Christ Return: The Importance of Being Prepared

Focus Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

In the opening of Matthew 24, the disciples asked Jesus to describe the signs of the end of the age that would mark his imminent return. In the book “Acts of the Apostles”, prior to his ascension back to Heaven, he exhorts them not to focus on timing concerning establishment of his heavenly kingdom, but to rather give their full attention and labors to the spreading of the Gospel, by which they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit to do (Acts 1:6-8). Additionally, in John’s visions in the “Book of Revelations”, he hears Jesus, the Lamb of God say, “…behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the prophecy of this book,” and then later in the same chapter, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” (Rev 22:7-13)

Two thousand years have passed since Jesus’ ascension. In that time, humanity has witnessed and experienced many of the end time signs Jesus described that day on the Mount of Olives that would proceed his second coming. Such events have occurred with more frequency and in greater intensity. We do not know the specific date and time Jesus will re-appear; however, the Bible instructs us to wait patiently for him in a anticipatory way. In “The Parable of the Ten Virgins”, Jesus illustrates and provides guidance on the importance of preparation and always being ready for his return.

We also observe in the New Testament (NT) letters written by Paul and John the usage of, “Bride and Groom,” imagery in a allegoric way to describe the coming marriage (union) of the church and its head…..Christ. (Rev 19:7, 2 Cor 11:2, Eph 5:22-33). In this focus text, Jesus applies these images to the backdrop of a Jewish wedding, to emphasize the necessity of constant preparedness for his Second Coming……..like a bride preparing herself for marriage to her Bridegroom who has chosen her. Before we explore the spiritual meaning of this parable, below is summary of the Parable as a helpful foundation:

Foolish vs Wise Virgins (v1-4). First, Jesus distinguishes between the virgins, as five who were wise and five who was foolish. All the virgins appeared the same on the outside and had on matching wedding garments. They all had the same lamps, with the intention on meeting the Bridegroom when he arrived. Unfortunately, not all the virgins prepared everything needed to ensure they would ready. The foolish virgins had lamps, but no oil. Thoughtlessly, they did not see the importance acquire it ahead of time. Bear in mind, none of the virgins knew when the Bridegroom would arrive. He could have come during the day, which the meant the lamps would not be needed. The wise virgins made provisions for both scenarios, by also having suffice oil for their lamps in the event the Bridegroom arrived at night. Their preparedness reflected their heart’s desire to be with the Bridegroom. Their affections were fixed on him, which motivated them to do all they could to ensure there were no hindrances going out to him, no matter the time of day he arrived. When we love someone, we do all things necessary that nothing inhibits us in being with them when the opportunity arises.

The Bridegroom Delayed (v5). The arrival of the Bridegroom had taken longer than anticipated. As a result, the ten virgins all became drowsy.  When Jesus adds this detail to the story, he dis not critical the virgins because they slept while they waited. The circumstances of this story is not the same as the event in the Garden of Gethsemane when his disciple fell asleep, thus failing to remain awake and alert (Mt 26:45).  He wanted his disciples to be watchful for the approaching arresting mob while he prayed. In this parable, it is understandable for the virgins to be somewhat exhausted after all the wedding preparations they had made. Now being still from their activity, they fell asleep as the Bridegroom was delayed in his coming.

The Bridegroom Appears, but not all are ready to meet Him (v6-9). Suddenly at midnight, a shout is heard, “Here is the bridegroom, come out to meet him!” The long wait is over! To meet him, they would need to travel a considerable distance away from residence where they were currently waiting. Further, the journey would be made in the dark since he arrived at midnight. This is unfortunate news from the five foolish virgins, for they did not acquire adequate oil for their lamps for night travel. They pleaded with the wise virgins to share some of their oil, but were told to go buy their own. Again, in telling this story, Jesus does not indict the wise virgins for this response. Remember, this parable was told with a Jewish wedding procession in mind which (a) moved slowly, and (b) much oil would be needed to go out at night to get meet the Bridegroom, then escort him back to where they were waiting. If they had given the five foolish virgins some of their oil, they would been unable to complete the trip for the Bridegroom and would be added to the list of foolish virgins for not being prepared.

