Ten Virgins… vs. 1-13

• 1^st – Parables… vs. 1
  • Kingdom of Heaven…
    • Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened!
    • Having warned the DISCIPLES to be READY – they did NOT know when the end will begin…
    • Jesus continues the Olivet Discourse – by giving to them TWO kingdom parables…
    • The phrase the Kingdom of heaven is LIKE [ὁμοιόω] – is used 11x in Matthew…
    • They are simple stories used by Jesus to describe the CHURCH!
  • The Wedding…
    • Ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom!
    • VIRGINS [παρθένος] – young women who were NOT married – Matthew 1:23
    • TEN – was a common number for a BRIDAL party [bridesmaids]
    • Their job was to take their LAMPS and welcome the GROOM when he came…
    • LAMPS – because they did not know if he would come in the day or night!
    • A Jewish wedding has THREE distinct parts to it…
    • FIRST – the engagement – often arranged by the Fathers long before the wedding…
    • SECOND – the betrothal – where the bride and groom are promised to one another…
    • This was a significant step – to break a betrothal took a letter of divorce…
    • THIRD – the wedding – the groom would go home to prepare a place for his bride…
    • Then in a day and hour that was UNANNOUNCED – he would come to get her!
    • II Corinthians 11:2 – “I have betrothed you to one husband – that I may present you as a pure virgin [παρθένος] to Christ.”
    • We are the VIRGINS – we are called to be READY for the wedding – Revelation 19:7
    • We are called to be PURE [ἁγνός] – as we wait for the BRIDEGROOM to return…
    • Jesus – who has gone to the Father in heaven to prepare a place for us!
    • John 14:2-3 – “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to Myself.”
  • 2^nd – Waiting… vs. 2-5
    • The Oil… vs. 2-4
      • Now five of them were wise – and five were foolish.
      • Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them.
      • But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps!
      • Of these TEN virgins – FIVE were [imperfect] WISE [φρόνιμος] – they always thought ahead…
      • While the other FIVE were FOOLISH [μωρός] – they did NOT think…
      • The difference between them – was the OIL for their lamps…
      • The LAMP [λαμπάς] – is a picture of the WORD of God – Psalm 119:105
      • The OIL [ἔλαιον] – is a picture of the HOLY Spirit – I Samuel 16:13
      • This is the FIRST time BOTH words are mentioned in the New Testament!
      • There are churches who make sure to teach the WORD – but forget the power of the SPIRIT…
      • Other churches focus on the SPIRIT – but overlook the importance of the WORD…
      • BOTH are needed – if we want to make sure we are PREPARED!
      • The WORD [lamp] guides our steps – a LIGHT showing us how to walk in a DARK world…
      • While the SPIRIT [oil] gives us the power to live a PURE [ἁγνός] life!
    • Delayed… vs. 5
      • But while the bridegroom was delayed – they all slumbered and slept!
      • BUT – the BRIDEGROOM took a long TIME [χρόνος]
      • As a result – the VIRGINS began to NOD off [νυστάζω]
      • The EXCITEMENT of attending the WEDDING had gone away…
      • And in the end they ALL [πᾶς] ending up falling to SLEEP!
      • When we first hear that Jesus [the rapture] could be at ANY moment – we are EXCITED…
      • But WAITING on the Lord does not mean HOURS – or WEEKS – II Peter 3:8
      • And when too much TIME passes – it is easy for us to get DISTRACTED…
      • We get caught up in our LIVES – and NOD off – fall asleep SPIRITUALLY!
  • 3^rd – Not Ready… vs. 6-9
    • Midnight… vs. 6
      • At midnight a cry was heard: Behold the bridegroom is coming. Go out to meet him!
      • In the MIDDLE [μέσος] of the night [νύξ] – an exact time is NOT given…
      • The CRY came – the BRIDEGROOM is coming [present] – GO [imperative] and meet Him…
      • Do NOT miss – He was NOT there yet – this was the final WARNING He was close…
      • One last chance to be prepared for His ARRIVAL!
      • We know the TIME we are living in – Israel is REBORN – we are the LAST generation…
      • We have heard the CRY – we know Jesus is COMING…
      • The question the PARABLE is posing to us – are we READY!
      • Romans 13:11 – “Knowing the time – that now it is high time to awake out of sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”
    • Not enough oil… vs. 7-9
      • Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.
