Preparation for the Bridegroom
1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lampstand 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 the hour. (Matthew 25:1-13, English Standard Version)
Observations:
Jesus’ lesson on the Kingdom of God is not a description of what it is like, but a comparison of those who are prepared for the coming of the reign of God’s Son.
1. They are prepared for the bridegroom because they are expectant.
2. Those who were prepared for the bridegroom had their lamps lit in readiness for His coming.
3. Those who were not prepared, had their lamps but had no intent of lighting them till the last minute.
Relevant Questions:
1. If the 10 virgins are representative of Israel, why use the number ten?
2. Also, why even division of 5 and 5?
Cross References in the OT:
1. Isaiah 54:4-5; 62:5
2. Jeremiah 2:2
3. Hosea 1-3
Cross References in the NT:
1. Matthew 22:1-14
2. Revelation 19:6-10
