2025.09.28. Sermon Notes. Be Ready for Christ’s Return - Matthew 25.1-13
William Akehurst, HSWC
Scriptures: Matthew 25:1-13, Matthew 7:21-23, Luke 12:35, Revelation 19:7, John 3:29, Revelation 19:7-9, 2 Peter 3:9-10, Matthew 24:36, Romans 8:9, Ephesians 1:13-14, Zechariah 4:1-6, 2 Peter 3:3-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Romans 14:12, Genesis 7:16, Matthew 24:46, Romans 8:16, Matthew 5:14-16, 2 Corinthians 6:2, 1 Peter 4:7
BIG IDEA: Be ready for CHRIST’s return. Spiritual preparedness is personal, non-transferable, and essential for entering GOD’s kingdom - each one must be ready for the LORD’s return.
Life is filled with moments that require preparation. You prepare for a wedding, for a test, for a trip, or for retirement. Some prepare well, others procrastinate until it is too late. JESUS tells a parable that reminds us that the most important preparation of all is to be ready for HIS coming.
Matthew 25:1-13 is part of the Olivet Discourse, where JESUS speaks of the end of the age. HE uses the image of a wedding feast to illustrate the urgency of readiness for HIS Return.
ILLUSTRATION: I once heard the story of a man who missed his own daughter’s wedding because his alarm didn’t go off. He thought he had more time, but he didn’t. His absence was remembered for years.
Missing one wedding is tragic.
But missing the wedding feast of the Lamb is eternal.
OPENING QUESTION: What’s the most important event you’ve ever had to prepare for?
• Weddings, exams, job interviews, surgery, military deployment.
• POINT: Preparation reveals priorities. Some things you cannot afford to neglect.
JESUS says HIS Return will be like this. Let’s walk through HIS parable together.
TEXT
Matthew 25:1-13 The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins arose 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, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
EXPLANATION
JESUS compares HIS coming to a wedding feast.
Ten virgins went out to meet the Bridegroom.
Five were wise and carried extra oil; five were foolish and unprepared.
At midnight, the cry rang out: “Behold, the Bridegroom is coming!” The wise entered in, the foolish were shut out.
TRUTHS
• The Bridegroom is surely coming, though delayed, He will appear suddenly.
• Readiness cannot be borrowed; it must be personal.
• Once the door is shut, it will not open again.
APPLICATION:
The oil represents the inward reality of the HOLY SPIRIT and a living relationship with CHRIST. You cannot borrow someone else’s salvation, nor rely on church attendance, nor on yesterday’s devotion. You must know Him personally.
QUESTION: Are you ready if the trumpet sounds today? If JESUS called tonight, would you have oil in your lamp?
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES
• Matthew 7:21-23 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
• Luke 12:35 “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning.”
• Revelation 19:7 “The marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.”
LESSON: The call is urgent: “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming” (Matthew 25:13).
DEEP DIVE - MESSAGE
1. THE BRIDEGROOM WILL COME (VV. 1, 6, 10)
In Jewish culture, weddings were the highlight of social life. The bridegroom would come unexpectedly to claim his bride and bring her to the feast. The groom came suddenly, often at night, leading a joyful procession.
SYMBOLS:
• The wedding feast = eternity with CHRIST.
• The groom = JESUS is the Bridegroom. (John 3:29; Revelation 19:7–9).
John 3:29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
Revelation 19:7-9 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
9 Then he said to me, “Write: Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’
• HIS Coming may seem delayed, but the promise is sure (2 Peter 3:9–10).
2 Peter 3:9-10 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
LESSON: JESUS will return; Ready or not!
ILLUSTRATION: Today we send “save the date” cards. Jesus gave us a “save the date” but left the date blank, only the FATHER knows.
Matthew 24:36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
REFLECTION Q: Why do you think JESUS used a wedding feast as the picture of HIS Return?
ANSWER: Weddings are joyful, communal, and centered on the bridegroom; just like CHRIST’s return.
In this parable, the scene is set, now let’s meet the main characters.
2. THE VIRGINS REPRESENT PROFESSING BELIEVERS (VV. 1–5)
• Ten virgins = those outwardly awaiting the Bridegroom. Outwardly the same: all had lamps and were waiting.
The Virgins: Two Groups
• Inwardly different: five had oil, five did not.
• Five wise = true believers, prepared with oil.
• Five foolish = careless, unprepared, lacking oil.
• Oil = the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13–14) (Zechariah 4:1–6; Romans 8:9). Without the SPIRIT, there is no true life in CHRIST.
Romans 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
Ephesians 1:13-14 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Zechariah 4:1-6 1 Now the angel who talked with me came back and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. 2 And he said to me, “What do you see?”
So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. 3 Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?”
5 Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.”
6 So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.
LESSON: Outward appearance is not enough. Church attendance, religion, or morality cannot replace the Spirit-filled life.
ILLUSTRATION: Two flashlights look identical; but only one has batteries. The difference shows when the power goes out.
REFLECTION Q: What might “foolish virgins” look like today?
• ANSWER: People who look religious—church attenders, Bible carriers—but have no true relationship with CHRIST.
But the story shifts - because the bridegroom delays.
3. THE DELAY OF THE BRIDEGROOM - DELAY TESTS READINESS (VV. 5–6)
• “The bridegroom was delayed” (v. 5). Time tested their readiness. Time revealed who was truly prepared.
• All slept, but only the prepared were ready when the call came.
• Many scoff at CHRIST’s “delay” (2 Peter 3:3-4) but the day will come suddenly “like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).