      • And the foolish said to the wise: Give us some of your oil for our lamps are going out.
      • But the wise answered saying: No – lest there should not be enough for us and you.
      • But go rather to those who sell and buy for yourselves!
      • ALL [πᾶς] of the VIRGINS woke up to prepare their LAMPS [Word]
      • But the FOOLISH [μωρός] ones did NOT have enough OIL [Spirit] 
      • They DEMANDED [imperative] the WISE give them oil – their LAMPS were dying [passive]
      • But the WISE refused – there would NOT be enough for them both…
      • Instead the FOOLISH needed [imperative] to go and BUY more OIL!
      • On the day of Pentecost – the DISCIPLES were filled [aorist] with the SPIRIT – Acts 2:4
      • When Peter stood before the SANHEDRIN – he was filled [aorist] – with the SPIRIT – Acts 4:8
      • Being FILLED with the Spirit is something that happens more than once!
        
      • We do NOT put gas in our car and EXPECT it to last for years…
      • We know we need to REFILL – because we use up what is in the TANK…
      • In the same was we tend to LOSE the Sprit because we get filled with other things [world]
      • Therefore we need to make sure we are continually going back to get a REFILL…
      • We need to be DAILY filling up on the Holy Spirit to stay on FIRE for Jesus!
      • Matthew 7:7 – “Ask [present] – and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find…”
      • Luke 11:13 -“Your heavenly Father [will] give the Holy Spirit to those who ask…”
  • 4^th – Closed door… vs. 10-13
    • The bridegroom… vs. 10
      • While they went to buy the bridegroom came.
      • And those who were ready went in with him to the wedding – and the door was shut!
      • While the FOOLISH virgins were going [present] to get more OIL – the BRIDEGROOM came…
      • Those who were READY – went in – and the DOOR was shut [passive]!
      • When NOAH went into the ARK – the LORD closed the door – Genesis 7:16
      • Once the door was CLOSED – there was NO way to avoid the JUDGEMENT!
      • When the TRUMPET sounds – and Jesus calls the Church home – I Thessalonians 4:17
      • The HOLY Spirit cannot be borrowed – from those who are READY…
      • Either we are FULL of the SPIRIT – and prepared for Lord…
      • Or when the call comes – we will find we are LEFT behind!
    • Lord – Lord… vs. 11-12
      • Afterward the other virgins came also saying: Lord – Lord – open to us!
      • But he answered and said: Assuredly I say to you – I do not know you!
      • The FOOLISH virgins came later – and DEMANDED [imperative] the Lord open the door…
      • But He answered – AMEN [ἀμήν] – I NEVER [perfect] knew you!
      • There are going to be a LOT of people who attend church [asleep]
      • Who sadly find they are LEFT behind when the RAPTURE occurs…
      • And when they CRY out for the Lord [κύριος] to take them as well – it will be TOO late!
      • Matthew 7:23 – “I never knew you. Depart from Me you who practice lawlessness!”
    • Watch… vs. 13
      • Watch therefore – for you know neither the day nor the hour.
      • In which the Son of Man is coming!
      • Therefore – we must [imperative] continually [present] WATCH…
      • Because we do NOT [perfect] know [εἴδω] the DAY or HOUR when Jesus is coming!
      • It is a POWERFUL statement that being ready – does not mean YESTERDAY…
      • We need to be DAILY prepared for the COMING of the Lord…
      • Not just playing CHRISTIAN on Sunday morning – but living for Jesus…
      • Because we do NOT know when – only that we must be ready TODAY!

• 2^nd – The Talents… vs. 14-30
  • 1^st – Receiving gifts… vs. 14-15
    • The Master… vs. 14
      • For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country.
      • Who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them!
      • The word Kingdom of heaven is in italics [not in the Greek]
      • But it is connected to the previous statement with AS [ὥσπερ] – Matthew 25:1
      • A man went into a FAR country [ἀποδημέω] – far away people – Matthew 21:33
      • But before He left – He gave what He had [Holy Spirit] to his SERVANTS [δοῦλος]
        
    • Abilities… vs. 15
      • To one he gave five talents – to another two – and to another one.
      • To each according to his own ability – and immediately he went on a journey!
