Matthew 25:1–13 (ESV)
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
25 “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.
This is a reading that
ties in with the End Times, but it can be easily misinterpreted. When I first read this, I scratch my head and wonder why they don’t want to share their oil. Instead, we need to read this as don’t give up your faith and be found short
at the Second Coming. Many will walk away and then realize their mistake when Jesus returns. The Lutheran Study Bible states: “Jesus warns that many invited to share in the eternal joy of His kingdom will miss out by failing to have a living
faith at the end. Though some will be condemned for heinous crimes and gross sins, many more will fail to enter heaven because they neglected their faith. Even so, no matter how depleted our faith is, Jesus’ grace can fill us to overflowing with a single
word”.
I pray: Keep us ever filled to overflowing, O Lord, that we continually abound in faith, hope, and love for You. Amen.
Edward A. Engelbrecht, The Lutheran Study Bible (St. Louis, MO:
Concordia Publishing House, 2009), 1638.