Sermon on the Ten Virgins | Parable of the Ten Virgins

2005-03-07 09:03:17 Tom Moore

INTRODUCTION:
1. The Background of the Parable
a. This parable finds its setting during the week leading up to
the death of Jesus on the cross.
b. Matthew 23:37-39 Jesus leaves the temple for the last time
c. As Jesus leaves this impressive structure and looks back,
notice what is said Matthew 24:2
d. Jesus and His disciples then go up to the mount of Olives,
which had an impressive view of the temple, and the Lords
disciples ask two questions:
1) When will the temple be destroyed?
2) When will you come to destroy the world?
3) Jesus answers these questions one at a time:
a) The temple destruction (Matthew 24:4-34)
b) The final destruction (Matthew 24:35-51)
4) As a side note, consider this significant point:
Signs would be seen leading up to the destruction
of
Jerusalem, but no signs would be seen leading up to
the end of the world.
5) To develop these points even more, Jesus proclaims three
parables in Matthew 25
a) Parable of the Ten Virgins (vs. 1-13)
b) Parable of the Talents (vs. 14-30)
c) Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (vs. 31-46)
2. Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Bridegroom
a. The weddings in the ancient east were almost always at
night, involving ten maidens
b. The bridegroom would go to the house of the bride to escort
her with pomp and gladness either to his home or another
place for a period of feasting
c. The ten virgins would have their lamps burning awaiting the
wedding party at some point along the way, and they would
then join the procession to the feast.

d. Many times the bridegroom would tarry at the home of the

bride, and it would be late before he went to the place of
celebration.
e. The virgins were to remain alert with their lamps burning,
no matter what time or how late the bridegroom and his
company came by.
f. If the virgins went to sleep, or did not have sufficient oil
in their lamps to keep them burning, or if they were gone
for some reason when the bridegroom came, they would miss
out on the festivities, and would bring embarrassment to
themselves.
DISCUSSION:

A. The Parable of the Ten Virgins Itself

1. Matthew 25:1-13

2. The virgins represent those in the

kingdom, or the church

3. The coming of the bridegroom represents

the Second Coming of Christ

4. The lamps represent the faith

ofChristians

5. The extra oil symbolizes good works

that accompany our faith

6. Jesus proclaims this parable to teach us

the urgent need to always be prepared for
His Second Coming.
B. The Parable of the Ten Virgins shows that We
MUST BE PREPARED because just having our name
on the church role is no guarantee of heaven
1. There are one of two directories that Christian s usually
put their stock in
a. The church directory

b. The Lambs Book of Life

2. Consider some biblical examples of those who were inchurch
directories, but not in the Lambs Book of Life:
a. The Parable of the Sower 2/3 were lost
b. The Parable of the Talents 1/3 were lost
c. The parable of the Ten Virgins 1/2 were lost
3. The five foolish virgins were not lost because they were
evil, mean, or unconcerned but because they were
unprepared and lack foresight
4. It is not just those who are in the church who will be
saved, but those who are prepared and in the church

C. The Parable of the Ten Virgins shows that We

MUST BE PREPARED because no one can do it for
us
1. The five foolish virgins sought the oil (good works) of
the five wise virgins (v. 8)
a. Character and obedience are not transferable
b. The five foolish virgins needed to bring their own oil
c. Romans 14:12
2. Therefore, we must be PREPARED:
a. Outwardly by having our lamps
1) Obedience is an outward form or preparation
2) Romans 6:17-18
3) One example of outward preparation is faithfully attending
worship services
b. Inwardly by having oil in our lamps
1) To have faith without obedience is like having a lamp
without oil
2) 2 Peter 1:5-9
c. It is obvious that many Christians are allowing their lamps
to go out
1) Many do little work for the Lord
2) Many do not faithfully attend worship services
3) Many give so little of their self, their time,
and their money to the Lord

d. In the day of Judgment we will be without excuse

1) The five foolish virgins could blame no one but themselves
2) There will be no passing of the buck in the day of
Judgment.

D. The Parable of the Ten Virgins shows that We

MUST BE PREPARED because of the Second
Coming of Christ
1. The fact of Christs Second Coming
a. Acts 1:9-11
b.2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
2. The Second Coming will reveal our true character
a. In the parable of the Ten Virgins they all appeared to be
alike until the bridegroom came
b. In the church we may all appear to be alike, but when Christ
comes again we will see that there are many hypocrites in
the church
1) Romans 2:16
2) 1 Corinthians 4:5
c. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
3. There will be no second chance
a.They could not buy oil at midnight
b.They were no allowed in CONCLUSION:
Surely, it was a lot of trouble for the virgins to dress for
the wedding feast, have their lamps with them, and keep oil
in their lamps BUT the celebration was worth it all
Likewise, it takes a lot of effort and time to serve the
Lord today, but when He comes again the eternal
celebration of joy in heaven will be well worth it!
Exhortation.