The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Read: Matthew 25: 1-13
The parable of the ten virgins emphasizes Jesus point that it is important to watch and be prepared
for His return. While they are waiting, the wise and foolish virgins seem quite similar yet their end
will be quite different. This parable speaks of the importance of making sure that we are ready for
His return in view of knowing the season. The story essentially is a warning, for those who profess
to be Christians, to be careful in assuming that their eternal destination is secure. All ten virgins
were expecting to enter the wedding feast but only five got in, the other five were told, “I don’t
know you”. We see vividly the division between the ready and the unready. Verse 13 repeats
the warning, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour”. Each virgin’s
preparedness was determined by their own choices; just like each of us must take responsibility for
our own preparedness. Husbands can’t be prepared for their wives and parents can’t be prepared
for their children. Each one is accountable for their own choice to prepare or not to prepare.
Sometimes Christian’s tend to ignore God in the good times and then when the tough times come
they run to God. There is a lot of error in this type of thinking. The best time to prepare for a
disaster is BEFORE the disaster arrives. The police and fire crews practice so that they are ready
for when the real disaster comes. Even schools have fire drills to practice what to do in case of a
real fire. We cannot overemphasize the importance of being prepared. Now is the time to practice
hearing God, now is the time to grow in your relationship with Him, and now is the time to join a cell
group, forgive someone who hurt you, heal a friendship or start serving.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Why is it important to prepare for a crisis before the disaster arrives? How do we do this in
our culture?
2. How is practicing hearing God, growing in your relationship with Him, joining a cell, forgiving,
restoring friendship, serving, etc. all a part of preparing for Christ’s second coming. Which
one of these things does God want you go focus on over the next few days, weeks or
months?
3. Pray that those around you (your family, friends, co-workers, etc.) would see the importance
of being prepared. Pray that you would have the opportunity to speak to them, pray with them
and help them be prepared.
