“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 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.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Comment: Today is Wednesday; on Friday we remember the trial and crucifixion of the the Messiah, the God-Man, Jesus. Shortly after this teaching Jesus said “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” After this parable almost immediately Jesus begins to talk about judgement day and His return! What is the parable about? Why are the ten virgins in two equal groups – the prepared and the un-prepared? Is it because only half will get into heaven? Is it because there are only 2 ways to go? Could it mean that if one is not prepared one doesn’t get into heaven? I think so! Midnight almost certainly means when God calls the end for an individual by death or by the return of Jesus! The delayed coming of the Bridegroom (Jesus), was to be almost immediately via the Cross. So the Bridegroom’s delay must mean something else. This is teaching about His Second Coming. When the Messiah comes not to Save, but to take the church to Himself as His Bride and to judge the world! Search the Bible and you will not find that second chances of getting right with God, after death, are offered! Oil is symbolic in the Bible of the Holy Spirit, who calls all but unless we have faith in the Saving Jesus The Spirit doesn’t enter in and abide with us.
Hebrews 9: 27-28 – And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. – waiting with oil in their lamps!
Prayer: Thank You Jesus that you have made a secure Way for us to enter heaven. Thank You for Easter!
As I read it! 