Chapter 25 of Matthew continues with the theme of the last few posts. Jesus has been answering his disciples’ question about the “close of the age” (Matthew 24:3). Jesus has told us that there will be cataclysmic events, i.e., earthquakes, wars, desolation of the temple, false Christs, etc. (Matthew 24:3-28). The Son of Man will come (Matthew 24:29-31). Then Jesus teaches us to interpret the end times like a fig tree. When it puts out leaves you know summer is near (when we see the signs Jesus talks about, we know judgment is near, not an exact date). In Matthew 24:36-51, Jesus tells us that no one knows the times and dates of His return except His Father.
So, Jesus tells a parable. The Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins (Read Matthew 25:1-13). The story is about ten virgins headed between locales on the way to meet the bridegroom. Five were prepared and five were not. To update the illustrations five had extra batteries for their cell phones and five did not. So while they waited they were talking on their phones sending text messages, emails, and saying “Oh my gosh.” As their power ran low because they were a little preoccupied with their lives instead of the important task of getting ready for the bridegroom, the five without extra batteries had to run to a friends house to get a power charge. They missed the bridegroom and subsequently not allowed to enter the wedding feast. It may seem harsh that these poor girls were not allowed in. However, new Texas State law prohibits the use of cell phones near school zones or while they are driving (Ok, I might have overdrawn on this analogy). The point is that they were not ready. The Kingdom of Heaven is for those who are ready. Read Matthew 25:13, and we are told to “Watch.” Jesus answers the question about the close of the age again, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor hour.”
Questions:
Are you ready for the end times? Are you watching? Do you know God’s word? Are your batteries/lamps charged and ready to go?