1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.”
2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.
3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them,
4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.
5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.
6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’
7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’
9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’
10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.
11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’
12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.
17 So also he who had received the two talents made two talents more.
18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’
21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
22 And he also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’
26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?
27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.
28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.
29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.
34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.
37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
38 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?
40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.
44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’
45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’
46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
The True Meaning of Matthew 25
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Matthew, a former tax collector, had a unique perspective on the teachings and ministry of Christ. Matthew recounts several parables and teachings that Jesus shared with his followers as he prepared them for his impending death and the establishment of his kingdom in this chapter. We will see Jesus emphasize the importance of being ready and faithful, as well as the stark contrast between those who are welcomed into the kingdom and those who are cast out.
These lessons are crucial for the disciples, as they will soon face great trials and tribulations in the wake of Jesus’ crucifixion. The parable of the ten virgins, for example, reminds them to remain vigilant and prepared for the Lord’s return, echoing Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:42, “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”
Similarly, the parable of the talents underscores the need for faithful stewardship of the gifts and resources entrusted to us by God, just as the apostle Paul would later exhort the Corinthians to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). As we delve into this chapter, we may be challenged and encouraged to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, ever mindful of the Lord’s return and our responsibility to faithfully serve him.
Matthew 25 is a chapter that contains three significant parables and teachings of Jesus. Here is a breakdown of the relevant verses:
Verse 1: “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.”
This verse introduces the first parable in Matthew 25, known as the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Jesus uses the imagery of a wedding feast in this parable to illustrate the importance of being prepared and vigilant for His return. The virgins represent believers awaiting the return of Christ, while the bridegroom symbolizes Jesus himself. The lamps they carry symbolize their faith and readiness. This parable serves as a warning to believers to always be spiritually prepared and watchful for the coming of the Lord.
This parable emphasizes the concept of readiness and highlights the importance of being spiritually prepared at all times. It echoes the sentiment expressed in other verses in the Bible, such as Matthew 24:42, where Jesus instructs his followers to “keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” This theme of preparedness is a recurring message in the teachings of Jesus, underscoring the need for believers to be alert and vigilant in their faith.
Verse 13: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
This verse concludes the Parable of the Ten Virgins and reiterates the importance of being vigilant and prepared for the return of Christ. It serves as a reminder that the exact timing of Jesus’ return is unknown and that believers should always be ready. This verse underscores the unpredictability of the Second Coming and emphasizes the need for continual spiritual readiness. It challenges believers to live in a state of constant preparedness, maintaining a strong faith and living according to the teachings of Christ.
The concept of being watchful and vigilant is a key aspect of Christian faith and is emphasized throughout the New Testament. Jesus instructs his followers to “Be on guard” in Mark 13:37. Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” This theme of watchfulness and readiness is essential for believers to remain faithful and devoted to God amidst the uncertainties of life.
Verse 14: “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.”
This verse introduces the Parable of the Talents, another important teaching of Jesus in Matthew 25. A man entrusts his property to his servants before leaving on a journey in this parable. The servants are each given different amounts of wealth according to their abilities. Two of the servants invest and double the money they were given, while the third servant buries his portion out of fear. When the master returns, he commends the first two servants for their faithfulness and condemns the third servant for his lack of initiative and fearfulness.
The Parable of the Talents emphasizes the importance of using the gifts and resources God has given us wisely and productively. It highlights the concept of stewardship and accountability, teaching believers that they are responsible for using their talents and blessings for the glory of God. This parable challenges followers of Christ to be faithful and diligent in their service, making the most of the opportunities presented to them.
This parable aligns with other teachings of Jesus on stewardship and faithfulness, such as the Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12:16-21, where a man hoards his wealth selfishly and is rebuked by God. The message of responsible stewardship and using resources for God’s purposes is a timeless lesson that encourages believers to be proactive in their faith and diligent in their service to God. These parables in Matthew 25 convey important messages about the responsibilities of believers, the need for spiritual preparedness, and the call to faithful stewardship. The chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living with intentionality and focus on the kingdom of God, always being prepared for the return of Christ and using our talents and resources wisely for His glory. Believers are encouraged to live out their faith with purpose, diligence, and a constant readiness for the coming of the Lord by heeding the teachings in Matthew 25.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. Jesus, referred to as the King, speaks to those on his right in this verse. This imagery reflects the common belief that the right hand is a position of honor and favor. Jesus is addressing those who are blessed by his Father, indicating that their reward is not based on their own merit, but on the grace of God. The phrase “take your inheritance” suggests that the kingdom they are about to receive is something that was planned for them from the beginning of time. This highlights the divine sovereignty and foreknowledge of God, emphasizing that salvation and entrance into the kingdom is a gift from God and not something earned through works.
