Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus has answered the questions of His disciples.  Having told them that a time would come when not one stone of the temple would be left on another they asked, when will these things be?  Luke records that Jesus speaks specifically about this to His disciples: when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.  This happened in 70AD with the Roman armies surrounding the city around Passover followed by a seven-month siege that resulted in the burning and destruction of the city and temple in late summer.

The disciples also asked what will be the sign of your coming.  Jesus answered this question when He told of the unusual events that would happen in the heavens.  These undeniably amazing events will turn people’s attention to the skies where He will return in the clouds.  The disciples also asked what will be the sign of the end of the age.  Jesus’ answer to that question is to give a general listing of various events that will happen during Daniel’s 70^th week with the desolation occurring at the midpoint.  Daniel’s prophecy (Dan. 9:24-27) had indicated 490 years would pass before the Messiah would reign.  The events of the 70^th week are, of course, at the end of that age.

Matthew 25 continues the teaching of Jesus with three parables that are recorded only by Matthew as this point.  The issue of concern is faithfulness, as 24:45-51 indicate.  The key to faithfulness in the end times is to watch and the first parable is all about what it means to watch.

In a Jewish wedding there was a basic procedure.  First the couple was betrothed; the decision to be married was announced.  This was followed by a period of engagement (Mary and Joseph were in this period when Mary was found to be with child).  After a time came the ceremony and celebration.  The groom went to the house of the bride for the ceremony and then returned to his house for the celebration, gathering friends along the way.

The bride of Christ is the Church (Eph. 5:25-27).  The marriage takes place immediately before His return (Rev. 19:7-10).  He returns with His bride and believing Jews on earth will join the celebration procession.  All ten virgins represent Israel.  But those who are unprepared are foolish; they are Jews outwardly but not inwardly (Rom. 2:28-29).  Jesus is emphatic: watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

What is said here to the nation of Israel in that day is true for the Church today.  As Jesus told His disciples to watch and pray (Mt. 26:41) He also tells the Church (Col. 4:2).  We also do not know the day nor the hour of the rapture but must watch and be sober (1 Thess. 5:5-11).  Paul told the Ephesian elders to watch for savage wolves who would seek to destroy the flock (Ac. 20:29-31).  Peter likewise encourages us to watch for our adversary who seeks to devour us (1 Peter 5:8-9).  Let us be faithful and wise servants of our Lord!