As we recently read in Matthew 24:36, no one knows the day our hour when our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ will return. What we do know, as Christians, is he will return to judge the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:10). In the following passages, we are encouraged by Jesus to be prepared for his second coming. This is good news for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We will enter into his kingdom and presence forever. It is convicting news; however, if we have not accepted Jesus as our Savior and Lord. My prayer is that none of us would perish. Let’s take a closer look.
Matthew 25:1-13
Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor hour.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ Why might Jesus have used the symbolism of virgins in this parable? After all, we all are virgins where heaven is concerned.
+ What is the one action that differs between the wise virgins and the foolish virgins
+ What happens to the virgins who weren’t prepared when the bridegroom came?
+ How is the light in the lampstands a foreshadowing of the salvation of Jesus Christ
+ How is the oil in the parable symbolic of the power of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into the fullness of our salvation
+ Why would the wise virgins refuse to help the foolish virgins and send them away to get their own oil? What would have happened if they helped them instead?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ As I/we wait for the Lord, what is one way to assure we don’t become complacent at his delayed arrival?
+ Think about people in our life who would not be counted among the wise virgins if Jesus came back today. Consider how both they and you would feel if the door to heaven slammed shut on them. What is one way to answer Christ’s call in their regards today?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ Who can I/we pray for to be open to the Lordship of Jesus Christ
+ Who might I/we be a witness to this week?