What is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins?

Response

As we carefully examine the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), we must acknowledge from the outset that there has been considerable debate regarding the interpretation of these words of our Savior. One aspect of this parable can be known with certainty: the bridegroom symbolizes Jesus Christ, and this parable illustrates His return. In the Old Testament (Isaiah 54:4-6;62:4-5;Hosea 2:19), God portrays Himself as the “husband” of Israel, while in the New Testament (John 3:27-30;Matthew 9:15;Mark 2:19-20), Christ is depicted as the bridegroom of the Church. The Church is referred to in Scripture as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-32).

The historical context can also be reasonably determined. D.A. Carson, in the Expositor’s Bible Commentary, describes a first-century Jewish wedding as follows: “Typically, the bridegroom, accompanied by some close friends, would leave his home to proceed to the bride’s home, where various ceremonies took place, followed by a nighttime procession through the streets to his home. The ten virgins may have been bridesmaids assisting the bride, anticipating meeting the groom as he departed from the bride’s house…Each person in the procession was expected to carry their own torch. Those without a torch would be assumed to be gatecrashers or even thieves. The celebrations, which could extend for several days, involved much joy and festivity.”

ays, would formally begin at the groom’s house.” The torch was either a lamp with a small oil tank and wick or a stick with a rag soaked in oil on the end of it, which would require occasional re-soaking to maintain the flame.

Of interpretive significance is which return of Christ this is. Is it His return for the rapture of the Church, or is it His return to establish the Millennial Kingdom at the end of the Tribulation? Dispensational scholars differ on this issue, and no attempt will be made to address that question here. Regardless of which return it is, the lessons to be gleaned are pertinent to both.

The overarching and clearly visible message of the parable is that Christ will return at an unknown hour, and His people must be prepared. Being prepared entails getting ready for any eventuality in our lives and keeping our focus on Jesus constantly while we eagerly anticipate His arrival. The fact that all the virgins were asleep when the call came suggests that it does not matter what we are doing when Christ returns. We may be working, eating, sleeping, or engaging in leisure activities. Whatever it is, we must do it in a manner that does not necessitate “setting things right” (getting more oil) when He arrives. This principle applies to both the coming of Christ for His Church and for the Tribulation saints as they await His second coming.

Being prepared for Christ’s return ultimately involves one crucial element that is evident in various aspects of our lives. To be ready for Christ’s return, we must be born again through saving faith in Jesus Christ…His death, burial, and literal resurrection from the dead (John 3:16;John 14:6;Romans 10:9 and 10;1 Corinthians 15:1-4;Ephesians 2:1-10). Saving faith in Jesus Christ will be evident in every area of our lives. The fruit of the Spirit «But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, », (Galatians 5:22) will begin to manifest. A longing for greater holiness and a decrease in sin will be evident. Consistently anticipating His return will characterize our lives. One of the most insightful passages describing the manifestation of saving grace and faith in a believer’s life is Titus 2:11-14, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It instructs us to reject ungodliness and worldly desires and to lead disciplined, righteous, and devout lives in this present age, while awaiting the blessed hope — the glorious return of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself for us to rescue us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people who are His very own, eager to do good.”

The five virgins who are prepared with extra oil symbolize the genuinely reborn individuals eagerly anticipating Christ’s return. They possess genuine faith and have resolved that, regardless of the circumstances or duration, they will eagerly await Jesus’ return. In contrast, the five virgins lacking oil represent insincere believers who benefit from the Christian community without a genuine love for Christ. They prioritize festivities over longing for the bridegroom. They hope that their association with true believers (“give us some of your oil” in verse 8) will secure their entry into the kingdom in the end. However, one person’s faith in Jesus cannot save another. The responses “Lord, lord” and “I do not know you” in verses 11 and 12 align well with Jesus’ denunciation of false believers in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’

From many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’”

May we not be found “going away to make the purchase” (v. 10) when Christ returns. Take the time now to fill your lamp with oil and take extra along. Keep waiting and watching with joy and anticipation.