

Bible Study Notes

Matthew 25: 1- 14

By Dr. Richard J. Krejcir
The Parable of the Virgins

The Parable of the Virgins

General Idea: With His impending crucifixion just three days away, Jesus used this, the third parable, to illustrate and help us understand the events of His coming judgment and the importance of our being ready. This parable is not about sharing or demonstrating benevolence; rather, it is meant to encourage us to be watchful and productive. It calls us to be willing to take a look around us, to determine what our responsibilities are, and how we can become better in the responsibility of benefiting others, preparing ourselves, and glorifying our Lord. The ten virgins had the magnificent opportunity to help in an important ceremony, the most important ceremony in Jesus time-a wedding. It was a seven-day long feast, and they were the principle structure of the wedding. 



1.   The general theme is to be prepared and take your responsibility seriously.

a.   Bridesmaid or Virgins. Basically, they had the honor and duty of escorting the bride and groom around. They were responsible for preparing the bride for her marriage ceremony, called then, "to meet the bridegroom," just as today, and carry the ceremony under a canopy. Then, it was a much greater honor.

b.   Not to be prepared, to miss their opportunity was unthinkable-a nightmare for most young women.


d.   Weddings were held in the evening, after a day of dancing and celebration, and torches were used to light the occasion and in a procession, leading the bride to the groom's house. The celebration lasted up to seven days; thus, the oil supply was one of the big responsibilities for the bridesmaids. Not to have enough oil for one night was very irresponsible, as it might be needed for a week or more!

e.   Grooms were often late in that culture, something they should have known and been prepared for. When was the last time you went to a Wedding that started on time?

f.     Behold the bridegroom. The groom's whereabouts were often heralded to the waiting guests by announcers.





c.   Give us. They probably kept the torches burning slightly to be ready; it was difficult to relight them in an era before matches. Extra oil was necessary!

d.   The oil can represent the Holy Spirit. As the virgins received their conviction, what their duty and responsibilities were, only half of them responded wisely.

e.   For us, it means to obey by keeping our minds on Christ as Lord-always! When our minds are on Him, we are ready for anything, even His return! Professing your faith is only as real as you make it, because it can be faked!

f.     Are you ready for His coming? What stops you from being prepared?


3.   No. This was not about not sharing; if they did share, they probably would not have had enough oil for any of the touches later on for the groom; thus, no procession or illumination would have taken place! The wedding ceremony would have been a disaster.

a.   There was no place to buy oil at night; they would have had to wake someone up or borrow.

b.   The door was shut. Most homes were in a courtyard where a main door closed it off to the rest of the community for safety; it also served to corral the animals, thus shutting out visitors and those who were late.

c.   Lord, Lord, as in master, master (not God). To us, it refers to the analogy of God shutting Himself off to converts after it is too late for them-after they die, or after Christ comes back!

d.   I do not know you. Their neglect cost them the wedding and precious opportunities. They were responsible for the most crucial aspect of the Jewish wedding ceremony, escorting the bride into the groom's home to consummate the marriage. They insulted the host, neglected the bride, offended the groom, and forsook opportunity in favor of laziness. Therefore, they were not admitted to the feast, and they probably did not meet their future grooms. (Marriages were prearranged; going to a wedding was a way to get to know their potential groom and his family as a part of courtship.)They most definitely offended any potential in-laws!

e.   The foolish succumbed to the fate that they set in motion. They will be judged and removed from the wise. The wasteful and fearful will be separated from those who love and trust in Christ (Matt. 25:31-46).

f.     Keep watch. This is the main point of the parable. To be ready is to be prepared for a long delay, as Christ may return tomorrow or in another two thousand years. His timing is to help our faith development and preparedness.

g.   The day or the hour-the parousia, meaning, the coming of Christ (Matt. 16:27; John 14:2-3)!


          Perhaps the disciples were in denial, or maybe they were stunned that Jesus was talking about His second coming because they did not realize His first was almost over! He wanted them to understand that when He leaves they should not waste their time in doing nothing, in being depressed, or to give up while waiting. He wanted them to know it was still a "go" for doing life! He wanted them to get on with life, to be busy preparing themselves and others for the Kingdom, and yet, to remain watchful. In order to obey Christ, we must keep our minds on Him, because the only real cure for laziness is to be filled with Him. Obeying is faithfulness; it is not about education, intelligence, or skill. Rather, it is accepting the task He gives us and doing it. It is  taking what He has given, then replicating, increasing, and using it for the benefit of others-as well as for our own growth-for His glory (1 Cor. 4:2). Those five wise virgins knew this; the other five neglected it. Thus, the foolish ones were not just judged by the wise, but, rather, by what they were capable of. God judges us against ourselves! So, never worry what others are doing; only seek what you can do better! To be ready is to be prepared for a long delay, as Christ may return tomorrow or in another two thousand years. His timing is to help our faith development and preparedness. Seek Him, and let your confidence be in who you are in Him-not how others respond to you! May God's oil of His grace keep you lit!



1.   How are you at being on time for work or school? What about important events?


2.   How does being on time and respecting the time of others honor God and portray good character?


3.   How would you explain the importance of being ready?


4.   Have you ever wasted what Jesus gives? How can you, why should you, and what actions can you take to avoid being lazy?


5.   The bridesmaids were responsible for preparing the bride; so, why would they neglect their responsibility?


6.   How does not being prepared cause one to pass up vital opportunities? Have you done this? Have you seen others do this? Has this been done to you? If so, how did you feel?


7.   What could be a modern example of a "nightmare" for a young woman because she was not prepared?


8.   How are some churches irresponsible with the opportunities God gives them?


9.   What does being wise mean to you?


10. What does being foolish mean to you?


11. Think of an opportunity that you took advantage of recently. How did it benefit you? Did it glorify God? How did you feel?


12. How does keeping our minds upon Christ as Lord help us be ready for anything, even His return?


13. Are you ready for His coming? What stops you from being prepared?


14. Why did the wise bridesmaids refused to share the oil?


15. How would you feel if you were turned down after asking to borrow something? What if you knew it was your fault for running out? Would you be mad at the person you are seeking to borrow from, or mad at yourself? How would this question help show your true character?


16. How does laziness insult God? How does it keep you from succeeding in life and in your faith?


17. What does Jesus want you to understand from this parable?


18. What is the oil that keeps your lamp of faith lit? What does it need to be?


19. What can you do to be more obedient and faithful in your walk with Christ?





© 2004 R. J. Krejcir IntoThy Word Ministries  

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