Matthew Chapter Twenty-Five
Parable of the Ten Virgins
Continuing the Olivet Discourse, Jesus uses two parables to emphasize the need for Christians to prepare and remain prepared for His return (the parable of the ten virgins, verses 1-13) and what every Christian should be doing while He is away (the parable of the talents, verses 14-30).
25:1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Comparing the kingdom of heaven (on earth, namely the church) to ten virgins coming out to greet the bridegroom would likely have been fully understood by Jesus’ disciples.
In the Jewish wedding system, when the marriage was to be consummated, the bridegroom would go to the home of the bride to fetch her and bring her to his home. As he approached his own home, he would be met by a procession of virgins who would conduct the bride and groom for the marriage ceremony to be followed by the marriage feast. This is the background of this parable.[1]
The parable depicts Jesus as the bridegroom (see Matthew 9:15; Revelation 19:7; 21:9) on His way back to earth (second coming). Five of the virgins are described as being foolish and the other five as being wise. The foolish virgins brought their lamps but did not bring any extra oil with them in case the bridegroom was delayed that evening. The wise virgins also brought their lamps but each had brought with them flasks of extra oil. Due to the bridegroom being delayed, all of the virgins fell asleep while waiting. At midnight they were awaken, but the five foolish virgins noted they were almost out of oil. The foolish asked the wise for some oil, but they did not have enough for the foolish and for themselves. They were told to go to the dealers and buy some oil, which they did. Meanwhile the bridegroom came and all those that were waiting (found prepared) at the door went in to the marriage feast (see Revelation 19:6-10) and the door was closed after them. When the foolish virgins came back from the dealers they were not allowed in. They cried out to the bridegroom with no avail, as he replied “I do not know you.”[2] Jesus concluded the parable with another encouragement to keep watch and always be prepared for His return, as no one knows when He will return. Faith in Jesus must be genuine, going through “the motions” without believing is self-deception (see 1 John 1:5-10).
Considerations
Even though this parable is straightforward and should not be interpreted allegorically, many still attempt. In the story both the wise and the foolish bridesmaids fell asleep. This does not convey any hidden meaning as the wise had faith and confidence in the bridegroom and would be able to rest comfortably, while the foolish could sleep in false confidence. Some point out that the foolish were running out of oil, an often-used metaphor for the Holy Spirit, thus demonstrating they were losing faith in God. If that were the case, they would not have had any oil in the first place as the Holy Spirit will not leave a believer.[3] Plus, the numbers are insignificant, both groups had the same number of people totaling ten bridesmaids. Neither should the numbers be manipulated nor any supposedly hidden meaning be used to change the message of this parable. Jesus is saying that believers need to be prepared and ready for Jesus to return at any moment.
Parable of the Talents
25:14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
Jesus now focuses on what believers should be doing before He returns. The word ‘talent’ is a transliteration of the Greek word ‘talanton’,[4] first encountered in Matthew 18:23-35 used by Jesus in another kingdom of heaven comparison. The actual value of a talent varied significantly on the local jurisdiction,[5] which is unimportant for this parable.
A man who had three servants decides to leave for a while. Before leaving, he distributes some of his money to his servants to invest, each according to their abilities. To one he gave five talents, to another two talents and one talent was given to the third servant, afterwards he left.
25:16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.
The servant that was given five talents was able to raise five more talents and the servant that was given two talents earned two more talents. The third servant decided to not take any risks, so he chose to dig a hole in the ground and buried the single talent.
25:19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
The master of the servants was away for a long time. When he arrived back home, he met with each of his servants to reckon their accounts for the money that he gave them to invest. The first servant came forward and told his master that he was able to obtain five more talents, for a total of ten talents. The master excitedly responded, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Then the second servant came forward and shared the fact that he was able to raise two more talents for a total of four talents. The master was again very pleased and said the same to the second servant.