Window of Opportunity Closed (v10-13). The foolish virgins rush out to go buy oil. By the time they return, the escort of the Bridegroom back to their quarters was complete and the wedding procession was over. The door is now shut. The foolish virgins pleaded with the Bridegroom that they be let in, but he responded in verse 12, “…Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.”

What is the warning that Jesus communicates with this parable?  The admonition is this:  As Bridegroom in the parable excluded the five foolish virgins from his marriage ceremony, who did not make ready for his arrival, so also the Son of Man will shut out all non-believers from entering into the inheritance of his kingdom when he returns in all his glory. Also, the Bridegroom in the parable knew who was with him and who was not. Likewise, Jesus knows who belongs to him (Jn 10:3,25-28), and they are recognized by the diligent preparation (spiritual fruit) they make in the daily lives for his eventual return. This parable teaches us about the importance of living a life of active anticipation of his Second Coming of Christ, the Bridegroom (Mt 9:14-15, Jn 3:29, 2 Cor 11:2, Eph 5:25-27, Rev 19:6-10).

NT Bible commentator, Hendriksen, briefly identifies a few instructive points we can glean from this parable that I will expound on in more detail here that we should prayerfully reflect upon:

(1) All who “profess” to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ can look alike (outwardly) in many ways. 

Like the ten wise virgins who all looked alike and professed intentions to be with Bridegroom, so it is today as we have many self-professed Christians who claim to belong to Christ and desire to be with him in eternity. In, “The Parable of the Weeds,” Jesus describes (in an emblematic way) how he will separate the believer from non-believer in the final judgement (Mt 13:24-30). This parable reveals weeds and wheat look very similar, thus making it hard to distinguish between the two in their early stages of growth. It is not until the harvest that their contrasting differences are revealed. The wheat is a life-sustaining grain, and while the weed is a poisonous tare. Jesus states that the wheat is collected into his barn (i.e. His Kingdom), while the tare are bundled up and burned with fire (cf. Mt 3:12, 13:36-43, 25:31-46).

As believers, it can be difficult to discern who belongs to God and who doesn’t. There are many who appear to be saved because they go to church, and offer monetary giving. Some actually labor in preaching and doing things in the name of our Lord. However, Jesus gives a warning to such people who have public profession without genuine lifestyle of regenerate heart. He will tell them,  “I do not know you” (Mt 7:21-23). Why? Because they are like the five foolish virgins who looked the part outwardly, but in their hearts they were unconverted. Remember, Jesus sent out many disciples to labor in the gospel mission (i.e., preach, heal, cast out demons, etc…). Unfortunately, not all them were converted as some abandoned him in his earthy ministry (Jn 6:48-66). A form of godliness does not grant us entrance into the kingdom of God (2 Tim 3:5), but rather denies the power of God to change us from the inside out.

(2) Bridegroom’s delay revealed the genuineness  of their faith.

Two thousand years have passed since Jesus ascended back to Heaven. Like the parable, this delay period allowed for hearts and minds to be exposed. Those who have been truly reborn to faith will bear the fruit of patient preparedness through a lifestyle of repentance, and active commitment to live as Christ did. Those without such faith will make light of the grace of God and life a lifestyle of the unconverted in their ways and thinking.

The abruptness of the Bridegroom’s call at the midnight hour highlights the “suddenness” of Christ Second Coming.

(3) The abruptness of the Bridegrooms call at the midnight hour highlights the “suddenness” of Christ Second Coming.

Jesus taught that for those who are not prepared, his second coming will be like a thief in the night (Mt 24:43-51, 1 Th 5:2)

(4) Salvation (preparedness) is not transferrable from one person to another.

The five wise virgins could not give the five foolish virgins their oil. Likewise, the Bible teaches a person is judged by their own sins and deeds before God. (Rom 2:6-9). To the converted, Christ righteousness is credited to us, but we have no power to pass it to others. There is no salvation found in anything under heaven, but only in Christ who is in and from heaven (Acts 4:12).

(5) There is no second chance to receive salvation for those who are unprepared before they die (or remain in unconverted condition at the appearing of Jesus in his Second Coming). 

Though the five foolish virgins pleaded earnestly to enter the Bridegroom ceremony, they were denied. The door was shut. Further the Bible teaches us we get one life to live, then there is judgement (Heb 9:27).