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    Matthew 25:1-13
    ​Lesson 51

    Read both the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation."

    ​In this lesson: 
     
    A continuation of lesson fifty.
    The Olivet Discourse (part three).
     
    More on the second coming.
    The parable of the ten virgins. 
    Be watchful.

    This entire passage is Jesus speaking to us.
    One of the wise virgins with her lamp.
    By Friedrich Wilhelm Schadow (1789-1862)    .     
    Study Tip:
     
    The best way to begin Bible study is to start with a prayer. ​

    The Gospel According to St. Matthew

    The King James Bible    ​

    Matthew 25:1-13
    Be wise, not foolish

    1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

    2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

    3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

    4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

    5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

    6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

    7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

    8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

    9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

    10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

    11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

    12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

    ​13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.                             ​
    ​Margin notes: 
     
    "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins." (25:1) - Means, "Heaven can be illustrated by ten bridesmaids."  In biblical times any young unmarried woman was called a virgin.
     
    "Took oil in their vessels." (25:4) - "Took oil in their jars."
     
    "The bridegroom tarried." (25:5) - "The bridegroom took his time."
     
    "Go ye rather to them that sell." (25:9) - "You go to the store instead."
     
    "Watch." (25:13) - Jesus is repeating this advice from Matthew 24:42.  He will reinforce it again in Revelation 3:3.  ​
                                                  New Living Translation 
     

    Matthew 25:1-13           
    Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids
     
    1 "Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.

    2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.

    3 The five who were foolish didn't take enough olive oil for their lamps,

    4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.

    5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
     
    6 "At midnight they were roused by the shout, 'Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!'
     
    7 "All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps.

    8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, 'Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.'
     
    9 "But the others replied, 'We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.'
     
    10 "But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.

    ​11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, 'Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!'
     
    12 "But he called back, 'Believe me, I don't know you!'
     
    13 "So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return."

    This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word for word translation of the Bible.  However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
    ​Today's question:
     
    1. What is the meaning of the parable of the ten virgins? (25:1-13)




    As we read along together, let me know your thoughts and opinions.                                                     

    ​Answer: (Do you agree?) ​
    ​
    1. The parable of the Ten Virgins is a clear warning to all of us to be spiritually prepared for the day when Christ returns.  In Jesus' time, weddings began at five P.M. and lasted several days.  The groom and his attendants began the festivities by feasting alone, while the bride and her attendants waited at the bride's house (25:5).  Without warning, the groom would come to claim his bride.   After the marriage ceremony was performed and the feast was over, a parade of celebrants marched to the groom's home to celebrate more. 

    In this parable, Jesus is talking about His Second Coming.  He is comparing the Kingdom of Heaven to the ten virgins (bridesmaids) waiting for the bridegroom (Jesus) to arrive and claim His bride (the church).  Since weddings usually started at five, the bridesmaids weren't expecting the groom at midnight (25:6).  While the five wise bridesmaids were prepared to escort the groom to the bride, the foolish ones were caught unprepared.  

    The lesson of the parable is to keep focused on God, be spiritually ready (    1 Thessalonians 5:6), and don't depend on others for your preparation (25:9; Luke 12:35-38).  It is too late to prepare once Christ returns to take His followers to paradise (25:11-12).





    Application thought for the day:
     
    What else can we learn from the ten bridesmaids?
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    Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress Books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; "The Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies"; "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers published by Barbour publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course the "King James Bible."  All were critical in putting these lessons together.
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