Wednesday: The Ten Virgins
After His discourse in Matthew 24 about the signs of His coming, in Matthew 25 Jesus talks about how to be prepared for it.
Read Matthew 25:1-13, the parable of the Ten Virgins. What is Jesus saying here that should help us understand how we can be prepared for His return?
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Jesus starts this phase of His discourse by talking about ten virgins. To be called “virgins” suggested they represented those who professed to be Christians. They were not on Satan’s side of the controversy. They are likened to the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 25:1) . But in the end time, they all slept (Matt. 25:5) . Christ had already warned about keeping watch (Matt. 24:42) , or staying awake so they would not be unready when He returns.
All ten virgins had lamps, and all went out to meet the bridegroom, which means that they were all looking forward to His coming. There was a delay, and all of these believers in His coming fell asleep. Suddenly, in the dead of night, they all were awakened: the bridegroom was coming (Matt. 25:1-6) .
The foolish virgins were startled, unprepared. Why? One version says “our lamps are gone out” (Matt. 25:8) . Other versions, true to the Greek original, say the lamps are “going out.” There was still a flickering flame. They still had a little oil, but not enough to be prepared to meet Christ.
What, then, is the problem?
These virgins represent Christians who are waiting for Christ to return but who have a superficial experience with Him. They have some oil, some working of the Spirit in their lives, but it is merely flickering; they were satisfied with little when they needed much.
“The Spirit works upon man’s heart, according to his desire and consent implanting in him a new nature; but the class represented by the foolish virgins have been content with a superficial work. They do not know God. They have not studied His character; they have not held communion with Him; therefore they do not know how to trust, how to look and live. Their service to God degenerates into a form.” — Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons , p. 411.
| What are ways we can look at ourselves and make sure we aren’t making the same mistakes as these people did? If we see ourselves in this role, how can we change? |
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The Ten Virgins.
This is a parable that Jesus gave likening the kingdom of Heaven to the ten virgins.
In this parable all had lamps and vessels for oil. For a time there was seen no different between them. So with the church that lives just before Christ's second coming. All have a knowledge of the scriptures. All have heard the message of Christ's near approach and confidently expect His appearing.
but as in the parable, so it is now. A time of waiting intervenes, faith is tried and when the cry is heard, 'Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet Him', many are unready. They have no oil in their vessels with their lamps. they are destitute of the Holy Spirit.COL 408.2
Lets have a look on the class represented by the foolish virgins,
1.They are not hypocrites - they knew the Sabbath and kept it.
-they were choir members and very active.
- camp meetings and crusades they were present.
- Tithing and Offerings they paid.
2.They have a regard for the truth because we see them having lamps (Psalms 119:105)
3. They have advocated/accepted for the truth.
4.They are attracted to those who believe the truth.
Their problem was they did not yield themselves to the Holy Spirit's working. They have not fallen upon the Rock(Christ Jesus)Luke 20:17 and permitted their old nature to be broken up.
Without the Spirit of God a knowledge of His word is of no avail. The theory of truth, unaccompanied by the Holy Spirit can not quicken the soul or sanctify the heart. One may be familiar with the Commands and promises of the Bible, but unless the Spirit of God sets the truth home, the character will not be transformed. Without the enlightenment of the Spirit, men will not be able to distinguish truth from error and they will fall under the masterful temptations of Satan.COL 408.3
Lastly, Jesus spoke in Mathew 5:20 that 'Unless our righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the pharisees and the teachers of the law, we shall not see the kingdom of God.
Be blessed.
You said:
What is the working of the Holy Spirit? And what does it mean to have the old nature broken up?
While the parables is essentially about readiness, the notion of the role of the Holy Spirit is an important one. (using the oil as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit) The Holy Spirit gives a sense that the salvation of others is important. Without that, we are "in it to win it" for ourselves. The Holy Spirit provides us with the unselfish view of salvation.
Matthew 25:5
5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
This is my interpretation.
While waiting, the ten virgins became sick and died (went to sleep until the calling of the Lord)
When they heard the sound of the Lord and they began to light their candle some who thought it was enough to believe did not have enough oil to meet the Lord.
Those who had imparted and imputed righteousness of the Lord went to meet him. In other words, those who trusted (believed) and obeyed the truth in faith went to be with Him.
When I die my fate is sealed, I will not be second chance to buy more oil; death may come at anytime; therefore, always be ready to meet the Lord.
Be ye always ready.
May we not be as flickering virgins but may the Holy Spirit set us ablazed, illuminating the love of Jesus in this sin sick darkened world. Maranatha!!
Consider this parable in contrast to the one before. The head servant was surprised by how soon the master returned. The foolish girls by how late the groom came. Does our faith and preparation go the distance?
I believe Jesus is taking attention away from "when?" and redirecting it to "how to watch". Each of the four parables answers that question. Each involves a relationship. The answers have little to do with excitement. They have much to do with day to day activities with and for Jesus.
What I've learned from the parable of ten virgins is about the preparation of my self before His coming. Yes, I have the knowledge about God ( Sabbath, Law, Tithe, etc ) but if I don't let the holy spirit change my character to be like Jesus, it's no point. Sometimes I tend to hide my bad things and show my good deeds. I need to experience God personally, I need to see how God's working in my life, and i can be the light of the world. Every day i need to experience God, every day. So when he comes i will found out that my lamp is on. What I realize that the foolish virgin their lamps were shutting down when the bridegroom comes, that's why they asked the wise to share them the oil.
I can relate to this. I need a personal experience, daily.