the ten virgin's story and meaning

1. The
Parable of
the Ten
Virgins
Matthew 25:1-13

2. Introduction
• Setting the context
– Matt 24:1-3
• Jesus comments on the destruction of the temple
• Disciples ask a couple follow-up questions
– When will this happen?
– What will be the signs of His coming and the end
of the age?
– (Probably thought it was the same question)
• Jesus answers the first (24:4-20)
• He then explains what will follow (24:21-35)
• Finally He answers the second (24:36-41)

3. 2 introductory parables
• Matthew 24:42-44
– “The Householder and the Thief”
• If a homeowner knew when the thief would come
– He would have been alert
– He would have prevented the theft
• You don’t know when Judgment will come
– You must ALWAYS be alert
– You must ALWAYS be ready to face judgment

4. 2 introductory parables
• Matthew 24:45-51
– “The Master and the Slave”
• A faithful slave who performs his duties while the
master is away will be rewarded with greater
responsibilities and greater trust
• An evil slave who takes advantage of his
master’s absence to profit himself will be
punished
– Jesus is the Master who goes away
• His disciples are the slaves
– You can be faithful while He is away
– Or you can be self-seeking
– The outcome is certain for both

5. The Parable of the 10 Virgins
• Matthew 25:1-4
– 10 virgins go out to meet the bridegroom
• Don’t know time of his arrival
• 5 take extra oil (in case he is late)
• 5 take no extra (assuming he will come soon)
• Matthew 25:5
– Bridegroom was delayed
– Virgins fell asleep, lamps would have been
burning

6. The Parable of the 10 Virgins
• Matthew 25:6-7
– Bridegroom’s approach is announced
– Lamps are trimmed to make them brighter for
the approaching groom
• Matthew 25:8-9
– All the lamps would have been low on oil
• 5 use their extra oil to refill their lamps
• 5 want the others to share
– Still no certainty how long until the groom
comes or enters the feasting hall
• The wise might need all the oil they had
• Tell the foolish to run buy some more oil

7. The Parable of the 10 Virgins
• Matthew 25:10
– The groom arrives, quickly
enters the wedding feast
– The door is shut while the
foolish are still gone
• Matthew 25:11-12
– The 5 foolish virgins arrive
later and seek entry
– Not allowed entry
• Matthew 25:13
– Ties parable back to Mt 24:42

8. The main point
• Obvious from Jesus’ statement in v. 13
– We do not know when He will return
– We must constantly be ready for His return
– No time to get ready when He returns
– Half-hearted efforts are doomed to failure

9. Application
• Christians are like the virgins awaiting the
coming of Christ
– Some are wise
• 2 Pet 3:18 – They are growing (2 Pet 1:3-8)
• 2 Pet 3:11-14 – The are looking for the end
• 2 Pet 1:10-11 – The coming will be a blessing
– Some are foolish
• They know He is coming, but make little
preparation – 2 Pet 1:9
– Counting on past conduct
– “Trying to ride the coattails of others”

10. Application
• Need to be constantly prepared
– Luke 21:34-36
• World will try to draw you away
• Need to be alert to the fact that Christ is coming
• Need to be praying
– For escape from temptation
– Strength in trials
– To stand before Christ

11. Conclusion
• 2 Peter 3:8-14
• The Lord will return
– He will do so at a time unexpected
• Will He find us watching and waiting?
• Or will we be foolishly unprepared?