25:24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
The servant that buried the talent came forward and immediately began to make excuses, starting with what could be described as an insult. “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed.” The servant accused his master of being a tough and harsh individual who harvests crops that he didn’t plant and gathered crops where he didn’t scatter seed, essentially calling him dishonest. Claiming he was afraid (probably of what his master would say or do if he lost the talent) he decided to bury it, and now he gave the talent back. His master was furious, calling him a wicked and lazy servant. The master then asks that if the servant knew that he reaps where he did not sow and gathers where he did not scatter seed, why didn’t the servant at least deposit the talent in a bank and collect interest? Hearing no response, the talent was then taken away from him and given to the first servant who had ten talents. The master explains, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” (verse 29, NLT) He further instructed that the worthless servant be thrown into the outer darkness[6] where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
This Master in this parable is Jesus and the servants are believers. Jesus has been away for nearly 2,000 years, truly a long time. He is not inferring that the apostles or other believers would still be alive when He returns. Instead, He is addressing those that will still be alive when He does return. And since that day is unknown, Jesus is speaking to all believers now.
While the term ‘talent’ is a reference to some form of what we might call money (gold, silver, etc.), money is not the subject of the parable. As mentioned above most English Bibles transliterate the Greek ’talanton’ to form the word ‘talent’, which can refer to unit of weight for currency, but is more often used to convey an aptitude or skill. The use of the word ‘talent’ seems appropriate, not in the sense of some form of natural talent, but in the gifting of the Holy Spirit. Just like natural talent, not everyone will be given the same gift or ability. Jesus commissioned every Christian (see Matthew 28:18-20) and that work must be ongoing and cannot wait until the end. This parable tells us that Jesus did not leave His followers emptyhanded, He gave gifts to each one, each according to their ability (see verse 15) to do God’s work (see below). Plus, all Christians have received the greatest gift of all, the Holy Spirit (see John 14:15-31; 15:26; 16:5-15).
Considerations
The Bible lists several Spiritual gifts; however, we need to understand that the Holy Spirit is not limited to just those listed. Here is a brief list of most of the gifts mentioned in Scripture:
The first mention of Spiritual gifting is in the Old Testament shortly after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. God gave two men, Bezalel and Oholiab, knowledge and ability to build the Tabernacle, a huge endeavor considering they had no power tools and were away from any civilization (see Exodus 31:1-11; 35:30-35).
Later in the New Testament the apostle Paul wrote about several Spiritual gifts. These are God’s gifts to believers for the benefit of His kingdom. These should not be confused with the “Fruit of the Spirit” (external evidence of the Holy Spirit inside us, see also Galatians 5:16-26) or the gift of salvation, the adoption as children of God. As Christians, we all have one or more gift to be used to help others find Jesus. In Romans 12:4-8 he listed the following gifts: 1) prophecy; 2) serving others; 3) teaching; 4) exhorting (Greek word ‘parakalōn’,[7] to call to one’s side, to admonish, teach, explain, and to encourage); 5) ability to give money generously; 6) leadership abilities; and 7) the ability to offer acts of compassion and mercy to others. In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul presents a slightly different list, although several are the same (or similar) to those he listed in Romans. That list includes: 1) wisdom; 2) knowledge; 3) faith; 4) ability to perform healing; 5) the ability to perform miracles; 6) prophecy; 7) discernment; 8) speaking in tongues; 9) the ability to interpret tongues; 10) helping others; and 11) administrating (see 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 27-31). Paul continues his discussion on Spiritual gifts to note that each believer is a part of one body. Just as each part of a human body has its role and purpose, each believer has at least one gift and a role in the body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-31). Paul then notes that the primary motivation of using these gifts in serving God is love (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-13). We also find a short list of vital roles for Christians which include special Spiritual gifts in Paul’s epistle to the church in Ephesus, including: 1) apostles (those sent directly from Jesus); 2) prophets; 3) evangelists; 4) shepherds (Latin word for shepherd is pastor, although not necessarily clergy); and 5) teachers, each sent by God to help equip believers so that they can serve God in their vocation (see Ephesians 4:11-16, see below regarding a Christian’s vocation).
The apostle Peter in his first epistle encourages believers to be active with their Spiritual gifts: “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:7-11)
Everyone has different professions, livelihoods, hobbies, and occupations as well as live in different locations. Regardless of whether someone gets paid for these activities, the things people regularly do in life could be considered their vocation. Christians need to remember that all their vocations and locations have been ordained by God, meaning we are not where we are by mistake. Our vocations, whether sacred or secular, should be considered as callings by God to assist in His care for people here on Earth. The Apostle Paul would remind us that the purpose of the church is to, “equip the saints for the works of ministry”(Ephesians 4:12). Paul is saying it is our job, regardless of our ‘vocation’, to be servants for God. All believers, through faith in Jesus Christ, are all on equal footing (meaning no one, including clergy, is elevated over another) We are all to know and speak the truth of God’s Word and we are all to be ambassadors for Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:20). The simplest way to state this would be that we are all to be, “as Christ” to others, regardless of where we’re at, be it at home, at work, or on the road.
