Wise And Foolish Virgins

[Chad]

The Wise And Foolish Virgins (Mt 25:1-13)

INTRODUCTION

1. We have seen that several of Jesus' parables describe the consummation of the "kingdom of heaven" which takes place when Jesus returns...

a. "The Wheat And Tares" - Mt 13:24-30,36-43
b. "The Dragnet" - Mt 13:47-50
​

2. Following His Discourse on the Mount of Olives in which He seems to address...

a. Either the destruction of Jerusalem (which occurred in 70 A.D.)
b. Or His coming at the end of the age (yet to occur) ...we find another parable: "The Wise And Foolish Virgins" - Mt 25:1-13
​

3. Scholars often debate over whether the discourse of Matthew 24 pertains...

a. Strictly to the destruction of Jerusalem that occurred in A.D. 70
b. Strictly to the Second Coming of Christ
c. To both events, as the first is a type or shadow of the latter, such that certain terms can be used to describe both events, though figurative in one case and literal in another
​

4. Whichever it might be, in the final analysis the parable of "The Wise And Foolish Virgins" has important lessons to be learned

a. For even if Matthew 24 pertains solely to the destruction of Jerusalem...
b. ...other passages in the New Testament teach the Second Coming of the Lord, and we need to be watchful for that great event! - cf. 2Pe 3:10-14
​

[With that in mind, let's use this opportunity to take a closer look at this parable Jesus taught...]

I. THE PARABLE ANALYZED

A. KEY ELEMENTS IN THE PARABLE...

1. Ten virgins go out with lamps to await the arrival of the bridegroom - Mt 25:1-4

a. Five foolish virgins take no oil
b. Five wise virgins take extra oil
​

2. The bridegroom is delayed in his coming - Mt 25:5
3. The bridegroom's arrival is announced, and the virgins trim their lamps - Mt 25:6-7
4. The foolish virgins find that their oil is running out - Mt 25:7-9

a. They plead with the wise virgins to share their oil
b. But the wise virgins refuse, saying there is not enough
​

5. As the foolish virgins go to get some oil, the bridegroom comes and those prepared go in with him to the wedding, and the door is shut - Mt 25:10
6. The foolish virgins then arrive, but they are not allowed in - Mt 25:11-12
7. Jesus then makes the application - Mt 25:13
​

B. THE MEANING OF THE PARABLE...

1. The main message is quite clear, as evident from:

a. Jesus' comments leading up to this parable - cf. Mt 24:42-46
b. Jesus' comment at the end of the parable itself - Mt 25:13

1) There is the need for constant watchfulness
2) For no one knows the moment when the Lord is coming!
​

2. As worded in Hendriksen's commentary, "...the need of being prepared at all times for the coming of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ."
3. This message is repeated later on in the New Testament...

a. By Paul, writing to the Thessalonians - 1Th 5:1-6
b. By Peter, to the Christians in Asia Minor - 2Pe 3:10-12
c. By Jesus, to the church at Sardis - Re 3:2-3
​

[Not knowing the day or hour of His coming, we must be always be ready...this is the basic message of the parable. But what else can we glean from this parable?]

II. THE PARABLE APPLIED

A. CHRISTIANS ARE LIKE THE VIRGINS AWAITING THE BRIDEGROOM...

1. Some are wise

a. They diligently prepare themselves for the Master's coming, heeding the call to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord - 2Pe 3:18; 1:5-8
b. Knowing what is to come, they "look" for it and live accordingly - 2Pe 3:11-14
c. For them, the coming of the Lord will be a blessing! - 2 Pe 1:10-11
​

2. Some are foolish

a. They know the Lord is coming, but they are not prepared
b. They may even be like that evil servant who says "My master is delaying his coming", and act accordingly - cf. Mt 24:48-49
​

c. Yet Jesus has warned what will happen to such evil servants - Mt 24:50-51
-- Are we like the wise virgins, or the foolish ones?
​

B. ONE SHOULD NOT TRUST IN PREVIOUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS...

1. Note that the foolish virgins did have "some" oil - Mt 25:8
2. So they had made some preparation, but foolishly trusted in what they had done in the past
3. Neither should we "rest on our laurels", but have the attitude of Paul - Php 3:12-15
-- Are you foolishly depending upon what you have done in the past?
​

C. PREPAREDNESS IS NOT TRANSFERABLE...

1. The wise virgins could not share their oil with the foolish virgins - Mt 25:9
2. Nor can we impart what salvation we have received to someone else (they must receive it from the Lord Himself) - cf. Ps 49:7; Pr 9:12
3. Do not think that we can be "saved by association"

a. It did not work for the Jews - cf. Jer 7:4-7
b. Neither will it work for us; each of us must have our own name in the Book of Life - cf. Re 20:12-15
​

-- Are you foolishly trusting in your relationship with someone else for your salvation (a parent, a spouse, a church, etc.)?
​

D. THOSE UNPREPARED DO NOT RECEIVE A SECOND CHANCE...

1. Despite their pleas, the foolish virgins were not permitted to the wedding - Mt 25:10-12
2. When the Lord comes again, the time for salvation is gone!
​

[Each of these points is related to the main message of the parable: the need to be prepared at all times for the coming of Christ. In view of this great need, here are some thoughts on...]

