Actions For the End Times

 

 

Olivet Discourse- 5

 

TITLE: Actions For the End Times

TEXT: Matthew 25:1-13

TONE: Encouragement

TARGET: Believers

TASK: To encourage my hearers to evaluate their preparedness (spiritually) for the Second Coming of Christ.

TEACH: The TV reality show “End Time Preppers” is a show that features individuals and families who are preparing for various apocalyptic scenarios. They stockpile food, build shelters, and learn survival skills to ensure that they are their families will be ready for any potential disasters. Just as preppers are acutely aware of potential threats and urgent about preparing for them, Christians are called to be aware of the signs of the times and the imminent return of Christ. This awareness drives a sense of urgency in living out their faith. Preparing requires investment in time, resources and sometimes sacrifices from preppers to prioritize what is truly important. Christians are also called to invest in their spiritual well-being, often making sacrifices that align with a life dedicated to Christ. For preppers, the consequences of not being prepared could mean danger or survival challenges. In Christian theology, the consequences of not being spiritually prepared is missing out on eternal communion with God and facing judgment.

 

Nowadays, people appear to be “End Time Sleepers” rather than “End Time Preppers.”

 

TRUTH: The parable compares the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins who took their lamps to meet the bridegroom. It highlights the necessity for spiritual readiness and anticipation of the return of Christ. Of these ten virgins five of them are describes as wise because they brought extra oil along with their lamps, representing spiritual preparedness and foresight. The other five virgins are called foolish because they did not bring additional oil, illustrating spiritual neglect and unpreparedness.

 

Typically, the betrothal took place in the bride’s father’s house and was a festive occasion with blessings, candles, and celebration. During the period between betrothal and marriage, which could extend several years -the young woman remained in her father’s house. When the wedding day came, after the bride was suitably adored and perfumed, she would be taken in a festive procession to the groom’s home. About nightfall the procession would begin, and the bride would be escorted to the groom’s house by an entourage with torches and lanterns. The groom would go out to receive the bride and bring her into his home where blessings and celebration would last as long as seven days. In some texts bride and groom are both accompanied by an entourage through the streets on the way to where the festivities will be held. It was a religious duty of those observing to join in the celebration.[1]  

 

R.C. Sproul wrote, “What is the meaning behind this parable? Obviously, the symbolism of the parable is pointing to the great marriage feast of the Lamb at the end of the age (Rev. 19:7,9), when Christ will come for His bride, the church.”[2] He further concludes, to which I agree, that by extension the virgins are representative of church members. The sobering reality is that of false converts (five foolish). Furthermore, the author finds common ground with Sproul in interpreting the “oil” as symbolic of the Spirit.

 

I.                            Delay and Announcement (25:5-6)

Explanation: As the bridegroom was delayed, all the virgins became drowsy and slept, illustrating how believers might become complacent over time. At midnight, a shout announced the arrival of the bridegroom, highlighting the sudden and unexpected nature of Christ’s return.

 

Concerning the details of this story, Jesus is simply sharing a scenario that would have been familiar to his original audience. The details, however, that stand out to all generations and cultures are (a) the unusually long delay and (b) the unexpected time of arrival. No one helping the wedding ceremony or celebration, like these ten girls were asked to do, would go to sleep unless the groom’s delay was abnormally long, and since they all fell asleep they obviously didn’t think (now that it was near midnight) that he would come at that late hour. The wedding would surely wait for the next evening. Who would get married past midnight?^[3]

 

II.                        Urgency and Preparation (25:7-9)

Explanation: All the virgins awoke and trimmed their lamps in response to the call, recognizing the urgent need to be prepared. However, the foolish virgins asked the wise for oil, pointing out their lack of preparation. The wise virgins acknowledge that there wasn’t enough oil to share, emphasizing that readiness is a personal responsibility.

 

But the point is simply that readiness, whatever form it takes, is not something that can be achieved by a last-minute adjustment, it depends on long-term provision, and if that has been made, the wise disciples can sleep secure in the knowledge that everything is ready.^[4]

 

One Puritan author wrote, “Christ comes at midnight: though his coming be most expected yet will come in a time when he is least expected, in the darkest time.”[5] Think about it, thieves come in the darkest of night. I believe that the visible and personal coming of Christ is not far off. I cannot say how far, but the time is late; it’s very dark, and it’s been dark for a while.

 

III.                   Characteristics and Consequences (25:10-12)

Explanation: The wise virgins, being prepared, entered the wedding feast with the bridegroom, symbolizing entry for those who are ready. The foolish virgins, who arrived later, found the door shut, symbolizing missed opportunity due to lack of preparedness. The bridegroom’s statement, “I do not know you,” underscores the serious and irreversible consequences of failing to be ready.

 

Characteristics of Preparedness: (1) Faith in Christ. True preparedness begins with a personal relationship with Jesus, acknowledging Him as Savior and Lord. (2) Holiness and Obedience. Believers are called to live righteously and in obedience to God’s commandments, reflecting their faith through their actions (1Peter 1:14-16). (3) Spiritual Vigilance and Watchfulness. Being alert to the signs of the times and the imminent return of Jesus, avoiding spiritual complacency. (4) Persevering in prayer. Cultivating and maintain a vibrant prayer life, seeking God’s guidance, strength, and intimacy (1Thess. 5:17). (5) Commitment to the Great Commission. Sharing the Gospel and making disciples, fulfilling the mission Jesus left for His followers (Matt. 28:19-20).

 

Consequences of Unpreparedness: (1) Exclusion from the Kingdom (v.11). (2) Judgment before God (v.31-33). (3) Loss of Reward (1Cor. 3;12-15). (4) Eternal Separation from God (2Thess. 1:8-9).

 

Christ will return later than expected, sooner than expected, and at an unexpected time.^[6]

 

TAKE-AWAY: (1) The wise virgins teach us that preparedness for the Parousia is rewarded with paradise.^[7] (2) The foolish virgins teach us that too little preparation and too much presumption will result in rejection.^[8]

 

 

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[1] Klyne Snodgrass, Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 2008), 510.

[2] R.C. Sproul, An Expository Commentary: Matthew (Sanford: Ligonier Ministries, 2019), 670.

^[3] Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Matthew: All Authority in Heaven and on Earth, ed. R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 728.

^[4] R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publication Co., 2007), 947.

[5] William Bridge, The Work of William Bridge Vol. IV (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth), 408.

^[6] Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Matthew: All Authority in Heaven and on Earth, ed. R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2013), 729.

 ^[7] Ibid., 731.

^[8] Ibid, 731.

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