[h=3]Warning: this is lengthy and I won't be offended if you skip this tread.
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins[/h]25 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. [SUP]2 [/SUP]Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [SUP]3 [/SUP]Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, [SUP]4 [/SUP]but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [SUP]5 [/SUP]But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming;[SUP][/SUP] go out to meet him!’ [SUP]7 [/SUP]Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. [SUP]8 [/SUP]And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ [SUP]9 [/SUP]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.’ [SUP]10 [/SUP]And 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.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ [SUP]12 [/SUP]But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
[SUP]13 [/SUP]“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour[SUP][/SUP] in which the Son of Man is coming.
First a look at biblical symbolism.
Now for some context. This parable comes right after the olivet discourse (Matt. 24) in which I believe sets the stage for this parable, it's not a coincidence. Matthew 24:3, [SUP][/SUP]Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” Previously Jesus had been talking about the destruction of the temple, which translates to the disciples as the end of the Jewish system of worship and culture. I don't believe Matthew 24 is a yet future prophecy as some of you well know (however there may a topological, or typological application or significance for current and future events). Therefore right off the bat I know you will disagree with my interpretation of the parable in question, so I might as well say this my opinion from here on out. That's fine, I hope we can disagree on secondary issue but not divide over it.
Back to the parable. The 10 virgins are God's Church divided (Matt. 12:22-30), an apostate one (the foolish virgins, the Jews who rejected Christ, who were biblically guilty of blasphemy of the HS per Jesus ) physical or natural Israel, and a true one (the Jews who accepted Christ and became Christians, who had the HS indwelled in them, specifically those who lived in Jerusalem) true Israel or spiritual Israel. Jesus came to divide the house is national ancient Israel (Matt. 12:46-50
Matt. 10:21-23, Matt. 10:34-39)...Perhaps the application for us today is to get back to God's word and to test all things and hold onto what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
Well, when in a realistic setting did the unbeliving Jews ever ask Christ or the Christians for anything, to buy "oil"? Good question...They did ask Jesus for signs and wonders. Where did Jesus point them too? Jonah and the whale, to old testament scripture that is a type of Himself. Jesus and the disciples did go around performing all sorts of miracles of the HS, which was a testamony of Christ that He was who he claimed to be. But they rejected this work of the HS and were blasphemiers (Matt. 12:31-32). Purhaps the majority of the people during Jesus' ministry generally accepted Jesus, for they did laid down alms and praised Him upon His entery into Jerusalem, "Hosanna, to the son of David, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest" (Matt. 21:1-11). However, at the Cross they ask Jesus for a sign, mocking him, saying "if you the son of God, come down of that cross and save yourself" (Luke 23:26-43). Simon, in Acts 8:18-19 tried to buy the HS with money, in which Peter rebuked him in verse 20, "But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! The Catholic church at one time, solicided salvation for money, purhaps they still do in some Churches. How many false teachers preach the message of 'give your money to me and God will bless you', health, wealth and prosperity?
The five wise virgins could not sell the Oil which represents the HS, because it's not theirs to sell or give, only God can give that...BUT, the wise told them where to get it, which is where oil was likely sold, in the city, specifically Jerusalem. So I think what Jesus meant when he said in the parable regarding "buying the oil", it was to look back at the old types and shadows and see what they represented, which was Christ. However, by the time this parable plays out, it will too late to go buy it, for Jesus had already come or is coming in judgment **But this has huge ramifications for us today... Jesus gave the 5 foolish virgins ample time to repent, 40 years, but they slumbered and slept, they carried on in their Jewish traditions paying no mind to the message of the Christians within their midst, and even persecuted them. (application for today: God also give us ample time to repent in our life time).
Jesus came at a time, a way and purpose in which the foolish virgins didn't expect. This denial for the most part carried on in the life of the Jews then and even for today. The Jews thought God was still with them when the Roman armies besieged them and surround the city. These armies blocked all the gates so no one could get out or go in. So the Jews left in the city cried out to God for ironically 3 1/2 years for deliverance, but I believe the Lords response was "I don't know you", for their time was up. The judgment the Jesus pronounce against them was upon them, (Luke 21:22), "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place (Matt. 24:36). Even the wise virgins didn't know exactly when the Lord was coming to fulfill His promise of vindication for them, But Jesus said, when you see the armies surrounding Jerusalem, you know it's time, desolation has come near (Luke 21:20): the parable of the fig tree was an obvious example of when and how the Christians would know the end of Jerusalem was near, and flee.
