Introduction:

1. This parable is overtly concerned with Christ’s second coming and the need to prepare for that day.

2. Not knowing when this day will come, we must live every day as if it is the day.

Discussion:

I. The Events of the Parable

A. In ancient weddings, bridesmaids were honored to be part of a procession leading the groom to take his bride to his home.

B. Most weddings occurred in the evening which necessitates the lamps.

C. Each was responsible for securing the oil for their lamps, but half of those in the parable failed to do so.

D. When the procession came, the five foolish were denied entry.

II. The Analogies of the Parable

A. The bridesmaids/virgins represent disciples of Christ.

B. The groom represents Christ, and the procession is His second coming.

C. The oil and lamps represent their faithfulness/faithlessness.

III. The Application of the Parable

A. No one knows when Christ will return (vv. 5-6, 13; Matthew 24:36, 44).

B. When He comes, the time to prepare has passed (vv. 6-12).

C. The foolish virgins are disciples who missed heaven in the end because their faithfulness did not last (cf. Matthew 24:13; Revelation 2:10).

D. Their sin was unpreparedness, not rampant wickedness.

E. No one will enter on the preparations of another disciple.

F. Those under consideration are not those who have no interest in the Christ, but it is those who take no steps to prepare for His coming.

1. God has supplied everything we need to be faithful (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3).

2. However, He forces no one to take the supplies He has provided.

3. This life is the only time we have to prepare for His return.

4. Watchfulness is the only way to live as we know He is coming when we least expect Him to come (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10).