Those who were ready
Jesus gave his disciples clear signs pointing to the destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:1-35). He then states that the only sign of his second coming would be everything going on like normal. The second part dealt with the end of the world and the signs, or really the lack of signs, Jesus then told three parables demonstrating the need for preparation (Matthew 24:36-25:46).
Our Lord said the kingdom of heaven, or church, would be like ten virgins. “Then” clearly refers to the time of the Lord’s return to earth. It is disturbing to realize the five virgins who were unprepared represent some members of the church.
Weddings in Christ’s day "began with a feast in the house of the bride’s father. After this the bridegroom led the bride to his own home, and it was the duty of his servants and household (of whom the ten virgins in this case were part) to honor him and the bride with an enthusiastic welcome” (McGarvey).
All of the virgins nodded off to sleep when the groom’s coming was delayed. He approached around midnight. The virgins began trimming their wicks and lighting their lamps to go out to meet him. The foolish had brought no oil in their vessels. They asked the wise to share. The wise declined saying they all might run out of oil before they could return to the house. They suggested the foolish go to merchants and buy oil.
The groom came while the foolish searched for oil. The wise entered into the wedding with him and the door was shut. Later, the foolish came knocking on the door. The Lord said he did not know them, in a favorable sense of the word. They were shut out of the wedding feast!
The foolish were expectantly awaiting the groom’s coming. They failed to prepare. Jesus knew the importance of preparation (John 9:4). The rich fool in Luke 12 assumed he would live for many years, so he focused his efforts on providing for the flesh. He discovered eternal provisions should take priority. We also should prepare so we can answer the reason for our hope and be ready to meet God (1 Peter 3:15; 2 Tim. 4:12; John 8:32; 17:17).
The foolish virgins wanted to rely on someone else’s provisions to be ready. Some people expect to get to heaven based on the efforts of the whole church. This parable clearly shows such will not be possible in judgment. There are some things that simply cannot be borrowed, like character. Our parents’ good character will not carry us through deceitful living. Obedience also cannot be borrowed (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Some live in a dream world where there are no consequences for immorality or lawlessness. Paul said God will cause us to reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-8).
The Lord warned his followers to be watchful, or actively ready, because they do not know when his return will be. The Christian’s opportunity to prepare for eternity will be past when this life ends at the second coming of the Lord. Because the wise virgins were ready, they had the joy of entering into the wedding feast. We must learn from them to be ready so that we can enter into the joys of heaven.
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