Although I believe this parable discribes God's "handing of the baton" of His economy from ancient Israel to a believing Israel, the Church (Matt. 21:43), it has significate applications for us today. 1. Be ready, buy OIL, recieve the HS...Repent and Recieve Jesus as Lord and Savior (this part is Free), and then diligently seek Him and turn from your sins (this is not Free, it takes effort or cooperation, by remaining in His Word, abiding in Him, being unceasing prayful and worshipful, and being part of His body, a Local Church is benificial). 2. Be ready for His final judgment to ALL, don't get caught with your hand in the cookie jar. 3. We are to look back and see how old testament is fulfilled in the New, how ancient Jerusalem and all the types and shadows are the antitype for new Jerusalem and Christ, (buying oil, equiping ourselves), the more you seek Him out in His word and It's understanding there of, the more OIL you will receive; thus the more God can use you. 4. Jesus is delayed in His coming back, for building of His Spiritual Temple, each one of you, if in Christ, is a living stone in this heavenly temple (1 Peter 2:1-10). We eagerly await His 2nd coming, yet with groaning along with creation for His glory to be clearly shown (Romans 8:18-25). 5. Be an overcomer by letting the Light of the Lord shine in your life through trials and difficultlies. You vindication is your reward, the wedding feast.
***If you made it this far, God bless you, I'm not sure I would have read it myself.***
Some of the Scriptures used for support:
Luke 21:22, For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
The Parable of the Fig Tree
[SUP]32 [/SUP]“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. [SUP]33 [/SUP]So you also, when you see all these things, know that it[SUP][/SUP] is near—at the doors! [SUP]34 [/SUP]Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. [SUP]35 [/SUP]Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away (it's a sure thing, when you see spring coming, the warnings, the coming armies, you know that it is near).
The Faithful Servant and the Evil Servant
Matt. 24
[SUP]45 [/SUP]“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household (Israel), to give them food in due season? [SUP]46 [/SUP]Blessed is that servant (the wise) whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing (Spiritual Israel, of the SEED of Abraham). [SUP]47 [/SUP]Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. [SUP]48 [/SUP]But if that evil servant (apostate unbelieving Israel) says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’[SUP][/SUP] (not only did they apostate Israel say this, they missed Him entirely) [SUP]49 [/SUP]and begins to beat his fellow servants (ancient Israel did pursecute their fellow servants, the Christians who were mostly Jews-Acts 6--->), and to eat and drink with the drunkards, [SUP]50 [/SUP]the master (Christ) of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, [SUP]51 [/SUP]and will cut him in two (separte the sheep and the goats; Matt. 25:31-46) and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Then Jesus leads into the parable of the 10 virgins)
Luke 23:21-46
The King on a Cross
[SUP]26 [/SUP]Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.
[SUP]27[/SUP]And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. [SUP]28 [/SUP]But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. [SUP]29 [/SUP]For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!’ [SUP]30 [/SUP]Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’[SUP][/SUP] (Wow, what do you think this was about, hmm, 70AD perhaps) [SUP]31 [/SUP]For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?”
[SUP]32 [/SUP]There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. [SUP]33 [/SUP]And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. [SUP]34 [/SUP]Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
And they divided His garments and cast lots. [SUP]35 [/SUP]And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”
[SUP]36 [/SUP]The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, [SUP]37 [/SUP]and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”
[SUP]38 [/SUP]And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
[SUP]39 [/SUP]Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
[SUP]40 [/SUP]But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? [SUP]41 [/SUP]And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” [SUP]42 [/SUP]Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
[SUP]43 [/SUP]And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Matthew 21:43
[SUP]43 [/SUP]“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins[/h]25 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. [SUP]2 [/SUP]Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [SUP]3 [/SUP]Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, [SUP]4 [/SUP]but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [SUP]5 [/SUP]But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming;[SUP][/SUP] go out to meet him!’ [SUP]7 [/SUP]Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. [SUP]8 [/SUP]And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ [SUP]9 [/SUP]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.’ [SUP]10 [/SUP]And 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.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ [SUP]12 [/SUP]But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
[SUP]13 [/SUP]“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour[SUP][/SUP] in which the Son of Man is coming.
First a look at biblical symbolism.
- Kingdom of heaven=God's sovereign over creation; God's intervention as He wills His purposes on earth with emphasis regarding the incarnation of God and work, suffering, sacrifice, resurrection and ascension of His Son Jesus Christ.
