Holy Week, The Wise & Faithful - Disciple Makers Series #24Sample

The Parable of the Ten Virgins  

Thoughts on the message

At the end of chapter 24 Jesus calls us to be “wise and faithful” servants. In Chapter 25, Jesus gives two parables – one showing how to be wise and the second showing us how to be faithful. This one shows us how to be wise.

Five women were wise because they carried oil for their lamps. Five were foolish because they did not. What does that mean? First, the bridegroom was delayed (this is Jesus and His return). How do people deal with delay so that they are ready when He returns? They carry their oil with them. Second, both the wise and the foolish were not aware of when the groom would show up. It is not that some have special information. Third, the foolish women did not get a chance to celebrate because they were not ready. When Jesus comes, some will not be ready – and will miss the opportunity to celebrate at Jesus’ return. They will miss it.

Why?

Because they did not have oil. 

Oil represents the Holy Spirit and His presence in our lives. They did not live their lives letting the Spirit guide and lead them. They started out right, but life took over – and the Holy Spirit that God gave to help us live godly lives got pushed aside by life. Be careful. Being led by the Spirit is not just for us to live godly lives here, but it impacts whether we celebrate with Jesus or watch from outside (I am not sure what that means, but it will be very sad).

Prayer

Father, I want to be wise. It means I let You lead me by Your Spirit. So give me a humble heart to listen and hear You. Daily let me listen to the Spirit. Let me live my life with a close relationship to the power of Your Spirit, to the joy imparted by Your Spirit and the peace that comes just from Your Spirit. Then let me celebrate with Jesus for eternity. In Jesus name, Amen.