Mat 25:1-4, “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. (2) NOW FIVE OF THEM WERE WISE, AND FIVE WERE FOOLISH. (3) Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, (4) BUT THE WISE TOOK OIL IN THEIR VESSELS WITH THEIR LAMPS.
The ten virgins know about the Bridegroom (JESUS) they know that HE is about to come, but half of them were wise and took more oil for their lamp just in case HE, the Bridegroom, would be delayed for some reason!
All ten were believers noted by their lamps; Psalm 119:105, YOUR WORD IS A LAMP to my feet And a light to my path. Yet without oil the lamp is dead! Oil is symbolic of a inner spiritual life of faith, where the HOLY SPIRIT dwells; It represents a personal devotion to HIS word that keeps the light shinning on HIS path!
Wise Virgins: Took extra oil, showing foresight, spiritual depth, and readiness. THEY REPRESENT THOSE WHO LIVE IN CONTINUAL PREPARATION FOR CHRIST’S RETURN.
Foolish Virgins: Took no extra oil, symbolizing SUPERFICIAL FAITH OR NEGLECT OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE. THEY WERE UNPREPARED WHEN THE MOMENT CAME.
The Bridegroom represents the coming of the LORD JESUS! Back in Chapter 9 the Pharisees as a question to JESUS!
Mat 9:14-15 Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but YOUR DISCIPLES do not fast?” (15) And Jesus said to them, “CAN THE FRIENDS OF THE BRIDEGROOM MOURN AS LONG AS THE BRIDEGROOM IS WITH THEM? BUT THE DAYS WILL COME WHEN THE BRIDEGROOM WILL BE TAKEN AWAY FROM THEM, AND THEN THEY WILL FAST.
JESUS HIMSELF identifies that HE is the Bridegroom, and we await HIS Second Coming!
Mat 25:5-9, But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. (6) “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘BEHOLD, THE BRIDEGROOM IS COMING; GO OUT TO MEET HIM!’ (7) Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. (8) AND THE FOOLISH SAID TO THE WISE, ‘GIVE US SOME OF YOUR OIL, FOR OUR LAMPS ARE GOING OUT.’ (9) BUT THE WISE ANSWERED, SAYING, ‘NO, LEST THERE SHOULD NOT BE ENOUGH FOR US AND YOU; BUT GO RATHER TO THOSE WHO SELL, AND BUY FOR YOURSELVES.’
They heard the Trumpet and readied themselves, yet the foolish were un-prepared and asked for some oil for their lamps! BUT, YOU CAN’T BORROW SOMEONE ELSE’S FAITH. EVERYONE HAS TO BUILD THEIR OWN RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND BE READY FOR THEMSELVES. The time to prepare is now, not waiting for until you feel ready, WHEN THE CRY COMES, IT WILL BE TOO LATE TO GATHER OIL.
Mat 25:10-13 AND WHILE THEY WENT TO BUY, THE BRIDEGROOM CAME, AND THOSE WHO WERE READY WENT IN WITH HIM TO THE WEDDING; AND THE DOOR WAS SHUT. (11) “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ (12) But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I SAY TO YOU, I DO NOT KNOW YOU.’ (13) “WATCH THEREFORE, FOR YOU KNOW NEITHER THE DAY NOR THE HOUR IN WHICH THE SON OF MAN IS COMING.
BE PREPARED, HE IS COMING! IN A BLINK OF AN EYE HE WILL TAKE THOSE THAT ARE PREPARED FOR HIM! ARE YOU READY?