- virgin=God's True Church;the bride of Christ; purity
- Ten= Perfection of Divine Order (ex. Noah was 10th generation, 10 Commandments, 10 plaques of Egypt, 1/10-tithe)
- Two= the Ten is divided by two. division, sons of God vs. sons of Satan, two covenants, two testaments, sheep and goats, two gates one wide and one narrow.
- Lamp = Person;the Heart, soul, or spirit of man (Job 12:5;prov 13:9;Prov 20:20;1 kings 15:4); light of God(1 Samuel 3:3); divine direction (Psa 119:105;Prb 6:23;2 Samuel 22:29); Lampstand=a church (Rev. 1)
- Bridegroom=Christ
- delayed=slow in coming
- midnight cry = Clark's commentary:At midnight there was a cry - The Jewish weddings were generally celebrated in the night; yet they usually began at the rising of the evening star; but in this case there was a more than ordinary delay. Wesley's notes:At midnight - In an hour quite unthought of.
- oil = Holy Spirit
- Trimmed their lamps= to make necessary adjustments for a significant event, sometimes referring to death and making a will, or making provisions for a trip. To make a lamp burn brighter, works of faith are clearly seen.
- Buy oil = Oil is bought in a city, a city with much oil for burning would be, ah Jerusalem...
- Give oil= Give the HS, only God can give that, thus the wise virgins couldn't sell it even if they wanted too [my opinion].
- slumbered and slept = life carried on as usual in normal circumstances, carelessness, a time of waiting.
- wedding= a time of joyful celebration. The joining of two.
- warning to watch = something dreadful is coming, war, calamity.
Now for some context. This parable comes right after the olivet discourse (Matt. 24) in which I believe sets the stage for this parable, it's not a coincidence. Matthew 24:3, [SUP][/SUP]Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” Previously Jesus had been talking about the destruction of the temple, which translates to the disciples as the end of the Jewish system of worship and culture. I don't believe Matthew 24 is a yet future prophecy as some of you well know (however there may a topological, or typological application or significance for current and future events). Therefore right off the bat I know you will disagree with my interpretation of the parable in question, so I might as well say this my opinion from here on out. That's fine, I hope we can disagree on secondary issue but not divide over it.
Back to the parable. The 10 virgins are God's Church divided (Matt. 12:22-30), an apostate one (the foolish virgins, the Jews who rejected Christ, who were biblically guilty of blasphemy of the HS per Jesus ) physical or natural Israel, and a true one (the Jews who accepted Christ and became Christians, who had the HS indwelled in them, specifically those who lived in Jerusalem) true Israel or spiritual Israel. Jesus came to divide the house is national ancient Israel (Matt. 12:46-50
Matt. 10:21-23, Matt. 10:34-39)...Perhaps the application for us today is to get back to God's word and to test all things and hold onto what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
Well, when in a realistic setting did the unbeliving Jews ever ask Christ or the Christians for anything, to buy "oil"? Good question...They did ask Jesus for signs and wonders. Where did Jesus point them too? Jonah and the whale, to old testament scripture that is a type of Himself. Jesus and the disciples did go around performing all sorts of miracles of the HS, which was a testamony of Christ that He was who he claimed to be. But they rejected this work of the HS and were blasphemiers (Matt. 12:31-32). Purhaps the majority of the people during Jesus' ministry generally accepted Jesus, for they did laid down alms and praised Him upon His entery into Jerusalem, "Hosanna, to the son of David, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest" (Matt. 21:1-11). However, at the Cross they ask Jesus for a sign, mocking him, saying "if you the son of God, come down of that cross and save yourself" (Luke 23:26-43). Simon, in Acts 8:18-19 tried to buy the HS with money, in which Peter rebuked him in verse 20, "But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! The Catholic church at one time, solicided salvation for money, purhaps they still do in some Churches. How many false teachers preach the message of 'give your money to me and God will bless you', health, wealth and prosperity?
The five wise virgins could not sell the Oil which represents the HS, because it's not theirs to sell or give, only God can give that...BUT, the wise told them where to get it, which is where oil was likely sold, in the city, specifically Jerusalem. So I think what Jesus meant when he said in the parable regarding "buying the oil", it was to look back at the old types and shadows and see what they represented, which was Christ. However, by the time this parable plays out, it will too late to go buy it, for Jesus had already come or is coming in judgment **But this has huge ramifications for us today... Jesus gave the 5 foolish virgins ample time to repent, 40 years, but they slumbered and slept, they carried on in their Jewish traditions paying no mind to the message of the Christians within their midst, and even persecuted them. (application for today: God also give us ample time to repent in our life time).