Peter 3:3-4 3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”
1 Thessalonians 5:2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
• But GOD delays out of MERCY (2 Peter 3:9).
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
LESSON: Delay is not denial. Don’t mistake God’s patience for His absence.
ILLUSTRATION: A teacher warns of a pop quiz this week. Some relax - until the quiz comes. Only the prepared succeed.
HISTORICAL STORY: Noah preached for 120 years about the flood. People laughed…until the rain came.
REFLECTION Q: How can we stay faithful during the delay?
• ANSWER: By walking daily in the SPIRIT, staying in the Word, and remembering GOD’s delay means salvation for more people.
Suddenly, at midnight, everything changes.
4. THE MIDNIGHT CRY
• “At midnight a cry was heard: Behold, the bridegroom is coming!” (v. 6).
• Everyone woke, but only the prepared were ready.
Readiness Cannot Be Shared (vv. 7–9)
• The foolish asked for oil, but the wise could not give it.
• Salvation is personal. You cannot borrow someone else’s relationship with CHRIST. Parents, pastors, and friends cannot believe FOR you.
• Romans 14:12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.
LESSON: Spiritual preparedness is non-transferable.
ILLUSTRATION: A fire alarm at midnight. Everyone wakes up, but only those who know the escape plan get out quickly.
Modern Story: On 9/11, thousands started their day as normal. Some survived because they acted immediately. Others delayed and missed their chance.
REFLECTION Q: What feelings does the “midnight cry” stir in you—fear, urgency, or hope?
• ANSWER: For the unprepared, fear. For the faithful, hope and joy.
But the greatest tragedy is what happens next; the door was shut.
5. THE DOOR WILL BE SHUT (VV. 10–12)
• The wise entered. The foolish were left out.
• The door was shut; A terrifying picture of finality. Just as in Noah’s day, when GOD shut the door of the ark (Genesis 7:16).
Genesis 7:16 So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in.
• The foolish cried, “Lord, Lord” (v. 11), but were denied. Echoing Matthew 7:21–23.
• Once the Bridegroom arrived, the wise entered…but the door was shut.
LESSON: There will be no second chances once CHRIST returns.
ILLUSTRATION: An airport gate closes. The plane may still be sitting there, but once the door is shut, it’s too late. Rules are rules, once the door is shut, it cannot be reopened. Don’t miss the flight.
REFLECTION Q: What did JESUS mean by saying, “the door was shut”?
• ANSWER: That when HE comes, there will be no second chances. Eternity will be sealed.
Jesus ends with a command: Watch!
6. THE WARNING TO WATCH (V. 13)
• JESUS ends with the command: “Watch!”
“Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (v. 13).
• Watching = living alert, living prepared, SPIRIT-filled, ready, faithful, and obedient.
• Matthew 24:46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.
LESSON: The wise live daily as if Jesus may come today.
ILLUSTRATION: A soldier on guard duty. If he falls asleep on his watch, the whole camp is at risk. Alertness is life or death.
REFLECTION Q: What does watching look like in daily life?
• ANSWER: Staying in the Word, keeping prayerful, walking in holiness, and shining CHRIST’s light daily.
Now the parable comes home - what does it mean for us personally?
SELF REFLECTION & APPLICATION:
1. Am I truly prepared with oil in my lamp?
Only by knowing CHRIST and having HIS SPIRIT can I be ready.
Check Your Oil – Do you have the HOLY SPIRIT within? Have you truly trusted CHRIST as Savior?
Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
2. Do I live with daily expectancy of CHRIST’s return?
Readiness means living every day as if HE may return today.
Live Prepared – Not in fear, but in faithfulness. Every day is an opportunity to shine your light.
Matthew 5:14-16 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
3. Don’t Delay – Waiting to repent or surrender may leave you outside when the door closes.
2 Corinthians 6:2 For HE says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
4. Who around me is unprepared?
We must witness, pray, and lovingly warn.
5. Stay Watchful – Be diligent in prayer, the Word, and holy living.
1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
ILLUSTRATION: Dwight L. Moody once preached in Chicago and told people, “Go home and think about Christ.” That night, the Great Chicago Fire swept through, killing hundreds. Many never had another chance. From then on, Moody always pressed for immediate decision.
QUOTE: Billy Graham said, “When Christ returns, it will be too late to prepare. You must be ready now.”
GOD’S PROMISES
JESUS PROMISES TO COME AGAIN.
John 14:1-3 1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB.
Revelation 19:7-9 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
9 Then he said to me, “Write: Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’
OUR BLESSED HOPE, THE GLORIOUS APPEARING OF CHRIST.
Titus 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
BE WATCHFUL, READY
1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
CONCLUSION
JESUS CHRIST is coming again. The question is not IF but WHEN - and no one knows the day or the hour. The only safe response is to live ready. Don’t be like the foolish virgins, unprepared and shut out. Be among the wise, filled with the SPIRIT, watching, waiting, and living faithfully for the Bridegroom.
LET’S PRAY
FATHER, we are standing firm on the Promises of YOUR WORD.
LORD JESUS, YOU are the Bridegroom WHO is surely coming. Forgive us for spiritual drowsiness. Fill us with YOUR HOLY SPIRIT, keep our lamps burning bright, and help us live faithfully while we wait. May we be ready at the midnight cry, and may none of us be found outside when the door is shut. Help us to not only be the watchmen, but also to sound the alarm to our family, friends and neighbors to come to YOU. Move of the hearts of our loved ones to come after YOU. In JESUS Name, Amen.
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Bill
Hymns
482 When the Roll is Called Up Yonder
335 Take My Life and Let It Be
600 How Great Thou Art
