Matthew 25:1-4 New International Version (NIV)
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
25 “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.
Mon. September 28 - Matthew 25:1-4 This parable comes immediately following one that talks about “faithful” and “wise” servants who are given the task of watching over their master’s house (Matt. 24:45-46). I mention this because being “wise” comes up right away again in the parable of the Ten Virgins. 5 are “foolish” and 5 are “wise.” Wisdom is tied to faith and faithfulness and means that 5 of the girls have faith. Foolishness is another way of saying that 5 of the girls lack faith. The critical issue is not planning ahead, as wise as that can be. The critical issue is that the wise girls do not know exactly when the groom will come, but they trust that he will. They might have a short wait or a long one, but they know he is coming. Even if they fall asleep they will be ready for his coming. Planning ahead by taking extra oil is like saying, “Ok, Jesus. I don’t know what is going on right now in the midst of these struggles and tragedy, but I will trust that you really will come and make things right.” The oil of faith clings to the promises that Jesus has made and deems him faithful.
Comments