The Wise and Foolish Virgins

Matt. 25:1-13

Introduction:

            A. Jesus often used parables to illustrate an important spiritual lesson

            B. Often parables are misconstrued to mean something other Jesus intended

            C. In order to understand the meaning of this parable, let us examine some details

I. It is eschatological in nature

   A. This big word simply means it deals with the "last things"

        1. This is evident from the preceding and following passages

        2. The reason for these series of parables is given in Matt. 24:42

        3. The idea is "be ready for the coming of the Lord

            a. The virgins are those of the church

            b. Jesus is speaking to his disciples Matt. 24:1-3

            c. The wise and foolish are originally together

            d. The oil is "preparedness" in a broad sense

II. It is Based on a Common Event

   A. The wedding ritual involved a groom leaving his house to go to the bride's father's house

   B. He would be accompanied by close friends

   C. Ceremonies would take place at the bride's father's house

   D. At night, a procession would go back to the groom's house where festivities would occur

   E. The ten virgins may be "bridesmaids" waiting for the groom

III. The Bride and Bridegroom

        A. Christ is the bridegroom

            1. John 3:28-30 (John speaks of Jesus)

            2. Matt. 9: 14,15 (Christ answers John's disciples)

        B. The church is the bride

            1. 2. Cor. 11:1,2 (I betrothed you to one husband)

            2. Rev. 19:7-9 (The marriage of the Lamb and his bride)

            3. Rev. 22: 17 (The bride and the Spirit say come)

        C. Christ is preparing a place for his bride John 14:1-3

IV. The Message of the Parable

        A. We must be prepared for the coming of Christ

        B. All who are not ready will be excluded

        C. The basic message is this, "Christ is coming to take his bride home. All who are ready

            will be taken. All who are unprepared will be punished.

        D. 1 Thess. 4:13-18 Will you be ready when He comes?

Conclusion:

        This parable reminds us that Christ is coming and we must be ready for Him when He comes. Are you ready? What if He comes today?