Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)

Matthew 25:1-13 is the Parable of the Ten Virgins, which is part of Jesus' teachings in the Olivet Discourse. In this parable, ten virgins are waiting for the bridegroom (symbolizing Jesus) to arrive for a wedding banquet. Five of them are wise and bring extra oil for their lamps, while the other five are foolish and bring only what is in their lamps. When the bridegroom is delayed, all the virgins fall asleep. At midnight, there is a cry announcing the bridegroom's arrival. The foolish virgins realize their lamps are going out and ask the wise ones for oil, but are refused and told to buy their own. While they are gone, the bridegroom arrives, and those who are ready go into the banquet with him, and the door is shut. When the foolish virgins return, they find themselves locked out and the bridegroom states that he does not know them.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins conveys several key theological messages about readiness, personal responsibility, the unpredictability of Christ’s return, and the finality of God’s judgment. This passage illustrates the importance of being prepared for the Second Coming of Christ, with the wise virgins symbolizing those who are ready and the foolish ones representing the unprepared. It highlights the individual responsibility each person holds in their faith journey; one cannot depend on others for spiritual readiness. The unexpected arrival of the bridegroom in the parable serves as a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of the timing of Christ's return, suggesting that believers should constantly be vigilant and prepared. Finally, the closing of the door by the bridegroom symbolizes the irrevocable nature of God's judgment at the end times. This parable is a cautionary tale for the followers of Jesus, emphasizing the need for sustained and genuine faith in anticipation of His return.