E. MAINTAINING A STATE OF PREPAREDNESS...

1. Be careful not to let this world to pre-occupy you - Lk 21:34-35

a. Through its worldly lusts
b. Through its worldly concerns
​

2. Be steadfast in prayer - Lk 21:36

a. For in prayer we naturally maintain an attitude of watchfulness (which is a mark of preparation) - cf. Ep 6:18
b. For in prayer we can assure that we will be counted worthy as we confess our sins - cf. 1Jn 1:9
​

3. Be diligent to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ - 2Pe 3:18

a. As defined in 2Pe 1:5-8
b. The blessings of which are described in 2Pe 1:10-11
​

CONCLUSION

1. This parable teaches that a great day is coming, a day in which those in the kingdom today will find themselves in two different groups...

a. Those who prepared themselves and faithfully watched for His coming
b. Those who were not prepared, to whom they will hear the Lord say:
​

"Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you."

2. Dear brother or sister in Christ, if the Lord were to come today...

a. Would He find you watching?
b. Would He find you prepared?
-- Would He even know you? - cf. Mt 7:21-23
​

"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." (Mt 25:13)

 

[Curtis]

The Wise And Foolish Virgins (Mt 25:1-13)

INTRODUCTION

1. We have seen that several of Jesus' parables describe the consummation of the "kingdom of heaven" which takes place when Jesus returns...

a. "The Wheat And Tares" - Mt 13:24-30,36-43
b. "The Dragnet" - Mt 13:47-50
​

2. Following His Discourse on the Mount of Olives in which He seems to address...

a. Either the destruction of Jerusalem (which occurred in 70 A.D.)
b. Or His coming at the end of the age (yet to occur) ...we find another parable: "The Wise And Foolish Virgins" - Mt 25:1-13
​

3. Scholars often debate over whether the discourse of Matthew 24 pertains...

a. Strictly to the destruction of Jerusalem that occurred in A.D. 70
b. Strictly to the Second Coming of Christ
c. To both events, as the first is a type or shadow of the latter, such that certain terms can be used to describe both events, though figurative in one case and literal in another
​

4. Whichever it might be, in the final analysis the parable of "The Wise And Foolish Virgins" has important lessons to be learned

a. For even if Matthew 24 pertains solely to the destruction of Jerusalem...
b. ...other passages in the New Testament teach the Second Coming of the Lord, and we need to be watchful for that great event! - cf. 2Pe 3:10-14
​

[With that in mind, let's use this opportunity to take a closer look at this parable Jesus taught...]

I. THE PARABLE ANALYZED

A. KEY ELEMENTS IN THE PARABLE...

1. Ten virgins go out with lamps to await the arrival of the bridegroom - Mt 25:1-4

a. Five foolish virgins take no oil
b. Five wise virgins take extra oil
​

2. The bridegroom is delayed in his coming - Mt 25:5
3. The bridegroom's arrival is announced, and the virgins trim their lamps - Mt 25:6-7
4. The foolish virgins find that their oil is running out - Mt 25:7-9

a. They plead with the wise virgins to share their oil
b. But the wise virgins refuse, saying there is not enough
​

5. As the foolish virgins go to get some oil, the bridegroom comes and those prepared go in with him to the wedding, and the door is shut - Mt 25:10
6. The foolish virgins then arrive, but they are not allowed in - Mt 25:11-12
7. Jesus then makes the application - Mt 25:13​

B. THE MEANING OF THE PARABLE...

1. The main message is quite clear, as evident from:

a. Jesus' comments leading up to this parable - cf. Mt 24:42-46
b. Jesus' comment at the end of the parable itself - Mt 25:13

1) There is the need for constant watchfulness
2) For no one knows the moment when the Lord is coming!
​

2. As worded in Hendriksen's commentary, "...the need of being prepared at all times for the coming of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ."
3. This message is repeated later on in the New Testament...

a. By Paul, writing to the Thessalonians - 1Th 5:1-6
b. By Peter, to the Christians in Asia Minor - 2Pe 3:10-12
c. By Jesus, to the church at Sardis - Re 3:2-3
​

[Not knowing the day or hour of His coming, we must be always be ready...this is the basic message of the parable. But what else can we glean from this parable?]

