Matthew 25:1-13

The prepared and the unprepared virgins Matthew 25:1-13: The primary subject this chapter has to do with is the final judgment. Matthew 24 ended with the need to be prepared for the sudden and unexpected return of the Lord. The parable of the five wise and the five foolish virgins continues that emphasis of preparation for the coming of the Messiah. In this section five foolish and thoughtless virgins were set in contrast against five wise and sensible virgins. The kingdom of heaven is like unto all "ten" virgins. Of the ten virgins, only the five wise ones were taken to the wedding. The foolish ones were not. Jesus used this story of a wedding taking place to teach some great lessons concerning His kingdom.

The point of Jesus' parable is very clear. Only those that are prepared for the bridegroom's coming will participate in the marriage supper of the Lamb. Those that are unprepared will be left outside. The only difference between the five wise and the five foolish virgins was their preparation. In the parable five virgins were wise and they made the necessary preparation and even went the extra mile. Five other virgins tried to get by on the very minimum. "Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them." (Matthew 25:3) It was in contrast to this spirit of doing only the minimum that the godly attitude of the wise virgins' shines forth. "The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps." (Matthew 25:4) The wise are simply those that are prepared for Christ's coming.

Many want to go to heaven attending only a minimum number of services, giving only a minimum amount of money and time, teaching and visiting only the minimum. These that try to get by on the minimum will find the door to heaven shut just as did the foolish virgins. "While they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut." (Matthew 25:10) What about you? Are you wise or foolish? Are you prepared or unprepared?