Matthew Chapter 25

The Parable of the Ten Virgins:
(Read Matthew 25:1-13)
Jesus continues to prepare his disciples so that thy will be ready for his return. This parable explains the need of personal preparation for the return of Christ. These virgins are the attendants at the wedding. The bride of Christ is the church.  John the Baptist is the best friend.  Jesus prepares the believers for his return. The timing of his return is unpredictable. Therefore, those who are wise keep themselves ready for Christ’s coming. The “lamps” seems to refer to the readiness of the believers. The oil speaks of the Holy Spirit. While the bridegroom tarried, all ten virgins lay down to sleep.  The five foolish virgins had no oil in their lamps.  This is the picture of unprepared professing Church. The five wise virgins with oil in their lamps speak of personal readiness for the eminent return of Christ.  People are saved by personal commitment to Christ and not by lineage or by good works. False profession will not save anyone.  This parable is given to warn the believers and not to paralyze us with fear.  The believers must remain ready to receive Christ always.  Though warnings are not pleasant, they are important and necessary for our readiness.  Christians should be eager for the return of Christ, making ourselves ready as we wait. Be prayerful and watchful. 
 
The Parable of the Talents:
(Read Matthew 25:14-30)
This parable is emphasizing the need of faithfulness in Christian service.  Christ distributes talents according to ability (Matthew 25:15).  “Far country” indicates the time between Jesus’ first coming and his return. Not all are expected to produce the same results. The believers should live in anticipation of Christ’s return and make use of every opportunity to serve God. They should not serve to impress people but for the glory of God.  We are saved to serve Christ. The great mistake of the unfaithful servant was that he misjudged the character of his Master.  He failed to understand the generosity of his Master.  Those who are faithful in their service will be commended by the Lord (Revelation 22:12).  They will hear from the Lord “Well done good and faithful servants”. Those who are slothful and unprofitable will be cast into darkness. True believers will serve the Lord faithfully. They get involved in witnessing and in church growth.  They will be prayerful and watchful.  The faithful service includes helping people who are in need. Their life bears the fruit of love which is the mark of true discipleship. 
 
The Final Judgment:
(Read Matthew 25:31-46)
Christ will return in glory and power to judge the world. This is not the white throne judgment.  He will judge the nations that survived the tribulation. Christ will separate the sheep from the goats.  Christ will say to the sheep on the right hand “Come you blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”.  The basis of their acceptance is how they treated Israel during the tribulation period.  Christians should help others in need. Those who are saved during this period will enter the Millennial Kingdom and share its blessings.  The Goats on the left hand represent the gentile nations who failed to support Israel during the tribulation period. They will be cast into eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons (Matthew 25:41). Christ’s return is our blessed hope (Titus 2:13). Are you ready for the return of Christ by receiving him as your Lord?