Continuing His teaching on the second coming, Jesus answers the disciples’ questions about the timing of the kingdom of God (24:3). Instead of specifically answering their question about when the kingdom of God would begin, Jesus gives them yet another parable. Matthew 25:1-13 has become known as the parable of the ten virgins. In this teaching Jesus introduces the listener to ten virgins who take their lamps (traditional for night weddings) and go out to meet the bridegroom (25:1). Jesus reveals that five of the virgins were wise and five of them were foolish. The foolish ones took their lamps but failed to take oil to light them; however, the wise ones took their lamp with the oil needed to light them (25:4). For some reason the bridegroom was delayed and did not come when he was expected. Now, we have to understand a little bit about Jewish wedding customs in order to fully understand the meaning. There were a couple parts of weddings…the first step was engagement, the second step was called the betrothal where the ceremony actually took place, and after a period of time the wedding feast would follow. Following the ceremony (where the vows were exchanged) the couple was considered married, but the marriage had not been physically consummated. During the time between the betrothal and the feast (followed by the physical consummation), the groom would work and build a place to live. Back to the parable…Jesus is centering on the time between the betrothal and the wedding feast. The groom, which is a symbolic of Jesus Christ, has not yet returned to establish His kingdom and those waiting for the wedding feast (symbolic of people on earth) are left wondering when he will return. When the groom finally did return, five of the virgins attending the wedding feast could not make it because they didn’t have oil for their lamps to see in the darkness. The other half (wise virgins) had adequately prepared for the wedding celebration and were able to make it. The main emphasis is found in verse 13 – Jesus tells His listeners to “watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” Remember that Jesus is specifically referring to the time at the end of the seven year tribulation, not the time of the rapture. Jesus is sending warning to be watchful at all times and always be prepared for His return.
Dear God, help many during this time of tribulation to be prepared and watching for Jesus’ return. May Your word be spread to all nations and may they receive it with joy in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ.
