Parable of the 10 Virgins

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Parable of the 10 Virgins Intro: Continue in series on parables with a look at one of three stories Jesus told about God's judgment - virgins, talents, and a judgment scene I) Background A) Jesus was asked by His disciples about His coming and the end of the age - probably all of Mt 24 & perhaps all of Mt 25 is in answer to that question B) He spoke of signs of His return and then warned them to be ever watchful and prepared C) This parable is about vigilance II) Parable A) Weddings were followed by a feast at the house of the bride's father (with her friends and family), then the wedding procession would journey to the groom's house for another celebration (with his friends and family)- perhaps to show the progression from one family to another B) Virgins were a part of the household of the bridegroom - apparently wealthy - and were expected to rejoice with him in the wedding feast C) The celebration was expected to occur earlier in the evening, but was delayed for an unknown reason D) Some of the virgins were wise enough to account for variables, while other foolishly expected it to occur as planned E) The foolish tried to get the wise to share their oil, but there was not enough to go around, so they had to go seeking more oil F) While they were gone, the door was shut for the evening and the master refused to acknowledge them when they returned III) Lessons A) All desired to participate in ceremonies - Mt 7:21-23 B) Groom came at his own convenience, not the virgins - reminds me of the complaints when instructors gave "pop" quizzes C) Foolish wanted to share the preparation of the wise, but it cold not be done - good works can not be distributed D) Door was shut - Gen 7:16 - Jesus is our door - Jn 10:7-10 E) Lord refused to acknowledge those who insulted him by being unprepared and rejected them from his household (Israel?) Concl: Even if this applies primarily to Israel, the principle is still true for us - are you ever vigilant and prepared?