Matthew 25:1–13 contains the well-known parable of the ten virgins.
In the moments before the door shuts, only those who are ready will enter.
Matthew 25:1–13 (NASB 2020)
1 “At that time, the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take extra oil with them; 4 but the prudent ones took oil in flasks with their lamps. 5 Now while the groom was delaying, they all became drowsy and began to sleep. 6 But at midnight there finally was a shout: ‘Behold, the groom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 But the foolish virgins said to the prudent ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ 9 However, the prudent ones answered, ‘No, there most certainly would not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the groom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11 Yet later, the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Be on the alert then, because you do not know the day nor the hour.
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
- His disciples, urging them to stay spiritually alert and prepared
- Israel and the future Church, giving a prophetic warning
- All believers today, teaching us to keep our spiritual lamps full and burning
What Happened?
- Ten virgins prepare to meet the bridegroom—five bring oil, five do not
- The groom delays, and all fall asleep
- A midnight cry signals his arrival
- The prepared enter the wedding; the unprepared are left outside
The Mood: Urgent, Expectant, Alarming
- The parable brings a sobering alertness to readiness
- The door closing emphasizes finality and opportunity lost
- Jesus is lovingly warning and urgently inviting
The Principle: Preparation Cannot Be Borrowed
- Wisdom prepares in advance; foolishness procrastinates
- Spiritual readiness is personal and proactive
- Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, faith, obedience, and intimacy with God
Audience Response (Then)
- The disciples would have been struck by the image of being left out despite being part of the group
- It challenged them to examine their hearts and readiness
- The midnight arrival likely intensified their awareness
What This Means for Us in 2025
- Jesus is the returning Bridegroom
- Many claim to be ready, but few keep oil in their lamps
- There’s no time to borrow righteousness or urgency when the call comes
Live like the midnight cry is moments away.
Action Steps for Today
- Daily fill your lamp with God’s Word and Spirit
- Repent of spiritual laziness or delay
- Spend time in worship and intimacy with Jesus
- Encourage others to prepare now, not later
- Live expectantly, not fearfully
Final Prayer
Jesus, help me to keep my lamp filled and burning. Let me not be found foolish or unaware. Fill me with Your Spirit and wake me from any spiritual slumber. When You come, I want to be ready and welcomed in. In Your holy name, Amen.
The oil of readiness can only be purchased in the secret place. Don’t wait until midnight to get yours.
