Parable of the ten Bridesmaids Pg.1
Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13
"Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, `Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' 7 Then all those maidens rose 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 replied, `Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.' 12 But he replied, `Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Why study this parable? Jesus is comparing God’s Kingdom to a marriage custom among the Jews. There are opportunities coming for which we should be already prepared. Jesus is stressing the coming of an event, and how each of us should be properly prepared, alert, and ready for it when it comes. Our preparedness is part of our worship and should become a way of life for the Christian. How does a Christian get prepared, and stay that way?
1. Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom
Q 1. Who or what is represented by the ten maidens?
Q 2. What do the lamps represent ?
Q 3. What is represented by the maidens going to meet the bridegroom
Q 4. Who is represented as the bridegroom
Luk 12:35 "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,
Luk 12:36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.
2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them;
Q 1. Foolish and wise, what is conveyed to us here?
Q 2. What does taking no oil with them tell us?
Q 3. What does the word foolish mean? Why did they take no oil?
Q 4. Are there wise and foolish people in the world today?
Judges 1:19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
Pg.2
4 But the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.
Q 1. This verse is a metaphor which depicts one who is prepared?
Q 2. Is being ready, in this case, the same as prepared?
Q 3. In this parable, what does the oil represent ?
Q 4. Compare traits of one who is ready, to the traits of one who is prepared?
Rom 8:9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
Q 1. The Bridegroom was delayed why?
Q 2. If there is going to be a delay, we might just as well do what?
1Pe 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1Pe 5:9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
6 But at midnight there was a cry, `Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'
Q 3. Just when it was not expected, He is announced, Is it an inopportune time ?
Q 4. Who will come out to meet him?
Hab 2:3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
7 Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps.
Q 1. In vs. 7 Every one now perceives that which is coming are they prepared?
2Pe 3:14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
8 And the foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'
Q 2. In vs. 8 Those who are not prepared seek to do what?
Psa 49:7 No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—
9 But the wise replied, `Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.'
Q 3. In vs. 9 What answer do the wise give for not sharing?
Psa 49:8 the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough--
Q 4. Go to the dealers, What dealer is there?
Isa 45:20 "Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut.
Q 1. Are we still searching for our salvation?
Q 2 “The bridegroom came”. Is that something we already understand?
Q 3. When he comes and we are prepared what then?
Q 4. “The door was shut” What does that tell us?
Heb 3:18 And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed?
Heb 3:19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.
Pg.3
11 Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.
Q 1. What does this parable tell us if when he comes we are not prepared?
Q 2. Will there be those who have put off their salvation?
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?'
Mat 7:23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
12 But he replied, `Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.'
Q 3. Do we question God about the lost? Doesn’t everyone get a chance?
Q 4. Is there scripture that completely describes the last phrase,
2Th 1:8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
2Th 1:9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might
13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Q 1. That he will come is certain, but is anyone ever really ready?
Q 2. Our time is fixed, but when it will be is unknown. Is this a true statement?
Q 3. “ Watch therefore” Watch for what? If I am ready, isn’t that enough?
Q 4. It is not enough to be ready, What must we watch against?
Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear; and keep it, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Isaiah 61:10 I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Closing Prayer
Almighty God, we pray that we would watch therefore= being alert, avoiding all opportunity of sin. Please help us in preparedness, not only against those things of this world, but seeking those things which are to be our salvation, seeking after the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Not only that we rest our salvation in Him, but help us we pray in our effort to see to it that we are among those not easily led astray, by having the proper knowledge of Jesus Christ and his charge of our salvation. It is HE, who is the master of his created universe, Jesus Christ, and no other, in whose name we pray AMEN
Meditation: "And five of them were wise, and five were foolish" (Matthew 25:2). One cannot be wise without the salvation offered only through Jesus Christ. The Wise Virgins are the Church, who walk according to the Word. "And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2Timothy 3:15). Foolishness is always the denial of God. "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" (Psalm 14:1). The lost and the backslidden deny God by word or action. The Foolish Virgins are the Backslidden Church. They walk as if there was no God who watched or cared.