      • He gave to them different TALENTS [τάλαντον] – measure of weight [45kg]
      • To everyone according to [κατά] their ABILITIES [δύναμις]
      • Every one of us has been given a GIFT [χάρισμα] – by the Holy Spirit – I Peter 4:10
      • We do NOT chose our GIFT – the Spirit gives them to us!
      • I Corinthians 12:11 – “The same Spirit works all these things – distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
      • Not sure what our GIFT is – there is only one way to find out – step out and try…
      • If God has given us a desire to WORSHIP – then step out and SING…
      • If God has given us a desire to TEACH – then step out and SHARE…
      • We will never be sure of what our purpose is – until we step out to find out!
  • 2^nd – Using gifts… vs. 16-18
    • Gaining more… vs. 16-17
      • Then he who had received the five talents went and traded – and made another five talents.
      • And likewise he who had received two gained two more also!
      • The ones who had FIVE and TWO talents – put them to WORK [ἔργον]
      • As a results they got more [ἄλλος] TALENTS!
      • Just because someone is called to lead WORSHIP – does not mean they can play guitar…
      • Just because someone is called to TEACH – does not mean they are a good speaker…
      • They also need to PRACTICE – so they can GROW in their GIFT!
      • The only way to be EFFECTIVE in the role God has given to us – it is use our GIFT…
      • The more we step out – the more effective we will become!
    • Hiding… vs. 18
      • But he who had received one went and dug in the ground – and hid his lords money!
      • The one who had ONE talent – when and HID [ἀποκρύπτω] it in the earth [γῆ]
      • Do not miss – what belonged to the Lord [κύριος] – he put in the EARTH!
      • Too often people take the TALENT that God has given to them…
      • And rather than use it for the Lord – they use it in the WORLD [γῆ]
      • But it is NOT theirs to do with as they please – it belongs to God!
      • I Corinthians 4:7 – “What do you have that you did not receive?”
  • 3^rd – Faithful servants… vs. 19-23
    • Settling accounts… vs. 19
      • After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them!
      • After a long TIME [χρόνος] – at this point almost TWO thousand years…
      • The Lord [κύριος] came to take an ACCOUNT of what He had SAID [λόγος] to them!
      • As believers – we will NOT be JUDGED at the WHITE throne – Revelation 20:12
      • But we will have to ANSWER for what we did with the TALENTS God gave to us…
      • We will stand before the BEMA [βῆμα] seat – and give an ACCOUNT how we used our GIFTS!
      • II Corinthians 5:10 – “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ – that each one may receive… according to what he has done.”
    • Well done… vs. 20-21
      • So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents saying:
      • Lord you delivered to me five talents. Look – I have gained five more talents besides them.
      • His lord said to him: Well done good and faithful servant. You were faithful over a few things.
      • I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord!
      • The one with FIVE talents – told the Lord [κύριος] to look at his other [ἄλλος] FIVE talents…
      • The Lord said [imperfect] to him – he had DONE well [εὖ] – for TWO reasons…
      • The Lord called him a GOOD [ἀγαθός] – because he had a GOOD heart [internal]
      • And he called him FAITHFUL [πιστός] – because he believed the Lord would come back…
      • He had DONE well – because of a GOOD heart – and his FAITH in the Lord…
      • Therefore – he MUST [imperfect] enter into the JOY [χαρά] of his Lord!
      • If there is one thing I am MOST excited for – it is to hear these words…
      • I long for the day when I will see Jesus – and hear WELL done…
      • Not because of anything we have done for the Lord…
      • But because of what He did for us – He gave us a GOOD heart [ἀγαθός] – I Corinthians 5:17
      • And by FAITH we believe one day He will accept us into GLORY!
    • Faithful with little… vs. 22-23
      • He also who had received two talents came and said:
      • Lord you delivered to me two talents. Look – I have gained two more talents besides them.
      • His lord said: Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things.
      • I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord!
      • The one with TWO talents – told the Lord [κύριος] to look at his other [ἄλλος] TWO talents…
      • The Lord said [imperfect] to him – he had been FAITHFUL [πιστός] over a few things…
      • Therefore – the Lord would [future] set him over [καθίστημι] MANY things!
      • This life is a TEST – what do we do with the GIFTS we have been given…
      • If we are FAITHFUL with the LITTLE things – then we will be given MUCH more…
      • We will RULE alongside Jesus when He REIGNS upon the earth!
