In the 25th chapter of Matthew, Jesus told a sobering parable about 10 virgins waiting for the bridegroom to arrive. They were part of the wedding party waiting to go to the groom’s house which is part of the ceremony. The bride is taken to the groom’s house and they were the welcoming party.
At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out. “Here’s the bridegroom. Come out and to meet him.” Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed the lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise “Give us some of your oil. Our lamps are running out.” (Matthew 25:1-8).
Their lamps were running out of oil. So they were unable to be a part of the celebration. They were actually cast out.
Jesus, as our bridegroom, will one day return and He told this parable warning us to be ready. He has indicated we will not know the time of His return but we must “keep our lamps filled with oil.” The five wise virgins were believers filled with the Holy Spirit and commentaries agree that the unwise were false believers who enjoyed Christian-community but without the love of Christ. They hope by association with the 10 wise virgins they can get the oil that they needed.
Friends, we cannot ride on the coattails of others in our Christian walk. We each have our unique journey growing in the Lord. Years ago when I was figuring out what it means to be a Christian, I met a woman a bit older than myself but definitely wiser. I asked her what the secret sauce was to being a “good Christian”. She said there is no such thing as a good Christian, only a devoted one; devoted to Jesus.
As I think about the five wise virgins waiting for the bridegroom and the meaning behind this– waiting for the return of Jesus, I believe that Jesus wanted to illustrate their devotion. They wanted to ensure that they were ready.
Some commentators believe that the oil represents the Holy Spirit and as we consider this why is it important to be filled with the Holy Spirit? The Apostle Paul addresses this:
Be careful how you live- not as unwise but wise making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Do not get drunk on wine… but be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:15 & 18).
The wise were making the most of every opportunity they had to be prepared for the groom. The unwise virgins missed their opportunity. What opportunity do you have before you that requires readiness? How do you need to prepare? What do you need to do? Jesus will meet you at the crossroads of opportunity and guide you by His Spirit.
Joanne