This verse emphasizes the concept of God’s eternal plan for his people. The kingdom was not an afterthought or a reaction to human behavior, but a predestined inheritance for those who are faithful and obedient. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God’s sovereignty and his purposeful design in all things. “He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight,” is written in Ephesians 1:4-5. He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” This verse in Matthew echoes the sentiment that God’s plan for salvation was established long before the foundation of the world.
The language used by Jesus in this verse also conveys a sense of intimacy and personal relationship with those being addressed. Jesus highlights the familial connection that believers have with God through Christ by calling them “blessed by my Father.” This echoes the teachings of Jesus throughout the gospels, where he emphasizes the importance of relationship and communion with God. The invitation to “take your inheritance” is a warm and welcoming gesture, demonstrating God’s desire for his people to share in his divine kingdom. This verse serves as a reminder of the grace, sovereignty, and loving nature of God. It challenges believers to reflect on the eternal plan that God has for them and to live in a way that aligns with his will. Believers are encouraged to persevere in their faith and to strive for holiness by focusing on the inheritance that awaits them in the kingdom of God, knowing that their ultimate reward is secure in Christ.
Matthew 25:1-13 – The Parable of the Ten Virgins
The parable of the ten virgins is found in Matthew 25:1-13. This parable is about being watchful and prepared for the second coming of Christ. The parable itself is broken down into several key sections that provide powerful lessons for believers.
The parable begins with ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. The bridegroom would arrive at the bride’s home in biblical times to take her to his house for the wedding ceremony. The virgins were waiting with lamps to light the way for the procession. This imagery of the bridegroom and the virgins waiting for him is often used in the Bible to symbolize Christ and His followers. The bridegroom represents Jesus, and the virgins represent believers waiting for His return.
Five of the virgins were wise and took extra oil for their lamps, while the other five were foolish and did not bring extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, all ten virgins fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, “Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” The virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The wise virgins had enough oil to keep their lamps burning, but the foolish virgins’ lamps went out. The wise virgins asked the foolish ones to share their oil, but they refused. So, the foolish virgins went to buy more oil, and while they were away, the bridegroom arrived. The wise virgins went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Many people often interpret the oil in this parable as a symbol of faith and readiness. The wise virgins were prepared for the bridegroom’s arrival because they had enough oil to keep their lamps burning. They were watchful and ready. On the other hand, the foolish virgins were unprepared and missed the opportunity to join the wedding feast. This highlights the importance of being spiritually prepared and living a life of faithfulness and readiness for Christ’s return.
The closing verse in this parable is a powerful reminder to all believers: “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” This emphasizes the need for vigilance and readiness for the second coming of Christ. Just as the virgins needed to be prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom, we as believers need to be prepared for the return of Jesus.
This parable echoes the message in other parts of the Bible, such as in Mark 13:32-37 where Jesus warns his disciples to be watchful and ready for His return, as no one knows the day or the hour. The parable of the ten virgins serves as a timeless lesson for believers to live in a constant state of readiness and faithfulness, always prepared for the coming of the Lord. So let us heed the words of Jesus and keep watch, for we do not know when He will return.
Matthew 25:14-30 – The Parable of the Talents
Jesus tells the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. This story begins with a man who entrusts his property to his servants before going on a journey. To one servant, the man gives five talents, to another two talents, and to the last servant, one talent, each according to their abilities. The first two servants wisely invest and double their talents, but the third servant hides his talent in the ground for fear of losing it.
