Jesus Christ often spoke in parables. Some people have the misunderstanding that He did so to further clarify the meaning of His teachings, yet scripture reveals that Jesus did just the opposite (Matt. 13:10-17). The Bible reveals that God has hidden the true understanding of Scripture from the world, but He reveals that vital information through His Spirit to those He is calling. During His ministry, Jesus, the Bridegroom related a parable about “10 virgins” (Matt. 25:1-13). He talked about lamps, oil and a wedding? How does this parable relate to us today? Is there any relevance in our lives? What vital lessons can we learn and draw from out of this parable?
He starts off in verse one: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom”. The Kingdom of heaven—Matthew uses this phrase for a reason. Many Jews regarded themselves, since Sinai, as already being part of the Kingdom of God. Notice Matthew. 21:43, “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.” In this context, the nation is a reference to the New Testament Church of God according to Gal. 6:16 and 1 Peter 2:9, which bears the fruits of it. Your fruits are what you produce with the power of God’s Holy Spirit. The literal Kingdom of God, or Kingdom of the Messiah, would be a spiritual kingdom transcending any physical kingdom or nation on this earth. Matthew wanted to be sure his Jewish audience understood the important difference. In his phraseology Matthew certainly did not mean that the Kingdom is in heaven. The English word of denotes ownership—not locality. The Bank of Morgan is not inside of Morgan—it belongs to Morgan. The Kingdom belongs to God, who rules from heaven. Albert Barnes commentary says these virgins, doubtless, represent the church—a name given to it because it is pure and holy. The Expositors Bible Commentary also relates the virgins are the expectant Christian community.
We are told that five virgins were foolish and five were wise (v2). Just what does it mean to be wise, or foolish? Jesus explains that the wise are those who not only listen to His teachings, but follow those teachings. He defines a foolish person as one who hears, but does not heed and follow the Word of God (Matt. 7:24-29). A fool justifies, reasons and makes up excuses why God’s law no longer applies to Him A fool prefers God to stay out of certain corners of his life. A fool does not heed the clear warnings of the Bible! The Bible gives extensive detail between being foolish and wise. A wise person fears to disobey God’s word. Fools despise wisdom (Prov. 1:7). A wise person seeks knowledge, understanding and wisdom. Fools will not put forth the effort (Prov. 4:4-9). A wise person seeks advice and listens to correction. A fool ignores advice and resents correction (Prov. 10:8; 11:14). A wise person is willing to listen. Fools are always right in their own eyes (Prov. 12:15). A wise person exercises self control. A fool reacts, gets angry (Prov. 12:16). Proverbs 13:20 tells us it does matter who we keep company with. A fool will be around someone who limps and eventually will limp also. A wise person looks ahead and anticipates where decisions and actions will lead (Prov. 22:3). A wise person strives to avoid making the same mistakes twice! Fools don’t learn from history—they repeat it and wind up in trouble! Five foolish virgins and five wise—which category do you fall into—in your thoughts and your actions (Isa. 55:7)? Is God’s Spirit leading and guiding us or are we looking for ways to do our own thing? The parable indicates that fully one-half will be fools—this is a warning to us as we approach the end of this age!
We are told of the foolish virgins that the oil for their lamps was going out, but the wise took an extra supply as they waited for the bridegroom to come (25:3-4). What is the oil symbolic of? The word “oil” is from the Greek elaion, (el'-ah-yon): neuter of the same as 1636; olive oil:--oil (Strong’s 1637). This word is used eleven times in the NT—most often in the context of anointing with olive oil. What is the symbolism? The Bible indicates that the oil is symbolic of God’s Spirit (see 1 Sam. 10:1-6, 10; 16:13; 1 John 2:26-27). If we want to be in God’s Family, then we must bear the fruits of His Spirit (Gal. 5:22; 2 Tim. 1:7)! Those who lack these fruits are just the opposite: they are impatient, they focus on themselves, their faith is wavering, and they compromise the truths of God and are undiscerning! The Bible tells us: “by their fruits you shall know them.” Regarding the foolish virgins—their oil—God’s Spirit—is running low! In fact, the phrase, “going out” actually denotes they are quenching the Spirit, as the Apostle Paul warns us about: “Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thess. 5:19). We must “stir up” (2 Tim. 1:6) God’s Spirit through regular prayer, Bible study, meditation, fasting and serving (Matt. 25:31-46)—that’s the formula—that’s what is means to be lead by the Spirit (Rom. 8:14). And God gives His Spirit to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32)!
Both Satan and Jesus knew that if Jesus qualified, He would be given rule over the governments of all nations on earth. Matthew 4 describes one of the most colossal battles of all time. Finally, Jesus decided to put an end to this immense struggle for world power. "Get thee hence, Satan!" Jesus snapped out the command with authority! And Satan, defeated in his bid to retain world sway, slunk away (Matt. 4:10-11). What predicated this tremendous event? Take careful consideration: “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.” (Matt. 4:1-2). When the disciples had difficulty casting out a demon, Jesus also said, “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matt. 17:21). We must grow closer to God—how—through prayer and fasting? Why? Don't think Satan gave up! Not yet! He tried to overthrow God's apostles, and His church. He schemed to manipulate human powers to persecute God's Church, and to suppress Christ's gospel message of hope! He is still warring savagely against God's Church now, especially in this final generation of his evil world! If we let our oil run low, God’s Spirit will not be evident in our lives and we will not be ready for Christ’s return. Let’s not waste our opportunity to be in the first resurrection as firstfruits! Have you checked your oil lately? Are you using the tools made available to you?
The oil relates to the lamp—lamps give off light! Oil in the lamp allows for the light to shine—we are admonished, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). Those who allow their lamps to fade will not attend the wedding banquet (again this will be evident in their lives) and will not fulfill their calling to become firstfruits in the coming Kingdom of God!
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