II. THE PARABLE APPLIED

A. CHRISTIANS ARE LIKE THE VIRGINS AWAITING THE BRIDEGROOM...

1. Some are wise

a. They diligently prepare themselves for the Master's coming, heeding the call to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord - 2Pe 3:18; 1:5-8
b. Knowing what is to come, they "look" for it and live accordingly - 2Pe 3:11-14
c. For them, the coming of the Lord will be a blessing! - 2 Pe 1:10-11
​

2. Some are foolish

a. They know the Lord is coming, but they are not prepared
b. They may even be like that evil servant who says "My master is delaying his coming", and act accordingly - cf. Mt 24:48-49
​

c. Yet Jesus has warned what will happen to such evil servants - Mt 24:50-51
-- Are we like the wise virgins, or the foolish ones?​

B. ONE SHOULD NOT TRUST IN PREVIOUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS...

1. Note that the foolish virgins did have "some" oil - Mt 25:8
2. So they had made some preparation, but foolishly trusted in what they had done in the past
3. Neither should we "rest on our laurels", but have the attitude of Paul - Php 3:12-15
-- Are you foolishly depending upon what you have done in the past?
​

C. PREPAREDNESS IS NOT TRANSFERABLE...

1. The wise virgins could not share their oil with the foolish virgins - Mt 25:9
2. Nor can we impart what salvation we have received to someone else (they must receive it from the Lord Himself) - cf. Ps 49:7; Pr 9:12
3. Do not think that we can be "saved by association"

a. It did not work for the Jews - cf. Jer 7:4-7
b. Neither will it work for us; each of us must have our own name in the Book of Life - cf. Re 20:12-15
​

-- Are you foolishly trusting in your relationship with someone else for your salvation (a parent, a spouse, a church, etc.)?​

D. THOSE UNPREPARED DO NOT RECEIVE A SECOND CHANCE...

1. Despite their pleas, the foolish virgins were not permitted to the wedding - Mt 25:10-12
2. When the Lord comes again, the time for salvation is gone!
​

[Each of these points is related to the main message of the parable: the need to be prepared at all times for the coming of Christ. In view of this great need, here are some thoughts on...]

E. MAINTAINING A STATE OF PREPAREDNESS...

1. Be careful not to let this world to pre-occupy you - Lk 21:34-35

a. Through its worldly lusts
b. Through its worldly concerns
​

2. Be steadfast in prayer - Lk 21:36

a. For in prayer we naturally maintain an attitude of watchfulness (which is a mark of preparation) - cf. Ep 6:18
b. For in prayer we can assure that we will be counted worthy as we confess our sins - cf. 1Jn 1:9
​

3. Be diligent to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ - 2Pe 3:18

a. As defined in 2Pe 1:5-8
b. The blessings of which are described in 2Pe 1:10-11
​

CONCLUSION

1. This parable teaches that a great day is coming, a day in which those in the kingdom today will find themselves in two different groups...

a. Those who prepared themselves and faithfully watched for His coming
b. Those who were not prepared, to whom they will hear the Lord say:
​

"Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you."

2. Dear brother or sister in Christ, if the Lord were to come today...

a. Would He find you watching?
b. Would He find you prepared?
-- Would He even know you? - cf. Mt 7:21-23
​

"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." (Mt 25:13)

It is very interesting that these ten virgins all came from the same congregation. The five foolish virgins looked just like the wise virgins. In every Church gathering there will always be those who are real Christians and those who are false. These false virgins sit right next to the wise ones, and no one says a thing to them. The preaching of the Word of God under the anointing of the Spirit of God will always separate the wise from the foolish. Jesus had this problem when he taught, and at one time they all left never to come back.This is exactly what the Word does when preached in power of the Spirit.

 

[amadeus2]

It is very interesting that these ten virgins all came from the same congregation. The five foolish virgins looked just like the wise virgins. In every Church gathering there will always be those who are real Christians and those who are false. These false virgins sit right next to the wise ones, and no one says a thing to them. The preaching of the Word of God under the anointing of the Spirit of God will always separate the wise from the foolish. Jesus had this problem when he taught, and at one time they all left never to come back.This is exactly what the Word does when preached in power of the Spirit.

Yes, on the surface they look just alike, but to a heart with eyes to see and ears to hear, there is a great deal of difference, isn't there? Give God the glory for those whose hearts have been prepared! Help us Lord to be among them!

 

[TRUTH BE TOLD]

They are virgins to the master, they cant be unbelievers.
This is about the bridegroom and his virgins. They only run out of oil (faith) when the master didnt show and it is then they loose faith of his return which happens later and they are STILL called Virgins and still have the soul that accepted Christ but were caught not watching... non believers are never called virgins and are never watching for Christ because to "watch" for Christ means to be doing God's will another thing unbelievers cannot do.


