The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Matthew 25:1-13
This parable teaches us the wisdom of preparation for the coming of our bridegroom Jesus.
In this parable, five wise virgins took a jar of oil along with their lamps. But five foolish virgins only took their lamps. So on the arrival of the bridegroom, the foolish virgins had to go to buy the oil. But it was too late.
What does the lamp mean? See Proverbs 20:27 NASB (New American Standard Bible) “The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the innermost parts of his being.”
Also see Matthew 5:14-16.
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Therefore, the Christian is the lamp that God turned the light on after he put oil in his soul.
But the parable we read today tells that the lamps of ten virgins were going out because long waiting at midnight. Only wise five virgins had extra oil supply with themselves. This is the very difference between wise and foolish virgins.
Then what does this extra preparation mean? What does the jar of oil means?
If the virgin loves the bridegroom and treasures the moment to welcome him, she would not leave it to the chance. She would ensure the welcome moment the success. The foolish virgins left it to the chance. Basically they were not wise enough but it shows that they didn’t really love the bridegroom. True love at heart can create brilliant ideas to please the mate, in common sense, can’t it?
To ensure that we are ready for our bridegroom, we want direct and strong relationship with God. In the difficult time, how easily do our lamps go out? For example, when someone invokes our anger, we may easily lose Christian attitude. The oil was choked up and the fire was (almost) gone out! Jesus said “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12). We are living in wicked generation. We need enough oil to keep our lamp on while we are living in this world until Jesus comes back. How? Read the Holy Bible every morning before facing this wicked world. Pray to God every day. Do evangelism. Tithe. Make disciples. Teach the Holy Bible. Love your neighbours as yourself. Obey God’s Word. Bear the fruit of Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Bear the fruit of life – spiritual children… so that our lamp may not go out in the most difficult time.
Also, oil is something that can’t be shared. Purity, faith, and love toward Jesus can’t be shared with others.
It is essential that a Christian has Christian faith, Christian life, Christian attitudes and is full of Holy Spirit. We shouldn’t let the lamp go off.
Let’s always prepare enough oil throughout today, this week, this month, this year, our whole life through sufficient prayer (spiritual breathing), reading (spiritual eating) and evangelism (spiritual exercise)!
