Ready for Jesus’ Return: Parables in Matthew 24-25Sample

Jesus begins today’s parable by signaling that this is about what will happen in the future (v. 1). A typical wedding procession would begin around nightfall, where the bride would be escorted to the groom’s home. Lamps were used as torches to guide the way. The groom would come out to meet the bride and her party and bring them into the groom’s home for the celebrations. But when would he come?

The foolish virgins were not anticipating a delay; there was no “plan B.” Unlike yesterday’s parable – where the master returns early – here, the bridegroom returns later than expected. Being ready for Jesus to come back doesn’t mean living in a state of hyper-vigilance. Notice in verse 5 that all the virgins “became drowsy and fell asleep,” not just the foolish ones. So, being ready for Jesus’ return doesn’t mean you can’t get on with everyday life and make plans as if tomorrow might come. However, when the wise virgins woke up from sleep, they had already prepared, and that was a challenge for us to do the same. Being watchful is not passivity; it’s about readiness, living a life that “fits” the kingdom of God, which Jesus mentions at the start of the parable.

It might seem strange that the wise virgins refused to share their oil with the foolish, but if they had, everyone’s lamps would have gone out. The wise ones are described in verse 10 as “those who were prepared.” No one else can be spiritually prepared for you; you need to be ready for yourself. What spiritual resources do you and I carry with us that mean we’re always prepared for Jesus’ return?

At the very end of this parable, it’s as if the voice of Jesus himself breaks into the world of the story (25:11–12). When Jesus says, “I do not know you,” it’s a warning that our relationship with him cannot be secondhand, and it relates directly to doing his will. Jesus’ explanation (v. 13) provides the lesson of the parable.

This is not a point drawn out of the story, but let’s not forget that they were waiting for a bridegroom, not a master or a king (as in the other parables we’re reading). Jesus is the bridegroom who is coming back for his bride – the church – that’s us! We’re invited to that wedding banquet, which will be the greatest joy and celebration imaginable. Let’s not miss out!