If you were to know nothing and read this the first time you would gather that all virgins are believers but someone has told you different and this conflicts with the parable so you then have to say their fake virgins even though there is No difference between them other than the 10 become 5 wise and 5 unwise.. unbelievers are always unwise.

 

[amadeus2]

"There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.

My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her." Song of Solomon 6:8-9

 

[TRUTH BE TOLD]

Hello sir, I'm guessing your tying virgins without number with the 10 virgins but, I don't see the point your trying to show? If it is that I said "unbelievers are never called virgins"

This is true, the 10 virgins are only virgins to Christ as an unbeliever would be a harlot
Although I did not check song of solomon out it sounds as if these here are sexual virgins and not virgins in Christ.....the whole point of the 10 virgins is to show that losing faith (oil - which is what keeps your Lamp light shining) that believers can fall away into unbelief and they will be left....

 

[amadeus2]

Hello sir, I'm guessing your tying virgins without number with the 10 virgins but, I don't see the point your trying to show? If it is that I said "unbelievers are never called virgins"

This is true, the 10 virgins are only virgins to Christ as an unbeliever would be a harlot
Although I did not check song of solomon out it sounds as if these here are sexual virgins and not virgins in Christ.....the whole point of the 10 virgins is to show that losing faith (oil - which is what keeps your Lamp light shining) that believers can fall away into unbelief and they will be left....

Spiritually speaking, I believe that the queens, concubines and virgins of Song Solomon are all who believe in a measure. They may be seen as the multitude of churches we see all around us today. Are all them even part of the Body of Christ? Only the One called his dove is to be the Bride.

 

[TRUTH BE TOLD]

They are 10 virgins, none are false virgins they are Unwise Virgins who had oil and the oil is faith which is what burns the light of Christ to the world.... through the believer. Both have lamps and oil... so both are the same...... to say the 5 unwise were false Christians is shown where? They go to meet pre tribulation Jesus who does show and it is because they believed he would that they lost faith in his coming, the other virgins keep doing God's will and when he came (think lukes good faithful servant) and found them doing his will (watching) they were rewarded (raptured) but the others had lost their part of Eph 2:8 salvation by losing faith....

This is why hebrews 6:4-6 says

For it is IMPOSSIBLE for those who are ENLIGHTENED and have tasted (Christ) and BECAME PARTAKERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - if they shall FALL AWAY TO RENEW them again because then Christ would have to RE-DIE for them again...

 

[B-A-C]

I believe the oil represent the Holy Spirit.

 

[TRUTH BE TOLD]

When you loose your faith you also loose the holy spirit and the reason I feel its faith is they are not prepared for the master to be delayed and it is when he doesnt show up when she thought, then of course she's gonna loose faith
The holy spirit says in the last days some will depart the faith from the Holy Spirit of course.

The 5 unwise virgins lost faith the holy spirit and salvation....

 

[humblepie]

Didn't God say he'd find a new people?

 

[Curtis]

Hello sir, I'm guessing your tying virgins without number with the 10 virgins but, I don't see the point your trying to show? If it is that I said "unbelievers are never called virgins"

Jesus tells these 5 foolish virgins, "that he does not know them..." Does Jesus know those who are his? Do his sheep know his voice? Do they follow him?

Mat 25:11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.'
Mat 25:12 But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.'

Ever heard the term "sheep in wolves clothing? They sure look real from the outside, but are false. They do everything the real sheep do, but have no fruit, or wisdom to understand anything.

Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

 

[Curtis]

Ever heard the term "sheep in wolves clothing?

Sorry, I meant to say, "wolves in sheep clothing"...

 

[Bendito]

We have taken the Word, and cut it up and shredded it into Chapter and verse. It makes it easier to find a part of scripture we want to read or study, but it messes us up when we use those chapters and verses as references. As an example...Matt 25:1-13. We take that as the whole thing, but its not.
Matthew 25 starts with the word "then" indicating that there is something before verse 1. We have to back up now to see what it is. So, to read Matt 25:1-13 we need to read Matt 24 so we know what we are talking about. Context. Context Context We always need the context or we'll add the context in our own heads and probably be wrong. What is Matt 24 talking about?
Its talking about two separate events. First the Rapture and the tribulation following. And second He is talking about the second coming. I don't need to say that the story of the ten virgins is a parable because you obviously know that, but that it actually pertains to both events may not be so clear. I believe it is applicable to something else as well but....
So, this is a long winded way of saying..."Start at chapter 24 to read Matt 25:1-13 Then read to the end of chapter 25 as well. Take it all in.