Text: Matthew 25:1–13
Mt 25:1 ESV “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed (kosme? – root of cosmetic) their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out (sbennymi – extinguished). 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch (gr?gore? – pay careful attention to – Also Rev. 3:2 to the church as Sardis – “be watchful”) therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
We are looking at a solemn text concerning the state of the church visible – hence the term “kingdom of heaven” which is used elsewhere. In fact, Matthew uses this term 32 times – in some cases it describes the future kingdom, but here it describes the church visible. In the future state there are no fools in heaven.
I could dwell on the potential eschatological (end times) implications, but I will not spend but a moment there. God’s Word is calling for a singular return of Christ which I see evidenced here unlike doctrine of dispensationalists, and that is where I leave it today.
The parable of the ten virgins is a mirror held up to the end-time church since we now live in the end times. The puritan pastor Thomas Shepard in 1600 felt the parable was so important, he preached four years on it, and the short sermon notes are found in his book “The Parable of the Ten Virgins”.
1. A Visible Church with an Invisible Reality
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins…” v1
The first words “then shall the kingdom be likened” critically links chapter 25 back to chapter 24, so we need to understand the parable in context. In Chapter 24 of Matthew, the disciples asked a number of questions, one of which would be signs of the end. There are many indicators of end times which I will not concern myself with here. The first thing in chapter 24 Jesus says to His disciples is: “Take heed that no man deceive you” in verse 4. As the world grows old and the return of Christ draws nearer, deception will grow worse, and the deceivers will become more adept at their craft of deception – and the worst deception is the deception of one’s self.
These ten virgins represent “professing” believers. Those in the parable are church people. Our own church is a microcosm of the kingdom of heaven. They show up every Sunday, sing the songs, raise their hands in “worship”, give to the work of church, they’re cordial and nice to everyone. In that culture, a virgin’s effort was very particular – actions, dress, activity, company they kept. They wanted to be pleasing both to the bridegroom and to their peers. They were not unconcerned about their lives. The people you want as next door neighbors.
They all went forth to meet the bridegroom. All awaited His coming. All had lamps – symbols of their visible religion, of their professed desire to welcome the bridegroom. These were not people just “playing church” – they were serious about their religion, yet you can’t tell one from the other. They were not drunk, coarse or rude, scoffers / athiests, but they were “virgins” – symbols of purity, separated from the world. And yet, five were wise, and five were foolish. This is Christ’s division – not man’s. What was the difference?
The wise took oil with them – the foolish did not. V3.
Clearly the “lamp” represents “Christian profession”; the “oil”, possession of an internal change / salvation. One is outward; the other, inward just like the “call of God” – one is external (preaching, etc.) and the other is internal (from the Holy Spirit). The foolish had no oil – no true grace, no Spirit of God, no abiding life within. I cannot see your oil, but God does. Make certain you are not deceived – that you think you have oil – when you don’t.
Those with no “oil” had religion but not regeneration / no new birth. Activity without anointing. Doctrine without deliverance. Church attendance, but no change of heart. They looked the part. If you saw them at church, you wouldn’t know the difference between those virgins. They all looked good and righteous. But God knew. And midnight revealed it. Consider that Judas Iscariot was a “religious” person according to scripture. Let’s look at Judas for a moment:
- In Matthew 10, Jesus sends out His disciples. All of His disciples. Including Judas Iscariot. What is stunning is what was not mentioned in scripture. No doubt Judas had great spiritual gifts, for he was a preacher of the gospel in Matthew 10, sent out from Christ – and our Lord Jesus Christ would not have put him to work and not prepare him for that work – yet we know “Judas is gone to his own place”. Judas was sent out with the others to preach the Gospel saying the “kingdom of heaven is at hand”. Healed the sick. Cleansed the lepers. Cast out devils. Raised the dead. Yes – Judas Iscariot was indistinguishable from the others in his profession and his actions – even in the success of his works. If Judas miscarried in his efforts, scripture would have called it out, but it doesn’t. He was in with the rest of the disciples and active.
- Judas was so good at is act that in John 13:25, John the disciple asked Jesus who the betrayer was – and even after Jesus giving the clue of the sop in the dish, yet John didn’t understand. When Jesus told Iscariot to do what he had to do quickly, it says “no man at the table knew” (John 13:28). Judas was so similar to the others, he fit in without question.
