Matthew
25:1-13
Lesson 51
25:1-13
Lesson 51
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) - Which means "Heaven can be illustrated by ten bridesmaids." In biblical times, young unmarried women were called virgins. See "Today's Question" below. "Took oil in their vessels with their lamps." (25:4) - "Took oil in their jars for their lamps." "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." "The bridegroom came." (25:10) - The bridegroom represents Jesus. "Went in with him to the marriage." (25:10) - "Went inside with him to the wedding feast." Jesus will be united with His church at the Second Coming. "I know you not." (25:12) - Once God closes the door to salvation, you will not be allowed in (Luke 13:25). "Watch." (25:13) - Jesus is repeating His advice to be ready for His return from Matthew 24:42 and Mark 3:35. He will reinforce it again in Revelation 3:3. |