming. See the nature of Christianity. As Christians we profess to attend upon Christ, to honour Him, also to be waiting for His coming. Sincere Christians are the wise virgins, and hypocrites the foolish ones. Those are the truly wise or foolish that are so in the affairs of their souls. Many have a lamp of profession in their hands, but have not, in their hearts, sound knowledge and settled resolution, which are needed to carry them through the services and trials of the present state. Their hearts are not stored with holy dispositions, by the new-creating Spirit of God. Our light must shine before men in good works; but this is not likely to be long done, unless there is a fixed, active principle in the heart, of faith in Christ, and love to God and our brethren. They all slumbered and slept. The delay represents the space between the real or apparent conversion of these professors, and the coming of Christ, to take them away by death, or to judge the world. But though Christ tarry past our time, He will not tarry past the due time. The wise virgins kept their lamps burning, but they did not keep themselves awake. Too many real Christians grow remiss, and one degree of carelessness makes way for another. Those that allow themselves to slumber, will scarcely keep from sleeping; therefore dread the beginning of spiritual decays. A startling summons was given. Go ye forth to meet Him, is a call to those prepared. The notice of Christ's approach, and the call to meet him, will awaken. Even those best prepared for death have work to do to get actually ready, II Peter 3:14. It will be a day of search and inquiry; and it concerns us to think how we shall then be found. Some wanted oil to supply their lamps when going out. Those that take up short of true grace, will certainly find the want of it one time or other. An outward profession may light a man along this world, but the damps of the valley of the shadow of death will put out such a light. Those who care not to live the life, yet would die the death of the righteous. But those that would be saved, must have grace of their own; and those that have most grace, have none to spare. The best need more from Christ. And while the poor alarmed soul addresses itself, upon a sick-bed, to repentance and prayer, in awful confusion, death comes, judgment comes, the work is undone, and the poor sinner is undone for ever. This comes of having oil to buy when we should burn it, grace to get when we should use it. Those, and those only, shall go to heaven hereafter, that are made ready for heaven here. The suddenness of death and of Christ's coming to us then, will not hinder our happiness, if we have been prepared. The door was shut. Many will seek admission into heaven when it is too late. The vain confidence of hypocrites will carry them far in expectations of happiness. The unexpected summons of death may alarm the Christian; but, proceeding without delay to trim his lamp, his graces often shine more bright; while the mere professor's conduct shows that his lamp is going out. Watch therefore, attend to the business of your souls. Be in the fear of the Lord all the day long.
We can compare this parable with our own lives. God has given us many opportunities to study and know truth before the Great Tribulation time and His return for His bride. Unfortunately most of us are just too busy to have time for God and His Word. Sadly too is that most of our pastors have failed to give proper warning to their flocks. Who will these people turn to when the Tribulation begins?
Just like the five unprepared virgins, many of us have grown weary of waiting for the return of the Lord and have fallen asleep. But notice too that all ten virgins fell asleep. In fact many Christians don’t even believe He really is coming or at least not during their lifetime. Watching and waiting can be difficult especially with all the worldly problems the devil has used to distract us. The church has fallen asleep, she is not watching for the Lord's return, yet all say they believe we are living toward the end of time. Many Christians have been deceived into believing false doctrines by their pastors and teachers. They don't study to know truth for themselves. They are totally unprepared for the judgment of the church and all peoples of the world.
On occasion we hear a sermon on the return of Jesus, but the next day life goes on as usual and it is forgotten. Just as the cry went out of the return of the bridegroom and the five foolish virgins weren't ready, many will not be prepared. They will try to buy oil but it will be too late and the door will shut and they will not be able to join the wedding feast. These foolish virgins had let their oil run out and they tried to borrow from those who had oil. There will be little time when the earthquake of Revelation 8:5 occurs that marks the beginning of the Tribulation to study and prepare. We can not borrow what we should already have. Paul tells us that God’s people will be prepared and will not be caught unaware.I Thessalonians 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