Jesus came at a time, a way and purpose in which the foolish virgins didn't expect. This denial for the most part carried on in the life of the Jews then and even for today. The Jews thought God was still with them when the Roman armies besieged them and surround the city. These armies blocked all the gates so no one could get out or go in. So the Jews left in the city cried out to God for ironically 3 1/2 years for deliverance, but I believe the Lords response was "I don't know you", for their time was up. The judgment the Jesus pronounce against them was upon them, (Luke 21:22), "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place (Matt. 24:36). Even the wise virgins didn't know exactly when the Lord was coming to fulfill His promise of vindication for them, But Jesus said, when you see the armies surrounding Jerusalem, you know it's time, desolation has come near (Luke 21:20): the parable of the fig tree was an obvious example of when and how the Christians would know the end of Jerusalem was near, and flee.
Although I believe this parable discribes God's "handing of the baton" of His economy from ancient Israel to a believing Israel, the Church (Matt. 21:43), it has significate applications for us today. 1. Be ready, buy OIL, recieve the HS...Repent and Recieve Jesus as Lord and Savior (this part is Free), and then diligently seek Him and turn from your sins (this is not Free, it takes effort or cooperation, by remaining in His Word, abiding in Him, being unceasing prayful and worshipful, and being part of His body, a Local Church is benificial). 2. Be ready for His final judgment to ALL, don't get caught with your hand in the cookie jar. 3. We are to look back and see how old testament is fulfilled in the New, how ancient Jerusalem and all the types and shadows are the antitype for new Jerusalem and Christ, (buying oil, equiping ourselves), the more you seek Him out in His word and It's understanding there of, the more OIL you will receive; thus the more God can use you. 4. Jesus is delayed in His coming back, for building of His Spiritual Temple, each one of you, if in Christ, is a living stone in this heavenly temple (1 Peter 2:1-10). We eagerly await His 2nd coming, yet with groaning along with creation for His glory to be clearly shown (Romans 8:18-25). 5. Be an overcomer by letting the Light of the Lord shine in your life through trials and difficultlies. You vindication is your reward, the wedding feast.
***If you made it this far, God bless you, I'm not sure I would have read it myself.***
Some of the Scriptures used for support:
Luke 21:22, For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
The Parable of the Fig Tree
[SUP]32 [/SUP]“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. [SUP]33 [/SUP]So you also, when you see all these things, know that it[SUP][/SUP] is near—at the doors! [SUP]34 [/SUP]Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. [SUP]35 [/SUP]Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away (it's a sure thing, when you see spring coming, the warnings, the coming armies, you know that it is near).
The Faithful Servant and the Evil Servant
Matt. 24
[SUP]45 [/SUP]“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household (Israel), to give them food in due season? [SUP]46 [/SUP]Blessed is that servant (the wise) whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing (Spiritual Israel, of the SEED of Abraham). [SUP]47 [/SUP]Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. [SUP]48 [/SUP]But if that evil servant (apostate unbelieving Israel) says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’[SUP][/SUP] (not only did they apostate Israel say this, they missed Him entirely) [SUP]49 [/SUP]and begins to beat his fellow servants (ancient Israel did pursecute their fellow servants, the Christians who were mostly Jews-Acts 6--->), and to eat and drink with the drunkards, [SUP]50 [/SUP]the master (Christ) of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, [SUP]51 [/SUP]and will cut him in two (separte the sheep and the goats; Matt. 25:31-46) and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Then Jesus leads into the parable of the 10 virgins)
Luke 23:21-46
The King on a Cross
[SUP]26 [/SUP]Now as they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, who was coming from the country, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus.
[SUP]27[/SUP]And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. [SUP]28 [/SUP]But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. [SUP]29 [/SUP]For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!’ [SUP]30 [/SUP]Then they will begin ‘to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’[SUP][/SUP] (Wow, what do you think this was about, hmm, 70AD perhaps) [SUP]31 [/SUP]For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?”
[SUP]32 [/SUP]There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. [SUP]33 [/SUP]And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. [SUP]34 [/SUP]Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
And they divided His garments and cast lots. [SUP]35 [/SUP]And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”
[SUP]36 [/SUP]The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, [SUP]37 [/SUP]and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”
[SUP]38 [/SUP]And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
[SUP]39 [/SUP]Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
[SUP]40 [/SUP]But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? [SUP]41 [/SUP]And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” [SUP]42 [/SUP]Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
[SUP]43 [/SUP]And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Matthew 21:43
[SUP]43 [/SUP]“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.