Matthew 25-12.21.21

SCRIPTURE:

Matthew 25:1,2

"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish and five were sensible."

OBSERVATION:

In this chapter, there are 3 parables: the parables of the 10 virgins, the parable of the talents, and the parable of the sheep and the goats. In all 3 parables Jesus illustrated the importance of being ready when He returns. The parable of the 10 virgins teaches us to be prepared and alert for Jesus' second coming.

The foolish ones took their lamps, but they didn't take any oil with them, but the sensible ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. The Bridegroom was delayed, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. In the middle of the night there was a shout; 'Here's the groom! Come out to meet Him.' Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. But the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, 'Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.' The sensible ones answered, 'No, there won't be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell, and buy oil for yourselves.' When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived. Those who were ready went in with Him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. Later, the rest of the virgins also came and said, 'Master, master, open up for us.' But He replied, 'I assure you: I do not know you!' "Therefore be alert, because you don't know either the day or the hour."

UNDERSTANDING:

Jesus is so good to give us warning signs about His second coming! And He loves us so much that He gave us special instructions to help us prepare for that Day! He wants us all to be ready, and to spread the good news that God sent His One and Only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life.

LIFE APPLICATION:

I pray, as we wait for Jesus' return, that we will not become lazy or complacent, or be caught unaware, but that we will do our part to be prepared and ready for His second coming. I pray we will serve one another, and demonstrate authentic love for one another. (They will know we are Christians by our love!). The real evidence of our love for Jesus is how freely we are willing to give all that has freely been given to us.

-Robin Orefice