Then The Bridegroom Cometh

THEN THE BRIDEGROOM COMETH

Matthew 25:1-13

INTRO: We are living in the last days of our earth. Are we to be like these bridesmaids who weren’t ready for the bridegroom to come? Jesus is using this parable to tell us to be ready. Let’s examine it more closely and fit it to us today.

I. THE JEWISH MARRIAGE CUSTOM.

A. The bridegroom would come at night.

1. The maids would light the way.

2. The wedding would take place with much festivities.

3. There were two phases of a Jewish wedding.

a. The groom would come to the brides home to get her and

observe certain religious ceremonies.

b. He then would take her to his home for the resumption of the

ceremonies.

B. These maids were to wait for the groom.

1. They were to wait upon him as well.

2. Their chief concern is to have light for the groom.

II. THE CHARACTER OF THESE BRIDESMAIDS.

A. Five wise and five foolish.

1. The five wise prepared ahead.

2. The five foolish made no preparation.

B. The bridegroom tarried.

1. The bridesmaids slept while they waited.

2. When he came only some were ready, and went in into the feast.

III. THE PARALLEL OF CHRIST’S COMING.

A. Jesus is our bridegroom.

B. The bridesmaids are the professors of religion, members of the

Church.

C. As the bridesmaids wait upon the groom, so we as Christians are to

do the same.

D. The five wise bridesmaids represent sincere Christians.

E. The five foolish bridesmaids represent Hypocrites.

1. They have no principle within.

2. They have no prospect of, or make no provision for, what is to

come.

3. We cannot share salvation with them. They must receive it for

themselves.

F. Jesus is tarrying just as the bridegroom.

1. When he comes he will take his bride (the church) to heaven.

2. This will take place before the tribulation period begins.

3. Then he will return with his bride at his second coming when the

marriage feast begins.

G. When he comes He will find some ready and some asleep.

H. Some will go in for the feast, some will be left outside.