Matthew 25:1-11
[Jesus said that waiting for the coming of the bridegroom is a painstaking experience because it: involves pure pursuit of the Bridegroom, invokes the working power of grace, and impels fitness to see the glorious groom.]
Involves Pure Pursuit of the Bridegroom
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.—Matt. 25:1
“Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. 6“But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7“Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.—Matt. 25:5-7
Invokes the Working Power of Grace
“Five of them were wise and five were foolish.” —Matt. 25:2
“For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps.—Matt. 25:3, 4
“The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9“But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’—Matt. 25:8, 9
Impels Fitness to See the Glorious Groom
“And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11“Later the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ 12“But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’—Matt. 25:1012