Final Judgment
25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.
Jesus concludes the Olivet Discourse with what is often described as the “Final Judgment,” even though it is called the ‘final’ judgment (for unbelievers that are still alive at that time, the goats), the actual final judgment would be the “Great White Throne” judgment which will occur at the end of the thousand-year (millennial) period. That judgment will be for all unbelievers that have died from the beginning of time and will be allowed to face Jesus (including those from the Old Testament time who denied God or failed to believe in His promises).[8] Even though each will “have their day in court,” they will all be condemned to hell (see Revelation 20:11-15).
When Jesus returns in His glory along with His angels, He will then sit on His throne. The text does not state a location, however, in a parallel passage in the book of Joel we are told that this event will take place in the Valley of Jehoshaphat, other than seeing it will be on earth, that info doesn’t help much since the exact location of that valley is unknown (thought to be either the Kidron Valley east of Jerusalem or the Valley of Hinnom south of Jerusalem). Joel records, “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land, and have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it.” (Joel 3:1-3)
All the nations will be gathered and presented before Jesus. As previously discussed, the word ‘nations’ in both the Greek and the Hebrew equivalent can be translated as ‘Gentiles’, including those found here in this passage from Joel, referring to those who are not Jewish.[9] Instead of nations being judged, the context of verse 32 in this chapter of Matthew supports the use of the word ‘Gentiles’ as it implies judgment of individual people not nations.
Just as a shepherd can easily separate sheep from goats, Jesus separates the saved from the unsaved. Remember He is the Good Shepherd, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me” (John 10:14, see also John 10:1-18).
25:34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Clearly identifying Himself as the divine King, Jesus tells those on His right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father.” The blessing of eternal life with Jesus is provided to each believer as a gift from God the Father. Since God is omniscient He knew from the beginning of time, “From the foundation of the world,” who would accept Jesus as their Savior, long before they were born.
Jesus also tells those on His right that they have inherited the kingdom. How did they inherit the kingdom? John wrote, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13) Believers are adopted as children of God allowing them to inherit the kingdom, plus more, as Paul would remind us, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:14-17) Jesus makes it clear that the inheritance of the kingdom is from God and not something earned as many interpret the following six verses.
25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
If there ever was an operative word to describe a Christian it would be ‘GO!’ While action (often called ‘works’) is not necessary to be saved, action is an external indicator of a change inside the heart of a believer. Serving self becomes less important while the serving of others becomes a priority. Similar to what critics say about James 2:14-26, some attempt to interpret these verses as action needed for salvation, especially in light how those mentioned in verses 41-46 will be sent to hell. A true follower of Jesus would cheerfully give those that are hungry something to eat, those that are thirsty something to drink, welcome a stranger, offer clothing to someone who needs clothes, visit the sick, or visit someone in prison. Jesus says if anyone did any of these things, they did them for Him. Christians ‘do’ because they want to, not because they have to.
25:41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Jesus then speaks to those on His left, those that did not accept Him as their Savior. Being too late to change their mind, He tells them to depart from Him. They are cursed as they will be sent into hell where there will be eternal fire, a place that was originally prepared for Satan and the other fallen angels.[10] Using the same scenarios to illustrate the willingness of believers to help others in verses 35-39, Jesus demonstrates just how depraved and self-serving those on the left really are. They will be sent away into eternal punishment while the righteous will enter eternal life.
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[1] Fruchtenbaum, A. G. (2003). The footsteps of the Messiah : a study of the sequence of prophetic events (Rev. ed., p. 645). Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries.
[2] See commentary under Matthew 7:21-23.
[3] See Considerations under Matthew 18:10-14 “Are Christians Secure in their Salvation?” See number 5.
[4] Strong’s Greek 5007.
[5] See commentary under Matthew 18:23-35.
[6] See Matthew 8:12, see also commentary and Considerations under Matthew 8:5-13.
[7] Strong’s Greek 3870.
[8] See also commentary under Matthew 11:11.
[9] See also commentary under Matthew 4:12-16.
[10] See Considerations below Matthew 8:5-13 “Hell By Any Other Name is Still Hell or Is it?”