      • Revelation 2:26 – “To all who are victorious… I will give authority over all the nations.”
  • 4^th – Wicked servant… vs. 24-37
    • Excuses… vs. 24
      • Then he who had received the one talent came and said: Lord – I knew you to be a hard man.
      • Reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed!
      • The FINAL servant came and stood before his Lord [no doubt very worried]
      • He immediately tried to make EXCUSES – and blame God for his FAILURE…
      • Telling the Lord he KNEW [γινώσκω] he was a HARD [σκληρός] man!
      • When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden – God asked them what they had done…
      • Adam was quick to blame God – it was the women YOU gave me – Genesis 3:12
      • So many times – when we fail – we want to blame anyone but us – even God…
      • Because if we take the blame – then it means that we have to change…
      • It is far easier to just pass the blame onto someone else – ANYONE else…
      • But until we accept responsibility – there is nothing God can do to help us!
    • In the world… vs. 25
      • I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look – there you have what is yours!
      • The SERVANT told the Lord – I HID [κρύπτω] my talent in the EARTH [γῆ]
      • And only at the END – did he admit that the TALENT belonged to the Lord [σός]!
      • We do NOT want to stand before the Lord one day and have to make EXCUSES…
      • Because we used our TALENTS in the WORLD – rather than for the Lord!
    • To late… vs. 26-27
      • His lord answered and said to him: You wicked and lazy servant.
      • You knew that I reap where I have not sown – and gather where I have not scattered seed.
      • So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers.
      • And at my coming I would have received back my own with interest!
      • The Lord was quick to REBUKE this servant: for TWO reasons…
      • The Lord called him a WICKED [πονηρός] – because he had a BAD heart [internal]
      • And he called him LAZY [ὀκνηρός] – the word mean to be SLOW [delayed]
      • Because this servant KNEW [γινώσκω] what the Lord expected [reaping and gathering]
      • The LEAST he should have done was put the MONEY in the BANK [τραπεζίτης] – only here NT!
      • Do NOT miss what makes this SERVANT worthy of REBUKE…
      • It was not because of anything he had DONE…
      • It was because of what who he was – he had a BAD heart [ὀκνηρός]
      • And was therefore too SLOW [ὀκνηρός] to realize his GIFT belonged to God!
  • 5^th – Taken away… vs. 28-30
    • Getting everything… vs. 28-29
      • Therefore take the talent from him – and give it to him who has ten talents.
      • For to everyone who has – more will be given – and he will have abundance!
      • The Lord demanded [imperative] his TALENT be taken – given to the one with TEN…
      • Because the one who HAS [present] – will be given [future] EVERYTHING [πᾶς]!
      • If we use our TALENTS for the Lord now – the REWARD is beyond our imagination…
      • God will give us EVERYTHING – He will give us His KINGDOM – Luke 12:32
      • We will be join heirs with Jesus Christ – Romans 8:17
      • We will be permitted to SIT on the THRONE of God – Revelation 3:21
    • Losing everything… vs. 29-30
      • But from him who does not have – even what he has will be taken away.
      • Cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. 
      • There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!
      • But the one who does NOT have [present] – will [future] end up with NOTHING…
      • If we foolishly waste the TALENTS He gave us – on the world…
      • Then we NOT only will lose those TALENTS – we will lose our LIFE…
      • We will be the USELESS [ἀχρεῖος] servant – that must [imperative] be cast out…
      • Outer DARKNESS – 3x in NT – a unique term used by Matthew to describe HELL…
      • Where there is WEEPING – men who MOURN eternal separation…
      • GNASHING [of teeth] – 7x in NT – to snarl or growl in anger!
      • This particularly graphic imagery is only used by Matthew to describe the LAKE of fire…
      • People who thought they were SAVED [servants with talents]
      • Will be cast out into complete DARKNESS [absence of God]
      • There they will vacillate for all ETERNITY between TWO emotions…
      • PITY [weeping] over their miserable state – that they will NEVER be able to escape…
      • And RAGING [gnashing] anger against the one they BLAME for sending them there!
      • Making sure no one ends up there – should be our PRIORITY…
      • We may NOT know when the Lord will come back…
      • But we can be sure to use our TALENTS for Him while we WAIT…
      • So that we can be sure to hear those words – WELL done!