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Matthew 25:1-13
Introduction:
1. On Sunday evenings we are studying the Lord's teaching in Matthew 24-25. 2. Review: a. (Matthew 24:2) Jesus told His disciples that the temple would be completely destroyed. b. (24:3) The disciples asked Jesus several questions. c. (24:4-28) Jesus gave a number of warnings, signs, and instructions in relation to the destruction of the temple. d. (24:29-35) Jesus showed that the temple would be destroyed, and He will return at a later time. e. (24:36-51) As Jesus talked about His return, He emphasized the importance of watching and being prepared for it. 3. (Matthew 25) Jesus continued talking about His return. a. (25:1-13) He presented the parable of the 10 virgins. b. (25:14-30) He related the parable of the talents. c. (25:31-46) He talked about the judgment that will occur when He returns. Discussion: I. PRELIMINARY INFORMATION A. Jesus often used parables in His teaching (Matthew 13:34-35; Psalm 78:2). 1. Parables are stories or comparisons that illustrate spiritual lessons. 2. Jesus often compared the kingdom to different things that were familiar to the people He taught [fishing, agriculture, herding sheep, etc.]. B. This parable involved a marriage. 1. In our culture we have our own marriage customs. 2. However, marriage customs in Palestine during the first century were different. 3. (25:1) Jesus used a marriage custom of His time to illustrate an important lesson about His kingdom. II. (vs.2-5) THIS PARABLE INVOLVED 10 VIRGINS A. (vs.2) They were divided into 2 groups: 1. 5 were wise [Jesus had already talked about a wise servant in 24:45-47] 2. 5 were foolish [Jesus had also talked about a foolish servant in 24:48-51]. B. (vs.3-4) We learn why they were divided into 2 groups. 1. (vs.3) The foolish virgins took their lamps, but they did not take any extra oil. 2. (vs.4) The wise virgins took extra oil. 3. The actual difference between the 2 groups is that the wise virgins were prepared, and the foolish virgins were not prepared (24:42, 44). C. (vs.5) The 10 virgins had something in common -- they all had to wait for the bridegroom to arrive. III. (vs.6-9) THE ARRIVAL OF THE BRIDEGROOM WAS ANNOUNCED A. (vs.6) A cry was made at midnight that he was coming. 1. The virgins knew that he would be coming. 2. However, they did not know the exact time of his arrival (24:36). B. (vs.7) When the cry was made, all the virgins awoke and trimmed their lamps. C. (vs.8) The foolish virgins wanted the wise virgins to give them some of their oil. D. (vs.9) The wise virgins could not give up their oil because there was not enough for everyone [each was responsible for being prepared]. IV. (vs.10-12) THE BRIDEGROOM ARRIVED A. (vs.10) When he arrived, the virgins that were ready went in to the marriage, and the door was shut. B. (vs.11-12) When the foolish virgins returned and tried to go in, they were not allowed to enter. V. (vs.13) THE LESSON: JESUS WAS EMPHASIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING PREPARED FOR HIS RETURN A. The Lord wants us to be ready for His return (Luke 12:35-40; 2 Peter 3:10-14). B. The Bible strongly warns us against "sleeping" [being unprepared] (Romans 13:11-14; Ephesians 5:14-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10). Conclusion: 1. In this parable Jesus stressed the importance of being ready for His return. 2. As He continued with His parable of the talents (vs.14-30), He showed His followers how to be ready for His return. | ||