The talents in this parable are symbolic of the resources and abilities that God has given each of us. The master represents God, who generously bestows gifts upon His people. The varying amounts given to each servant indicate that God gives us unique talents and responsibilities according to our abilities. It’s essential to note that a talent was a significant unit of money in biblical times, further emphasizing the value and importance of what God entrusts to us.
The actions of the first two servants who invest the talents and double them showcase the importance of stewardship and faithfulness. They use what they have been given wisely and productively, resulting in a commendation from their master. This part of the parable stresses the biblical principle of being good stewards of what God has given us. It encourages believers to actively use their talents for the kingdom of God and not to squander or neglect them.
On the other hand, the third servant’s fear and lack of faith result in him burying his talent. His excuse for not investing it – that he was afraid of losing it – angers the master. This servant represents those who fail to use their God-given talents out of fear, laziness, or a lack of faith. The consequence for the unfaithful servant is severe, as the master takes the talent away from him and casts him out into the darkness.
The lesson of this parable is clear: God expects us to use our talents and resources wisely for His glory. We are accountable for how we manage what He has entrusted to us. This aligns with other teachings in the Bible, such as the parable of the faithful servant in Luke 12:48: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. The Parable of the Talents ultimately underscores the importance of faithfulness, diligence, and stewardship in the Christian life. It challenges believers to assess how they are using their talents and resources for the Kingdom of God and to strive to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” from their Lord and Master when He returns.
Matthew 25:31-46 – The Final Judgment
Jesus Christ provides a powerful depiction of the Final Judgment in Matthew 25:31-46. This passage begins with the return of the Son of Man in all His glory, accompanied by angels, to sit on His glorious throne. The image of Jesus as the Son of Man is significant as it connects back to the prophecies in the Book of Daniel about the coming of the Messiah to judge the world. The presence of angels further emphasizes the divine nature of this event.
The passage goes on to describe the gathering of all the nations before Him, and how He will separate people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Here, the sheep represent those who have lived a righteous life, while the goats symbolize those who have rejected God and lived in disobedience. This separation reflects the biblical theme of the final sorting of the righteous and the unrighteous, echoing back to passages in the Old Testament like the prophecies of Joel and Zechariah.
The judgment is based on how individuals have treated others, emphasizing acts of kindness, compassion, and mercy. Jesus identifies Himself with the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned, teaching that when we serve others in need, we are serving Him. This aligns with the broader biblical message that our faith should be evidenced by good deeds and love for our neighbors. Matthew 25 underscores the importance of being prepared for the coming of the Son of Man through acts of service and love.
The passage ends with the eternal destinies of the righteous and the unrighteous being determined. The righteous are invited to inherit the kingdom prepared for them since the creation of the world, emphasizing the concept of God’s sovereignty and His plan for salvation. On the other hand, the unrighteous face eternal punishment, highlighting the reality of Hell as a consequence of rejecting God and His ways. Matthew 25:31-46 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life characterized by love, compassion, and service to others. It teaches us that our faith should be active and transformative, leading us to care for those in need and be prepared for the ultimate judgment by our Lord. This passage challenges us to examine our lives and consider how we are treating others, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. It urges us to go beyond mere words or religious rituals and demonstrate our faith through tangible expressions of love and mercy towards those around us.
The verse in question is Matthew 25:35-36 which states, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
Breaking it down:
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“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink”: This portion of the verse emphasizes the importance of caring for those who are in need, particularly those who lack basic necessities such as food and water. It speaks to the fundamental act of showing compassion and providing for others as if we were doing it for Christ himself. This echoes the teachings of Jesus throughout the gospels, where he frequently emphasized the importance of showing love and compassion to those who are less fortunate. Jesus instructs his followers to give to those who ask in Matthew 5:42, and he teaches about doing acts of kindness in secret, knowing that it is seen by God in Matthew 6:3-4.
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“I was a stranger and you invited me in”: This section underlines the significance of hospitality and welcoming strangers into our midst. Hospitality to strangers in biblical times was a crucial virtue that reflected one’s righteousness and faithfulness. Abraham and Sarah, for example, demonstrated this when they welcomed three strangers who turned out to be angels (Genesis 18). Hebrews 13:2 also reminds believers to show hospitality to strangers, as some have entertained angels without knowing it. This verse speaks to the idea that by welcoming strangers, we are showing kindness to God himself.