"They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no Oil with them. Oil represents the Holy Spirit. "And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, Whom God hath given to them that obey Him" (Acts 5:32). God's grace, not our obedience, merits the Holy Spirit; but our obedience is necessary for the abiding of the Holy Spirit. "Quench not the Spirit" (1Thessalonians 5:19). Make no mistake, foolishness-- as used in this context-- is not accidental, but purposely unconcerned about obedience. Foolishness, so represented, is sin. "The thought of foolishness is sin" (Proverbs 24:9).
"But the wise took Oil in their vessels with their lamps" (Matthew 25:4). The truly wise cannot be impressed by the multiplication of words, thoughts, or actions devoid of the Word of God. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). The Word of Truth is the lamp of the Wise Virgins. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). The Godly understand the treasure that the Word of God is-- complete with Its Indwelling Author and Illuminator. "When He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).
Questions:
1. When he comes for his bride, The Church, what then is the question?
2. There are ten virgins, meaning all the elect at the time. Why are there 10, bridesmaids?
3. This number represents the churches, all of them, and what are they doing?
4. The bridesmaids light the way for the bride and groom, and provide a light for the marriage to take place. This symbolizes the Church being fully prepared. What does fully prepared mean?
5. What significant question arises from this allegory?
6. Some are ready, and being prepared they have enough of everything, including being able to stand in the light of judgment. What does being prepared include?
7. What does not having oil for my lamp make me?
8. I am fully attired and a virgin, in a beautiful and happy state. I have studied and prepared for this day yet I will be locked out in the outer darkness. What have I left undone?
9. Is it possible to avoid the consequences described by Jesus?
10 "Lord, make me vigilant and attentive to your voice that I may heed your call at all times. May I find joy in your presence and delight in doing your will.
Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13
"Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, `Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' 7 Then all those maidens rose 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 replied, `Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.' 12 But he replied, `Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Why study this parable? Jesus is comparing God’s Kingdom to a marriage custom among the Jews. There are opportunities coming for which we should be already prepared. Jesus is stressing the coming of an event, and how each of us should be properly prepared, alert, and ready for it when it comes. Our preparedness is part of our worship and should become a way of life for the Christian. How does a Christian get prepared, and stay that way?
1. Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom
Q 1. Who or what is represented by the ten maidens?
Q 2. What do the lamps represent ?
Q 3. What is represented by the maidens going to meet the bridegroom
Q 4. Who is represented as the bridegroom
Luk 12:35 "Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,
Luk 12:36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.
2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them;
Q 1. Foolish and wise, what is conveyed to us here?
Q 2. What does taking no oil with them tell us?
Q 3. What does the word foolish mean? Why did they take no oil?
Q 4. Are there wise and foolish people in the world today?
Judges 1:19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
Pg.2
4 But the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.
Q 1. This verse is a metaphor which depicts one who is prepared?
Q 2. Is being ready, in this case, the same as prepared?
Q 3. In this parable, what does the oil represent ?
Q 4. Compare traits of one who is ready, to the traits of one who is prepared?
Rom 8:9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
Q 1. The Bridegroom was delayed why?
Q 2. If there is going to be a delay, we might just as well do what?
1Pe 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1Pe 5:9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
6 But at midnight there was a cry, `Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'
Q 3. Just when it was not expected, He is announced, Is it an inopportune time ?
Q 4. Who will come out to meet him?
Hab 2:3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
7 Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps.
Q 1. In vs. 7 Every one now perceives that which is coming are they prepared?
2Pe 3:14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
8 And the foolish said to the wise, `Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'
Q 2. In vs. 8 Those who are not prepared seek to do what?
Psa 49:7 No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—
9 But the wise replied, `Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.'
Q 3. In vs. 9 What answer do the wise give for not sharing?
