Matthew 25:1-13

Matthew 25:1-13

Oil In Your Lamp

I. Jesus is certain to return when we least expect it, so we must be prepared at all times (Vv. 1-8, 13)

a. The parable of the ten virgins, or bridesmaids, is picture of the church at the return of Christ. All the bridesmaids appear the same in outward appearance, but it’s reveled that there’s a difference between them in their dedication to be prepared for the wedding feast. The bridegroom was delayed in his coming, and all the bridesmaids fell asleep. When the bridegroom suddenly appeared at midnight, they all awoke and lit their lamps, but there was a problem. Five of them had sufficient oil to keep their lamps burning for the journey to the wedding feast, but five didn’t have any oil and their lamps were going out. Both professed their desire to attend the feast, but only one set proved their desire by their actions. Whatever prevented the foolish bridesmaids from acquiring the oil they knew they needed, was ultimately more desirable than the bridegroom and his feast. The ten virgins are a picture and warning to the professing church, that not all are truly committed Jesus as they say. He’s calling those who truly love His appearing to be alert for His return by taking His imminent and sudden return into account in every area of life at all times. It’s also important to notice that the virgins aren’t rebuked for falling asleep. Jesus’ absence will be long, but we must live the normal cycle of life, daily motivated in our priorities and passions to be prepared for His return. (Vv. 1-8, 13; Jer. 2:32; Matt. 24:36-39; 1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Pet. 3:8-10; Rev. 3:3; 16:15)

b. Ultimately it was the crisis of the sudden arrival of the bridegroom that revealed the true nature of the bridesmaid’s hearts. We can also tell much about the true nature of our hearts if we examine the crisis and trials of our lives closely enough. Although these trials and crises don’t share eternal finality with the return of Christ, they come upon us suddenly and reveal the initial unrehearsed reaction of our hearts. When our worst fears come to reality, and all our earthly hopes and dreams are dashed, how do we react? Did we have enough oil to keep our lamps lit, or did they go out? The oil in the lamps, and the fact the fuel must be renewed, is not indicative of the fact that our salvation must be renewed constantly to keep from losing it, but that our hearts must be renewed and grown daily in Christ. Our lives as followers of Christ begin with repentance and faith in Him, culminating with a passive filling of the Holy Spirit. Then we must daily walk with Christ and seek an active filling which equips us to take advantage of the opportunities in life to glorify Him and edify others. (Eph. 5:15-20; 1 Pet. 4:12-14)

II. Jesus is certain to return when we least expect it, so we must understand that the invitation of the Bridegroom isn’t transferable, only He can admit us to His feast, and the doors will shut (Vv. 9-13)

a. In the panic of the moment, the foolish the bridesmaids ask the prudent bridesmaids to share their oil with them, but they’re flatly denied?! Perhaps under normal life circumstances, these ladies would gladly help, but the scene here pictures a much more dire set of circumstances. The oil that these ladies accumulated represents their salvation and growth in Christ. Salvation is an individual and personal matter and cannot be transferred from one person to the next. Sadly, many who consider themselves part of the church today, stake that claim on the faith of others, tradition, and works. But none of those things will save us any more than the oil in the jars of prudent bridesmaids would relight the lamps of the foolish bridesmaids. So these foolish ladies had to scramble to go and find someone to sell them oil, only to find out on their return, that the bridegroom had come, and the wedding feast had already begun. They tried desperately to obtain entrance, but the bridegroom wouldn’t admit them to the feast. Only the Bridegroom can admit us into the wedding feast of the Lamb. There will come a day and hour, already marked out by God, when the opportunity to enter into His Kingdom will cease. God’s grace is infinite, but His offer of it must be limited, because in His holy, righteous, and just nature, He can’t continue to leave sin unpunished forever. We must understand that these ladies, weren’t known by Him and then rejected; they were never known by Him, because their hearts were never truly transformed by Him. These are the most terrifying words ever spoken, but they grieve God’s heart more than anyone’s. They speak to the reality that one day the doors to the banquet will shut, never to be reopened. That’s why Jesus issues urgent warnings and pleads with us to be on alert, be prepared, and turn to Him for life today. (Vv. 9-13; Gen. 7:11-16; Prov. 13:9; Isa. 62:1b; Matt. 7:21-23; 13:20-23; John 1:12-13; Acts 17:30-31; 1 Cor. 8:3; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Tit. 1:15-16)