Mat 25:1-13 | Family | STEP | Then ; at the time when the Son of man shall come, as foretold in the preceding chapter. The object of this parable is to show that as we do not know when Christ will come, we should so live as to be always ready. Its highest reference is to his final personal coming; but this does not exclude lower references, as that of his particular coming to each individual at death. To meet the bridegroom ; when he went, according to the custom of the age and country, to fetch home his bride by night. Men of very different characters here live together, make similar outward professions, and join in the same employments; but at death the difference between them will be manifest and great.

Matthew 25:1-13

Then; at the time when the Son of man shall come, as foretold in the preceding chapter. The object of this parable is to show that as we do not know when Christ will come, we should so live as to be always ready. Its highest reference is to his final personal coming; but this does not exclude lower references, as that of his particular coming to each individual at death.

To meet the bridegroom; when he went, according to the custom of the age and country, to fetch home his bride by night. Men of very different characters here live together, make similar outward professions, and join in the same employments; but at death the difference between them will be manifest and great. They that were foolish--took no oil with them; so that the flame of their lamps could not hold out. These correspond to those "sown on stony ground," who "endure but for a time." Mr 4:16,17. Took oil; to feed their lamps. These agree with those "sown on good ground," who "bring forth fruit with patience." Mr 4:20, Lu 8:15. Gone out; more literally, going out, for want of oil to recruit them. This shows the consternation of those who are not ready to meet Christ at his coming. It is not safe to rely on outward professions as evidence of piety, nor upon any thing which does not imply supreme love to God and real good-will to men. Not so; no believer can furnish grace for his fellow-men. This comes only from God. The bridegroom came; representing Christ as coming before the wicked are ready.

The door was shut; all opportunity of preparing to meet Christ ceases at death. I know you not; as my friends. Watch therefore; this was the practical application which Christ made of the parable.