Psa 49:8 the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough--
Q 4. Go to the dealers, What dealer is there?
Isa 45:20 "Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut.
Q 1. Are we still searching for our salvation?
Q 2 “The bridegroom came”. Is that something we already understand?
Q 3. When he comes and we are prepared what then?
Q 4. “The door was shut” What does that tell us?
Heb 3:18 And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed?
Heb 3:19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.
Pg.3
11 Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us.
Q 1. What does this parable tell us if when he comes we are not prepared?
Q 2. Will there be those who have put off their salvation?
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?'
Mat 7:23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
12 But he replied, `Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.'
Q 3. Do we question God about the lost? Doesn’t everyone get a chance?
Q 4. Is there scripture that completely describes the last phrase,
2Th 1:8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
2Th 1:9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might
13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Q 1. That he will come is certain, but is anyone ever really ready?
Q 2. Our time is fixed, but when it will be is unknown. Is this a true statement?
Q 3. “ Watch therefore” Watch for what? If I am ready, isn’t that enough?
Q 4. It is not enough to be ready, What must we watch against?
Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and didst hear; and keep it, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Isaiah 61:10 I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Closing Prayer
Almighty God, we pray that we would watch therefore= being alert, avoiding all opportunity of sin. Please help us in preparedness, not only against those things of this world, but seeking those things which are to be our salvation, seeking after the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Not only that we rest our salvation in Him, but help us we pray in our effort to see to it that we are among those not easily led astray, by having the proper knowledge of Jesus Christ and his charge of our salvation. It is HE, who is the master of his created universe, Jesus Christ, and no other, in whose name we pray AMEN
Meditation: "And five of them were wise, and five were foolish" (Matthew 25:2). One cannot be wise without the salvation offered only through Jesus Christ. The Wise Virgins are the Church, who walk according to the Word. "And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2Timothy 3:15). Foolishness is always the denial of God. "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" (Psalm 14:1). The lost and the backslidden deny God by word or action. The Foolish Virgins are the Backslidden Church. They walk as if there was no God who watched or cared.
"They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no Oil with them. Oil represents the Holy Spirit. "And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, Whom God hath given to them that obey Him" (Acts 5:32). God's grace, not our obedience, merits the Holy Spirit; but our obedience is necessary for the abiding of the Holy Spirit. "Quench not the Spirit" (1Thessalonians 5:19). Make no mistake, foolishness-- as used in this context-- is not accidental, but purposely unconcerned about obedience. Foolishness, so represented, is sin. "The thought of foolishness is sin" (Proverbs 24:9).
"But the wise took Oil in their vessels with their lamps" (Matthew 25:4). The truly wise cannot be impressed by the multiplication of words, thoughts, or actions devoid of the Word of God. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). The Word of Truth is the lamp of the Wise Virgins. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). The Godly understand the treasure that the Word of God is-- complete with Its Indwelling Author and Illuminator. "When He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth" (John 16:13).
Questions:
1. When he comes for his bride, The Church, what then is the question?
2. There are ten virgins, meaning all the elect at the time. Why are there 10, bridesmaids?
3. This number represents the churches, all of them, and what are they doing?
4. The bridesmaids light the way for the bride and groom, and provide a light for the marriage to take place. This symbolizes the Church being fully prepared. What does fully prepared mean?
5. What significant question arises from this allegory?
6. Some are ready, and being prepared they have enough of everything, including being able to stand in the light of judgment. What does being prepared include?
7. What does not having oil for my lamp make me?
8. I am fully attired and a virgin, in a beautiful and happy state. I have studied and prepared for this day yet I will be locked out in the outer darkness. What have I left undone?
9. Is it possible to avoid the consequences described by Jesus?
10 "Lord, make me vigilant and attentive to your voice that I may heed your call at all times. May I find joy in your presence and delight in doing your will.
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