The parable of the 10 virgins Week 33, 2013

It is important to know why He told the parables, to see what He wishes us to avoid and achieve. This parable starts with “Then” or “At that time”. Which time is being referred to? The time of His appearing: so also will be the coming of the Son of man. Then will two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  Two women will be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord cometh Mat 24:39-42(KJV). These are the statements the Lord made before the parable which is the second of two parables. He told these parables because some people will miss it and not be taken; and that must not include you.

In this parable we meet 2 sets of people. All are virgins, all are clear about their purpose: waiting for the bridegroom. Many issues are raised; all ten are virgins (which implies those expected to accompany the groom i.e. the born-again), half were wise and half foolish (which implies there can only be 2 outcomes, not 1 or 3; and perhaps that any virgin, I mean born again, can either be wise or foolish at the time of the end). All of them also have lamps, and did you notice all the lamps had oil? The difference between them was the extra vessel with oil. Some got oil in their vessels and waited, others waited without taking vessels with oil.

He told it because you do not, and will never, know the hour of His appearing in the sky. Therefore we have but one choice: be ready at all times. So then, you also must always be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him Mat 24:44(GNB). The difference between the wise and foolish would not have been apparent if the groom came immediately or was not delayed. That is how you know those with extra oil in their vessels and those without: what happens when Jesus delays. His delay will reveal those who have the endurance and separate them from those who cannot wait: and because lawlessness will increase, the love of many people will grow cold.  But the person who endures to the end will be saved Mat 24:12-13. The seed on stony ground sprouted but could not endure to the time of maturity. Demas started the race but could not continue because he was in love with this present world. If there was no delay these would not have been separated from those who endure to the end. Child of God circumstances that separate the wise and foolish must come. How do you handle delay on God’s part? Does it make your faith run out? Jesus is saying His coming will apparently delay beyond everyone’s expectation! This is food for thought for those keen on dates. Even the wise virgins slept off while waiting and had to be wakened: As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Mat 25:5-6. But they were prepared beforehand for that eventuality. Be prepared also.  However in interpreting parables there is a main point being emphasized which must not be missed, and by which one gains true insight to the teaching. Let us seek that main point.