The Parable of the Ten Virgins

In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), Jesus relates two particularly important things: that He will come again, and the state that will then exist among the Christians and worldly people.

Jesus’ first coming had been predicted by the prophets and by the three times fourteen generations that should first come to pass before He was revealed. Matthew 1:17. The expectation among godfearing Jews was great once the thirteenth generation had passed and the fi­nal, fourteenth generation had begun. Simeon and Anna were watch­ful, and they could step in at the right time.

Jesus’ second coming is clearly described in the parable of the ten virgins. In this parable, Jesus sets the time for His second coming at midnight. It is important for us to understand the times so we can be watchful just like Simeon and Anna, and be ready when the cry is heard.

The parable deals with foolish and wise virgins, lamps, vessels, and oil. All this is meant for our serious consideration, so we do not have to share the fate of the five foolish virgins. All the virgins had lamps which were easily obtained—they were given to them free of charge. “Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Isaiah 55:1. However, the oil has to be bought. Matthew 25:9. Having a lamp that gives off light means that one takes part in meetings, testifies, prays, and has all the external and visible things in order.

The oil is produced by the crushing. In the old covenant, it was olives that were crushed. Exodus 27:20. Now this crushing takes place if we find our own life and destroy it through the death of Christ. Having a high opinion about ourselves, and seeking our own are manifestations of our nature. When all these things are crushed, the oil will flow out as from a spring. We gain oil in our lamps when we are converted in order to serve God; we gain oil in our vessels if we find our life and lose it while serving God.

Having a lamp, but not a vessel containing oil, is the same as having received forgiveness for our sins, having God’s word planted in us, but not having done it. Therefore we need to take this exhorta­tion in James 1:21 seriously to heart: “And receive with meekness the implanted word . . . .” This was the crucial error of the five foolish virgins. They had heard the Word and had it implanted in them, but they had not acted accordingly. They did not have a hidden life with Christ in God. Everything they had was visible. They had been un­willing to bear the yoke of Christ. Matthew 11:29. They did not want to have a cross over their nature, or a burden (Revelation 2:24), which is why they did not attain to a deeper life. They had not received the word of God that pierces and divides. Hebrews 4:12.

When the Bridegroom’s coming became a reality, the wise virgins went out to meet Him with burning lamps, but the foolish had to go and buy oil. When they returned, all they heard was, “. . . I do not know you!” This teaches us that we cannot gather oil in the twinkling of an eye. We need to be diligent in making use of all the time of grace that has been allotted to us. Jeremiah says it with these words, “Moab has been at ease from his youth; he has settled on his dregs . . . therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent has not changed.” Jeremiah 48:11. Even though they are God’s people, Israel has not been spared great trials and upheavals. In the end, a remnant will be cleansed and purified like gold. This is also how the bride will be prepared for her Bridegroom. The notion of taking it easy is unknown to the wise vir­gins. They press in and take the kingdom of God by force.

This parable tells us that at Jesus’ coming the Christians’ state will be terrible. He Himself says, “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” For the nations it will have become midnight, and evil powers will have gained the upper hand.

Therefore let us watch and be aware of the seriousness of having received forgiveness for our sins and gifts of the Spirit, yet not be known by Jesus, because we do not have any oil.

God does not go back on His word: “. . . if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” Romans 8:17. Yet this was precisely what the foolish virgins did not want to do: suffer.