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“I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me”: This section emphasizes the call to provide for those who are vulnerable and marginalized in society. It highlights the importance of caring for the sick, visiting those in prison, and clothing the naked. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who cared for the sick, such as the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37 who bandaged the wounds of a beaten man and took care of him. Believers in Hebrews 13:3 are encouraged to remember those in prison as if they were suffering with them. Matthew 25:35-36 is a powerful reminder of the importance of showing compassion, kindness, and generosity towards others, especially those who are in need. It challenges believers to reflect the love of Christ through their actions and interactions with the marginalized and vulnerable in society. We are living out the core principles of Christianity and embodying the teachings of Christ in our lives by caring for others as if we were caring for Jesus himself.
These sections encapsulate the key teachings and parables found in Matthew 25.
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“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Jesus uses a parable of ten virgins awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom in this verse to illustrate a key teaching about being prepared for the Kingdom of Heaven. The lamps represent the light of faith and readiness, symbolizing the importance of being spiritually prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom, who represents Jesus Christ. This parable emphasizes the need for believers to stay vigilant, to remain steadfast in their faith, and to be ready for Christ’s return. It warns against complacency and stresses the significance of being prepared for the final judgment.
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“Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.”
The division of the virgins into five foolish and five wise individuals highlights the importance of wisdom and preparedness in the Christian life. The wise virgins were ready with enough oil for their lamps, signifying their foresight and readiness for the long wait, while the foolish virgins were ill-prepared, lacking the necessary oil. This serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to be wise and prudent in their spiritual lives. It echoes the broader biblical theme of the reward for wisdom and the consequences of foolishness, as seen throughout the Proverbs and other wisdom literature. -
“For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.”
The contrasting actions of the foolish and wise virgins in regards to the oil represent the difference between those who are spiritually prepared and those who are not. The oil can be seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and faith, which needs to be cultivated and maintained in our lives through prayer, worship, and righteousness. This verse underscores the importance of being equipped with faith and spiritual resources to sustain one’s faith journey. Without these resources, one’s spiritual light can dim, as seen in the fate of the foolish virgins who ran out of oil. -
“And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’”
The interaction between the foolish and wise virgins reveals the consequences of being unprepared and the inability to share one’s spiritual preparedness with others. The wise virgins, despite being encouraged to share their oil, recognized the necessity of individual preparedness and personal responsibility in matters of faith. This emphasizes the personal nature of faith and serves as a reminder that each individual is responsible for their own spiritual readiness. The verse also carries echoes of personal accountability and the inability to coast on the faith of others. -
“And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.”
The abrupt arrival of the bridegroom and the subsequent shutting of the door signify the finality of Christ’s return and the judgment that follows. Those who were prepared and ready were able to enter into the marriage feast, symbolizing the joy and reward of eternal life with Christ. This reflects the overarching biblical theme of the urgency of readiness and the importance of seizing the present moment to prepare for the future. It emphasizes the unpredictability of Christ’s return and the need for believers to always be vigilant and prepared for the day of judgment. Matthew 25:1-13 stresses the importance of spiritual readiness, wisdom, and personal responsibility in the Christian walk. The parable of the ten virgins serves as a powerful reminder for believers to stay prepared, vigilant, and steadfast in their faith, lest they be caught unprepared at the coming of the bridegroom, Jesus Christ. This passage echoes other teachings of Jesus on the importance of readiness, such as the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) and the final judgment scene in Matthew 25:31-46, emphasizing the eternal consequences of our actions and the rewards for those who are faithful and prepared.
After Matthew 25
Jesus teaches his followers about the importance of being prepared for his return in this chapter. He tells the parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing the need to be vigilant and ready for the coming of the Son of Man. Those who are prepared and faithful will be rewarded, while those who are not will be left behind. Let us remember to stay alert and focused on living a life that is pleasing to God as we reflect on this teaching. Be like the wise virgins who were prepared with oil for their lamps, not caught off guard. We will delve deeper into the significance of being ready for the return of Christ and the importance of using our gifts and talents wisely in the next chapter.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.