Ten Virgins - Family Conversation

Jesus was sitting atop the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem as the sun set into the west. The disciples had approached Jesus and commented upon the splendid glory of the Temple, with its white marble walls, gold and brass pilasters. The magnificent structure shown brightly in the setting sun as though the walls were embedded with sparkling diamonds and other radiant and precious jewels.

Jesus’s reply stunned the disciples – when he said that the Temple would be destroyed. ? Now three famous questions were asked by them: “Tell us, when shall these things be? What shall be the sign of thy coming be? And, when is the end of the world?” Matt 24:3.

Jesus answered these questions. The disciples were so stunned that they just quietly sat and watched the sun fade below the horizon.

The evening sacrifices were complete and the sun has settled below the horizon. Little lights throughout the city slowly appear as the people of Jerusalem finish up their meals and prepare for bed. In the southern part of the city, you can see continuous activity. Jesus and his disciple’s gaze was attracted to a bustle of activity It was a pending happy event, preparations were being made for a wedding. Observing the activity you note the bride’s home and excited activity is coming from the family and the bride’s ten best friends. They were anxiously awaiting the groom.

Then you hear your Master’s voice again. He points towards the little party below and begins a story … The story of the ten virgins…

“1 Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’

7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’

9 “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’

10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’

12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’

13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. (Matt. 25:1:13 NLT)

Symbols

Today, I want to have a family conversation with you. Visitors, you are welcome to listen in but I want to talk to the members of this church today.

Before that, let’s go through the meaning of the symbols. Then let us see if we can glean some interesting truths from this story.

Ten:- Does anyone know why Jesus chose 10? Why not Church number. It is the minimum number of men to have a synagogue.

Virgin:- Women represent a church, Rev 12, a pure woman represents a true church. Rev 7, harlots represent the apostatized church.

• I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate [woman]. (Jeremiah 6:2) People in the Church

Bride and Groom:- Jesus and His Church - 31"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."[a] 32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. (Eph 5:31-32 NIV)

Lamp and Light:- Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105 NIV)

1. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life (KJV Proverbs 6:23).

2. Notice Solomon further defines the definition of the lamp and the light. He tells us it is the commandment and the law. Not just the word.

Oil:- The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor… (Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18 NIV)

Oil is used for:

a. Consecration – anointing of the sanctuary, priests and kings;

b. Healing – good Samaritan.

c. Illumination – these people understood and reflected the Word.

Delay:- While these girls were helping the bride prepare, the Bridegroom would meet with the father of the bride to negotiate and settle the dowry. The process of settling the dowry could take some time as the negotiations were often argumentative. Once the dowry was settled, then the Bridegroom could go and get his bride and the wedding party. Our dowry has been settled and the price has been paid...