- Man may go to great lengths to deceive others even as well as himself, yet – be as much a child of hell as Judas Iscariot; that is what we see in churches everywhere.
You are not saved by proximity. You are not saved by your works. Being part of the ten virgins (the complete visible body of Christ), does not mean being redeemed. Jesus said, “Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of My Father.” (Mt. 7:21).
Also as a note: the Bible says that the gate is narrow and few find it. Eight were saved in the ark. Three were saved from Sodom. Two entered the Promised Land. The original seventy disciples sent by Christ were reduced to 12 as the rest “walked with Him no more” John 6:66.
**A Note on the Number TEN as a number of completion in Scripture if time permits – just a quick mention:
- The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17, Deuteronomy 5:6-21) Given by God to Moses, they form the complete moral law for Israel.
- The Ten Plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12) The full judgment of God on Pharaoh and Egypt, leading to Israel’s release.
- The Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) A parable illustrating the completion of preparation for Christ’s return—five wise, five foolish.
- The Tithe (Genesis 14:20, Malachi 3:10) A tenth of income given to God, symbolizing complete financial dedication.
- The Ten Generations from Adam to Noah (Genesis 5) Represents the completion of an era, leading to judgment through the Flood.
- The Ten Generations from Shem to Abraham (Genesis 11:10-26) Marks the transition from Noah to the covenant with Abraham.
- The Ten Days of Testing (Daniel 1:12-15, Revelation 2:10) Daniel and his friends were tested for ten days with a strict diet—proving God’s faithfulness.
- The Church of Smyrna in Revelation faced ten days of persecution, symbolizing a complete trial.
- The Ten Toes of Nebuchadnezzar’s Statue (Daniel 2:41-42) Symbolic of the completion of world kingdoms before Christ’s ultimate reign.
- The Ten Horns on the Beast (Daniel 7:7, Revelation 13:1, Revelation 17:12) Represents complete political power of end-time rulers before God’s final judgment.
- The Ten Lepers Healed (Luke 17:11-19) A full representation of God’s grace and healing, though only one showed gratitude.
2. Delay Tests the Soul
“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.” V5
Delay – the long period of waiting. The Lord is not asleep or forgetful but has decreed the beginning from the end, and does not lack mercy. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise… but is longsuffering to us-ward.” (2 Peter 3:9).
When delay comes, we see the test. When the darkness of midnight arrives, we see more clearly.
They all slumbered and slept. Both wise and foolish. Even the most watchful saints know seasons of spiritual dullness. But note this: the wise had oil before they slept. Their prepa ration preceded the delay. Here is a truth: a sudden return will not permit sudden preparation.
When the call is made and the trumpet sounds, the time for buying oil is past. Distractions are over. Time has run out.
3. The Midnight Cry – Final Separation
“And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh!” v6
Midnight – the darkest and least expected hour. As with the Parable of the Midnight Friend, the occurrence here is midnight when it is darkest and man is least prepared. This is the sudden return of Christ. “As lightning cometh out of the east… so shall the coming of the Son of Man be.” Mt 24:27.
All ten virgins rise. All ten trim their lamps as they are all still careful and attending to their duty. But then the crisis: the foolish cry, “Our lamps are gone out!” v8. They don’t ask for light. They ask for oil. They had the appearance, but no substance. Now, in panic, they beg from the wise. Reality hits them that they lack what is necessary. They see clearly that their schemes and mechanizations don’t hold.
But grace is not transferable. You cannot rely on your parents’ salvation, your pastor’s prayers, your own church membership.
The wise say, “Not so… go and buy.” v9. There is a right time for salvation – and it is now. 2 Corinthians 6:2b “behold, now is the day of salvation.” Not later. Not tomorrow. Giving attention to the necessary at an hour that’s too late, buying too late, praying too late, repenting too late – the bridegroom came and many were unprepared.
4. The Shut Door
“And the door was shut.” v10
Finality. Fearfulness. Isaiah 33:14 “The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites.” The door of salvation was closed for those living to see that day. How many have had the door of mortal life closed, and were yet unprepared?
It is the very door of salvation, of heaven, of life eternal. And it is shut by the hand of the King. You cannot reopen it.
The foolish return. They cry with intensity, “Lord, Lord!” – the same cry as in Matthew 7. They do not deny Him. They do not curse Him. They plead with Him. But He says, “I know you not.” Same as these verses: Luke 13:24-27 “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.”
