Scripture:
Matthew 25:1-13 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Parable of the 10 Virgins
Matthew 25
1 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins [a] who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. (A) 2 Five of them were foolish and five were sensible. (B) 3 When the foolish took their lamps, they didn't take oil with them. 4 But the sensible ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5 Since the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 "In the middle of the night there was a shout: 'Here's the groom! Come out to meet him.'
7 "Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 8 But the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, 'Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.'
9 "The sensible ones answered, 'No, there won't be enough for us and for you. Go instead to those who sell, and buy oil for yourselves.'
10 "When they had gone to buy some, the groom arrived. Then those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut. (C)
11 "Later the rest of the virgins also came and said, 'Master, master, open up for us!'
12 "But he replied, ' I assure you: I do not know you!'
13 "Therefore be alert, because you don't know either the day or the hour. [b]
Footnotes:
Matthew 25:1 Or bridesmaids
Matthew 25:13 Other mss add in which the Son of Man is coming.
Cross references:
Matthew 25:1 : Mt 13:24; Ac 20:8; Rv 4:5; 19:7; 21:2;, 9;
Matthew 25:2 : Mt 7:24; 10:16; 24:45;
Matthew 25:10 : Mt 22:2; Lk 13:25;
Reflection:
Are you missing out on what's most important in life? Being unprepared can lead to a lot of unnecessary trouble and even disastrous consequences! What good is a life-jacket left on shore when the boat is sinking? Jesus’ story of ten silly girls seems strange to westerners today. But his audience knew all too well how easily this could happen to them. Wedding customs in ancient Palestine required extra vigilance and preparation for everyone involved. (Some near eastern villages still follow this custom.) The bride and groom did not go away for their honeymoon, but celebrated for a whole week with their family and friends. It was the custom for the groom to come at his discretion and get his bride and bring her to the wedding party. If he came at night lamps were required by necessity. To show up for a night party without a wedding garment and a lamp is like showing up for a play or movie that requires a reservation and a ticket. You just don’t get in without the proper pass. Can you imagine the frustration one experiences in traveling abroad and finding out you can’t get into some country because you don’t have a valid passport or visa.
Jesus warns us that there are consequences for being unprepared. There are certain things you cannot obtain at the last moment. For example, a student cannot prepare for his exam when the day of testing is upon him. A person cannot get the right kind of character or skill required for a task at hand unless he already possesses it. Our eternal welfare depends on our hearing, and many have trained themselves to not hear. We will not be prepared to meet the Lord, face to face, when he calls us on the day of judgment, unless we listen to him today. The Lord invites us to feast at his banquet table. Are you ready?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, make me vigilant and attentive to your voice that I may heed your call at all times. May I find joy in your presence and delight in doing your will.
No comments:
Post a Comment