Let’s Talk about Jesus

Part Seventy-Six

“Be Prepared”

Text: Matthew 25:1-13

Matthew 23:38, Look, your house is left to you desolate. (NIV)

Matthew 24:2, I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down (NIV)

Matthew 24:3, Tell us, when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? (NIV)

Matthew 24:36, 42, 44, 50 (NIV)

Matthew 25:1-13 (NIV)

John 1:11 says about Jesus, He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. (NIV)

1.The wedding.

First, there was the engagement.

Second, there was the betrothal.

Third, there was the wedding banquet.

2.The wedding party.

Let’s begin with the bridegroom who represents Jesus. Just like the bridegroom in the parable who was going to and get his bride so the wedding feast could begin, one day Jesus will come to get his bride for the beginning of what will ultimately be a new heaven and a new earth.

Then there are the bridesmaids. These are the ten virgins although we shouldn’t “spiritualize” the use of the word “virgins.” This were simply young women – and this description (Parthenos meaning “a marriageable maiden”) perfectly fits the culture of Jesus’ day.

In the original language the word is lampas which means torch. This isn’t a small candle. Back in Matthew 5:14-15 Jesus said, You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. (NIV) Jesus used a completely different word there for “lamp” that describes a small flame (small enough to be put under a bowl).

3.The wedding lessons.

Initially these 10 virgins/bridesmaids were indistinguishable.

Matthew 25:2-4 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. (NIV)

The oil represents the grace of God which is necessary for salvation.

Matthew 22:11-13 (NIV)

Jesus makes it clear there will be a time of waiting for the bridegroom.

Matthew 25:5. The bridegroom was a long time in coming. (NIV)

There will be a time when it’s too late.

Matthew 25:6-13, At midnight the cry rang out: Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him! Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out. No, they replied, there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves. But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. Lord, Lord, they said, open the door for us! But he replied, Truly I tell you, I don’t know you. Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (NIV)

At the end of the day, you are responsible for you.

"Be Prepared" Pastor Chris Philbeck

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