He doesn’t say, “I knew you once and you fell.” He says, “I never knew you.” They were never His. They were near the church, but far from Christ.
“The door was shut.” That door, once closed, cannot be opened by man or angel – it has been closed by the hand of God as He has a determined day / hour / limit of judgment until He acts. John 7:6 – “Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.”
Genesis 15 details a conversation between Christ and Abraham regarding the promises where Abraham believed God and it was imputed to him for righteousness. We also see in Genesis 15:16 where Christ makes an interesting comment not possessing the land until the iniquity of the Amorites not being full. Now contrast this against Romans 9:23, where God is patiently waiting for the vessels of wrath to be filled to capacity. Daniel 8:23 states “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full”. Matthew 23:31-33 ”Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers”. , 1 Thessalonians 2:16 “to fill up their sins” . There is a measured amount that only God knows, where His extreme patience has been exhausted and judgment begins on those souls prepared for wrath.
In our present “kingdom of heaven, we cannot see as God does. There can be relationships, allegiances, commitments that are not of God – yet go to fill up that measure mentioned in scripture.
4a. What Else? Depending on something other than Christ
Many cry, “Peace, peace,” but they don’t want the peace that passes all understanding. They only want a worldly peace. They want “Jesus”, but not His cross. They want “the kingdom”, but not the King’s Law and Decrees. They want heaven, but they want to get there on the world’s method. A promise of a false religion will not gain heaven.
These are the foolish virgins — outwardly waiting, inwardly spiritually blind and wandering.
They have made a treaty with the Gods of Egypt. They are still in secret love with their idols. Secret loyalties polluting them. False friends, forbidden unions and oaths, and fleshly indulgences are the alliances they think are hidden — but they will be brought to light when the cry is made, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!” v6
If you are a friend of the world, you are at war with Christ. “Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” — James 4:4
4b. What Else? Spiritual Adultery: They have Two Loves
The foolish virgins say, “Lord, Lord,” but their hearts are divided. Their affection is not singular. They would have Christ — but also keep their favorite sin. They would walk with God — but also dine with devils. They would serve the Lord — but keep an idol on the shelf.
The Lord will not have a double-minded bride.
Elijah cried out on Mt. Carmel “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.” — 1 Kings 18:21. The crowd was silent, as they knew this was the moment of truth for them. They were uncommitted to God.
Their spiritual adultery shows itself in their associations — those who love their secret things more than the Lord’s house; those who entertain the world while professing to love the Bridegroom. Spiritual adultery brings spiritual death.
To be very clear: the Bridegroom is coming for a pure virgin — one not only clothed in His righteousness, but also loosed from sins of this age.
Oil in the lamp is the work of the Spirit — not merely light, but life. Not merely form, but true fire. Not strange fire like Nadab and Abihu offered – and were destroyed for in Numbers 26:61.
4c. What Else? The Cry at Midnight Will Expose All Hidden Associations
When the cry calls out — “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!” — it is too late to break your alliances. The soul that spent its effort in worldly secret places will not make the marriage feast.
The foolish virgins will knock in desperation, but the door is shut. Why? Because the Bridegroom never knew them. Their outward show of religion was betrayed by inward alliances with falsehood.
Let every man examine his heart. What oaths are binding on you? What ropes of association draw your soul toward the gates of Sodom? What secrets, what unspoken allegiance, blindfolded vows, what hidden desire has placed itself between you and the Lord?
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” — Psalm 66:18
4d. Come Out and Be Separate
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” — 2 Corinthians 6:17
This is the call to the wise virgins — to be free from any and all rival allegiances. To renounce the hidden works of darkness. To forsake unclean fellowships and uneven yokes of darkness. Now is the day to stand openly, wholly, visibly with Christ.
The person who would have the Bridegroom feast must forsake the world’s banquet.
5. The Call to Watchfulness and Readiness
“Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour…” v13
This is Christ’s conclusion. Not to speculate on dates. Not to sleep because of delay. But to watch. To watch is to live ready. To watch is to keep your vessel full. Be ye filled with the Holy Spirit as we discussed in the Parable of the Midnight Friend. To watch is to abide in Christ, to confess sin quickly, to walk in the Spirit, to keep oil in your lamp.
Be prepared for the midnight cry.
Revelation 3:1-3 “And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.”
The Bridegroom cometh.