Matthew 25:1-13 The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.”
“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.”
“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”
Jesus continues to warn his disciples that they must be prepared for his return at all times, so why is he using the example of a wedding? In Jesus’ time, the father of the groom controls the day and hour for the wedding. While the bride prepares her trousseau and the groom prepares a living place for them, only the father of the bridegroom knows the exact time when the wedding will take place, for he will suddenly announce it. Jesus uses the example of ten virgins because that is the usual number for a bridal party.
In Jesus’ story, there are five wise girls and five foolish girls who only think about the next party they’ll attend. The five wise girls are prudent and have brought extra oil for their lamps, while the other five are thinking only of how much fun they will have at the wedding and haven’t any extra oil. Carrying oil containers means more work, and they might spill oil on their party outfits. These latter five assume that bridegrooms have always been on time before, so no problem. Besides, surely someone will recognize them. But the bridegroom in the story gets delayed, only arriving at midnight. The bridal party is supposed to escort the groom into the wedding ceremony, carrying their lighted lamps; however, now the five foolish girls’ lamps are going out. By the time the party girls return with oil, the doors to the home where the wedding is taking place are shut; after all, it’s midnight. The five foolish girls are left out in the dark.
Jesus always uses examples that everyone can relate to, and this parable is no exception. The warning is clear; God the Heavenly Father is the only One who controls the day and hour when Jesus will return.
What does the oil represent? David Guzik in his Enduring Word Commentary says this:
In many Biblical passages oil, is an emblem of the Holy Spirit (such as Zechariah 4:1-7). Without oil the wedding party was not ready for the bridegroom. Without the Holy Spirit, no one is ready for the return of Jesus.
i. Olive oil is a good representation of the Holy Spirit for many reasons.
· Oil lubricates when used for that purpose – there is little friction and wear among those who are lubricated by the Spirit of God.
· Oil heals and was used as a medicinal treatment in Biblical times (Luke 10:34) – the Spirit of God brings healing and restoration.
· Oil lights when it is burned in a lamp – where the Spirit of God is, there is light.
· Oil warms when it is used as fuel for a flame – where the Spirit of God is, there is warmth and comfort.
· Oil invigorates when used to massage – the Holy Spirit invigorates us for His service.
· Oil adorns when applied as a perfume – the Holy Spirit adorns us and makes us more pleasant to be around.
· Oil polishes when used to shine metal – the Holy Spirit wipes away our grime and smooths out our rough edges.
ii. No one can be a true Christian without the indwelling Holy Spirit, as it says in Romans 8:9: Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. In this parable Jesus probably did not intend a separation between “Spirit-filled” and “Non-Spirit-filled” Christians; the distinction is likely between true Christians and false believers. (https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-25/)
The message for all of us claiming to be disciples of Jesus is simple: We must be ready. We must welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives, be guided by the Holy Spirit, and be faithful to work as the Holy Spirit inspires us. Disciples draw their strength from the Holy Spirit and work guided by the Holy Spirit. As long as we are truly serving Jesus, God will send the Holy Spirit to give us fresh oil and fresh anointing.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to follow hard after You all the days of our lives. Please let Your blessed Holy Spirit fill us and lead us so that we may do the work You have to do for us. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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