Matthew 25 - 12.1.25
Scripture
Matthew 25:13 NIV
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Observation
Before Jesus said the above words, He gave a parable of the 10 virgins. 5 were wise and the other 5 were foolish. All 10 had lamps, but only the wise ones brought oil to light their lamps. They were waiting for the bridegroom. He had not arrived yet and was taking a long time to return. While they were waiting for him, they ALL fell asleep. However, because the wise virgins were already prepared with oil, upon the groom’s return, they were ready. The foolish ones tried to get oil from the wise virgins, but the oil wasn’t enough for them to share and they had to get their own. Unfortunately, it was too late and the groom did not allow the foolish brides into the wedding banquet.
This parable is how Christ’s return is going to be! No one knows the day or hour, not even the angels in Heaven or Jesus Himself! Only the Father! (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32)
As Christ followers, because our hope is set on His return, it may seem like He is taking a long time. It’s tempting to think He is not coming back and we may want to return to the ways of the world, if we are not careful. However, we must be like the wise brides who were prepared even though their groom was a long time in coming. We need to be prepared at any day or time! A day to Him is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day! (2 Peter 3:8)
I was also convicted by the fact that the foolish couldn’t borrow oil from the wise. They had to be prepared for themselves. We cannot expect to borrow oil from another brother or sister in Christ when that day comes! We must be prepared individually. Faith in Jesus is a personal decision that doesn’t get transferred just because we go to church or were born into a Christian family.
The last thing I noticed about this parable is that ALL of the virgins fell asleep, including the wise ones. Matthew Henry commentary explains that:
• All slept because the coming of Christ seemed delayed.
• Sleep represents life continuing normally, and believers experiencing human weakness.
• The wise were still ready despite sleeping.
(Reference: Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible — Matthew 25:1–13)
Basically, although the wise still felt weak while waiting, it wasn’t to the detriment of their salvation. They were still ready for Him.
Application
Be prepared and ready for Christ’s return.
How can we be prepared?
1. Stay connected to God in prayer, His Word, worship and the community of Believers who will encourage us “as we see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)
2. Be accountable to someone if working through a sin struggle and don’t be afraid to ask for help from a Pastor, Christian counselor or trusted Spirit-filled brother/sister in the faith. (1 Peter 5:8-11)
3. Serve others and let Your light shine for Jesus to further His Kingdom and bring others with us! In the next parable that Jesus gave His disciples, He talked about bags of gold or talents. Our gifts and talents cannot be hidden, but must produce fruit when our Master returns! We cannot hide it in the ground. We don’t want Jesus to call us out for being a “wicked and lazy servant!” (Matt. 25:26) Rather, we want to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21,23)
Prayer
Dear Lord,
I know that the day or hour of Your return is unknown. I do not want to be caught unprepared when You finally arrive. Thank You for Your encouragement in Your Word that You will be returning soon. Even though at times, it seems like it may not happen, I pray that I would always be encouraged to draw close to You and not the lies of the enemy or the world who do not believe. Thank You Jesus for also giving me that vision of hope for Your return in one of my dreams! May I continue to use my time on this earth to serve You and bring more people into Your Kingdom before You return. Please teach me how to patiently endure and keep my lamp and heart burning for You until the end. I want to be ready no matter what day or hour You return. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi