Being Ready
Matthew 25:1-13
Rev. Brian Bill
8/30/09
When I provide premarital counseling for couples I always tell them that it’s much easier to plan a wedding than it is to have a good marriage. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of officiating at many weddings and at most of them something invariably goes wrong. I can think of a wedding here at PBC where I made the mistake of calling the groom by the wrong name.
The biggest wedding blooper that I’ve experienced goes way back to when I was pastoring in Rockford. The couple wanted their wedding outside next to a beautiful lake. As the plans unfolded, they began adding elements that they thought would make for a memorable marriage ceremony. Everything was planned with precision, with one exception. They hadn’t planned on the element of bad weather for their wedding.
This couple really liked boating so they decided they would take a pontoon boat from one side of the lake to the other. It was kind of their version of walking down the aisle. As I waited on the pier with the groomsmen and bridesmaids, the wind started blowing and the temperature dropped. If we squinted we could see the pontoon boat making its way toward us. But because it was so windy, they were late getting to us. When we finally saw them, the bride had a scowl on her face to match the summer squall that was blowing her dress and threatening to whip off her veil.
When they finally docked, the wedding party and guests were snickering but they held it in because the bride didn’t look very happy. Someone tried to help her get out of the boat but just then a big wave hit and she fell into the water! A holy hush came over the crowd and then I started laughing and couldn’t stop. Has that ever happened to you? It’s really hard to stop laughing when you’re at a serious service isn’t it? I’ll never forget the icy stare I got from the bride as she climbed out of the water. I don’t remember much more about the service except that I think I raced through the ceremony and got out of there as soon as I could.
Putting the Text in Context
We’re concluding our summer series called, “Practical Parables” today. Next week we’ll begin a new series entitled, “Living Life on Purpose” from Romans 12. Please turn in your Bibles to Matthew 25 as we ponder a very vivid and powerful parable. We’ll notice right away in verse 1 that this section is linked to what comes before: “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like…” What time is Jesus referring to? Turn back to Matthew 24:3 where see that Jesus is doing some private teaching with his disciples in response to their questions about His second coming: “When will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of this age?” We don’t have time to dive deeply into this chapter but suffice it to say that there are signs that His coming is close but His appearance will also be very sudden.
It seems that people have always been making predictions about the second coming. I came across this statement written by a well-known Christian: “The last days are upon us. Weigh carefully the times. Look for Him who is above all time, eternal and invisible.” This was not written by a modern prophecy expert but by a man named Ignatius in 110 A.D. Here’s another one: “There is no doubt that the Antichrist has already been born…” This was written by a guy named Martin in the year 375. When the year 1000 was approaching some Christians didn’t plant crops for the next year. In the 1500s, Martin Luther wrote: “We have reached the time of the white horse of the Apocalypse. This world will not last any longer…than another hundred years.” (Source: Scott Weber, sermoncentral.com)
And it keeps going. Some thought the end would come in 1994 and then it was Y2K and now some believe it will be 2012 because apparently that’s when the Mayan calendar runs out. Actually, some are setting an exact date – 12/21/12. I did a Google search of “2012 end of world” this week and was surprised that 6.8 million results came back! Did you know that there’s a movie coming out in November called, “2012”? I watched the trailer and was struck by this caption, “How would the governments of our planet prepare six billion people for the end of the world?” A moment later these words appeared on the screen: “They wouldn’t. 2012: The end is just the beginning.”
Some people are really serious about this. ABC News reported on a man named Patrick Geryl, who quit his job because he’d saved up just enough money to last him until December 2012: “After that, he thought, he wouldn’t need it anyway.” When asked what would happen if this date were to come and go without the earthquakes and tsunamis of his predictions, Geryl fell silent and then he said, “I don’t really contemplate that possibility. My predictions are so spectacular, they can’t possibly be wrong.” (abcnews.go.com)
Friends, when you hear people making frantic prophecies about the end, be ready with Matthew 24:36: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” While we don’t know the exact time, we’re to expect Him at any time. Look at verse 42: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” And verse 44: “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
If you’d like to learn more about what the Bible says about end-times, Pastor Dick will be teaching a course on Sunday mornings beginning October 13th. I’m praying that the parable we are studying today will shake us out of our spiritual slumber since the coming of Christ will be sudden and unexpected. If you only remember one thing this morning, remember this: Prepare for a delay, but be ready today.
By the way, I put this phrase on Facebook as my status last week and one of my old high school friends, who now lives in California, made this comment: “I think that’s a direct quote from the last California budget session.” When I told him that this is a reference to the second coming of Christ, he sent a follow-up comment that made me realize that he thinks I’m as wacky as those who are wrapped up in the Mayan calendar: “You’re kidding, right?! He’s coming again?! I’d love to chat, Brian, but I’ve got things to do......talk to ya’ soon!” I sent him a link to one of our sermons and I’ll make sure he gets this one as well. Someone else responded to my status and wondered if she should pack a lunch because she thought I was warning her about the length of the sermon.
Here Comes the Bridegroom
Let’s pick up the parable again in Matthew 25:1: “…the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.” While this wedding didn’t commence with a cruise on a lake, we’re introduced to ten bridesmaids who are waiting for a wedding to begin. Weddings back then were the biggest social event in a village and were quite different from the way we celebrate weddings today.
The father of the bride (no, not Steve Martin) and the father of the groom would get together and draw up an official contract. This was considered the engagement period which was followed by the betrothal that involved vows and binding promises between the couple. And then there was a period of time, often up to a year, in which the bridegroom would prepare a place for them to live. This was likely an addition to his father’s house. When he was finished he would then go to her parent’s house to pick her up and then take her home to his house.
Incidentally, that’s the background to the wonderful words spoken by Jesus in John 14:2-3: “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
That’s what we see here. The bridegroom is coming to get his bride. This would often happen at night and so the bridesmaids would lift up their lamps to provide light for the joyful procession. People got married young back then so the “ten virgins” were young girls who had never been married. Bridesmaids today carry flowers but back then they carried fire, which looked something like a “tiki torch.” In verses 2-4 we see that half of them were ready for the wedding and half were not: “Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.”
The five foolish ones didn’t bring any fuel with them. The word in the Greek is moros, from which we get our word moron, or stupid. The wise women on the other hand, had pouches filled with oil to keep their lamps lit. It was quite common for the bridegroom to be delayed. In our culture people would be worried that he somehow got cold feet but this groom is simply taking his time. In our world, the bride is central and the groom is just the guy sweating as he stands next to the preacher. Look at verse 5: “The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.” Many a preacher understands how someone can start nodding and then nod off in the middle of something very important.
A young man applied for a job as a farm hand. When asked for his qualifications, he said, “I can sleep when the wind blows.” This puzzled the farmer, but he took a liking to the young man and hired him. A few days later, the farmer and his wife were awakened in the night by a violent storm. They quickly began to check things out to see if all was secure. They found that the shutters of the farmhouse had been securely fastened. A good supply of logs had been set next to the fireplace. The farm implements had been placed in the storage shed, safe from the elements. The tractor had been moved into the garage. The barn had been properly locked. All was well. It was then that the farmer grasped the meaning of the young man’s words, “I can sleep when the wind blows.” Because the farm hand had performed his work loyally and faithfully when the skies were clear, he was prepared for the storm when it broke. Consequently, when the wind blew, he had no fear. He was able to sleep in peace (Source: Tim Zingale, SermonCentral.com).
Because the wise bridesmaids were ready, they could sleep peacefully. When you’re ready, you can go through the routines of life. The other five were sluggards and were sleeping the sleep of slothfulness. While the bridesmaids are snoring, suddenly out of the darkness and the quietness we read in verse 6: “At midnight the cry rang out: Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” In Exodus 11:4, we see that midnight is often when both deliverance and judgment comes: “About midnight I will go throughout Egypt.” Maybe that’s why the rabbis used to say that the Messiah would come at midnight.
We know from other passages that Jesus will come like a “thief in the night,” when we least expect Him. According to Matthew 24:31, there will be a loud trumpet call to announce His coming and 1 Thessalonians 4:16 says, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God…” His coming will not be quiet!
According to verse 7, all the bridesmaids wake up and light their lamps. The word “trimmed” means that they removed the burnt parts of the linen or torch so that they would burn clean. But here’s where we see the huge difference between the bridesmaids. Listen to verse 8: “The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.” As the fire goes out they’re filled with fear. The idea is that it’s a gradual process that leads to the flame being extinguished. According to verse 9, the five who have enough oil because they were prepared ahead of time, turn and tell the others, “No, there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.” They knew that if they shared their oil that none of them would have enough and so they tell them to go over to Super Wal-Mart and buy their own.
I heard about what happened when a couple had their first date. The woman was expecting the man at a certain time. She was all dressed up and ready to go. When an hour went by, she thought she had been stood up and so she took off her make-up, put some sweat pants on and sat down to watch TV. Another hour passed and then the man showed up, took a look at her and said, “I’m two hours late, and you’re still not ready?”
Verse 10: “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.” The idea here is that the door was “shut and stayed shut.” Doors back then used a very heavy and cumbersome bolt that would have made a grating noise when secured. Those who were prepared got to go to the party while the unprepared were left out. Incidentally, this celebration often lasted seven days.
On the surface the bridesmaids appear to be very similar. They had all been invited and they all responded positively. They were probably dressed the same and got their nails done at the same place. All ten had gone out to wait for the bridegroom with their lamps. They were in the right place at the right time. They all had some oil in their lamps at the beginning and they all fell asleep while waiting for the bridegroom. They all woke up when they heard the cry and they all scurried to light their lamps. On the outside they all looked the same.
And yet there was one crucial contrast. One group was prepared and one wasn’t. And notice it wasn’t because there was a lack of information. They all knew that there was a possibility the groom would be delayed but five of them procrastinated while five prepared themselves. The message is clear: Prepare for a delay, but be ready today
Later, the five others arrive, presumably now with oil, and they shout out, “Sir! Sir! Open the door for us!” Being a bridesmaid was a great honor and privilege. To be unprepared and shut out of the reception was the stuff of which young women’s nightmares were made. They not only missed the entire procession back to the groom’s house, along with all the festive dancing and singing, they also missed the moment when the bride was brought into the groom’s house under the wedding canopy. This would have greatly insulted the dignity of the host (IVP Bible Background Commentary).
Their pathetic cries were of no avail. Verse 12 is chilling: “But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’” It’s interesting that they are not told, “You’re too late” but are instead dismissed with, “I don’t know you.” I can’t imagine anything more frightening than to hear Jesus say these words. It should send a shiver down our spines. Those who were unprepared were unable to enter. Even some religious people and those who engage in ministry will hear something similar according to Jesus in Matthew 7:23: “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Point of the Parable
The main point of this parable is to be prepared and is found in verse 13: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” Because we don’t know the exact time, we must prepare for a delay, but be ready today. The reality of Jesus’ return should make us watchful, alert, self-controlled and holy as we long for His appearing. Here are some ways that we can become ready today.
1. Reflect and repent. Shortly after I was saved, I carried a sheet of paper in my Bible that had a bunch of probing questions with some corresponding verses. I think my roommate gave it to me. I can’t find it now but I do remember one question in particular: “Do I want to be found doing this (fill in the blank) when the Lord returns?” Underneath this question was 1 John 2:28: “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.” Are you living in such a way that you would shrink away in shame if Jesus were to come back on a Friday night and you’re out doing whatever you’re doing? Would you want Him to appear while you’re in the middle of gossiping about someone? Would you want Him to show up at work and see your attitude? Do you want to be yelling at your kids when Christ comes back?
2. Get ready to grow. Are you spiritually stagnant? Is your fire flickering? Then it’s time to be proactive. Those who believed the bridegroom was coming took some action. Some of you are new believers and you’ve not yet been baptized. Our first baptism service using our brand new baptismal will take place on Sunday, October 25th. Can I urge you to take advantage of our Sunday morning discipleship classes that begin on September 13th – one is designed to help you understand the Bible and the other is to help you grow in your knowledge and love of Jesus. The women’s Bible Study on Tuesday mornings is starting on September 8th. If you’re not in a small group, it’s time to join one. Growth is not automatic and no one can do your growing for you. You will have to work at it. One of the best ways to grow is to serve. Lynette Duncan, our Sunday School superintendent, tells me that we have a number of openings in this ministry.
It’s time to stop being lazy and lukewarm. Ask God to break you out of your spiritual slumber and refuel your lamp so you can burn bright once again. Hebrews 10:36-37 tells us that we will receive what is promised, “For in just a very little while, ‘He who is coming will come and will not delay.’” Let’s go forth to meet our returning bridegroom and let’s be ready when He comes as Revelation 19:7 says: “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.”
3. Watch and pray. This parable pushes us to “keep watch.” Jesus said it like this in Matthew 26:41: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Romans 13:11 challenges us to shake off our spiritual slumber: “The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” I’m thrilled that PBC is becoming more of a praying church. I invite you to come to our monthly prayer time next Sunday morning at 7:30. We’re also encouraging everyone to sign up for a time during the week to pray for the ministries and missionaries of PBC. I’m going to ask Beth Bill to tell us more about that.
4. Tell lost people about the Lord. Don’t get so caught up in the fine points of future events that you forget to point people to Christ. In Acts 1:7, in response to some questions about the timing of His second coming, Jesus said: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” We’re not to be focused on date setting but instead we’re called to be Spirit-empowered witnesses. Look at the very next verse: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Instead of wondering, we should be worshipping and witnessing. I can’t wait for our Go Global Festival that begins on October 18th as we celebrate what God is doing around the world through our missionaries. By the way, our involvement in God’s global plan of evangelism is linked to the timing of Christ’s return. Check out Matthew 24:14: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Speaking of preaching, let’s watch this very brief clip of a preacher preaching: http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=2ad67301d09326177c42.
5. Believe and be born again. Belief cannot be borrowed because salvation is nontransferable. Just because your parents are prepared, it doesn’t mean you are. Or just because your children are, it doesn’t mean you are. God has no grandchildren; only children. Faith must be personal; each bridesmaid had to have her own oil. Don’t delay -- you could die today! Or, Jesus could come back while you’re having lunch this afternoon. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves…” It’s quite possible that some of you think you’re prepared but you’re not. You’re either in or you’re out and if you’re not in, you’re out. John MacArthur says, “The only sure way to be ready on the unexpected day is to be ready every day.” The time to prepare will soon be past, therefore prepare for a delay, but be ready today.
Proverbs 27:1 says, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Let me give it to you straight. If you are not born again, you will die and find out that it’s too late as Hebrews 9:27 says, “…Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…” Or, Jesus will return and you will be left behind because you are not prepared. There will be no second chances at that point. The door will not only be closed, it will be locked.
Do you know why the Day of the Lord has not yet come? It’s because God is giving you time to repent now…before it’s too late. Listen to 2 Peter 3:9-10: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. BUT the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”
Friend, I don’t know how to say this any other way. If you don’t know Jesus, you have an appointment with judgment. Your future home will be in Hell. And there is no escape unless you put your faith in Jesus Christ this very moment. It’s your choice. What will it be? Do you want to face ruin? Or, do you want to be rescued? Flee to Jesus now before it’s too late…before you’re left outside or left behind.
I repeat verse 10: “And the door was shut.” “And the door was shut.” “And the door was shut.” Do you belong to the Lord through the new birth? Are you prepared? 2 Timothy 2:19: “The Lord knows those who are his.” Prepare for a delay, but be ready today.
Are you ready to be ready? If so, receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior right now…before the door is shut. If you’re ready right now, pray this prayer with me.
“Lord Jesus, for too long I’ve kept you out of my life. I admit that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. I repent of my sins by changing my mind about the way I’ve been living. I don’t want to be left out or left behind. By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. Thank you for dying in my place as my sin substitute. I believe your words are true. I receive you into my life. Be my Savior and Lord. I surrender to your leadership in my life. Make me into the person you want me to be so that I can be ready when you return. Amen.”
