Mat 25:1-13 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Matt 25:1-13: 25:1-13 This parable reinforces the need for individuals to be watchful and to prepare for the return of Christ (25:13 ; see also Luke 12:35-36 ). 25:1 To meet the bridegroom is an image for the coming of the Messiah (see Mark 2:19-20 ). • Details of wedding customs during the period are not known. Some think that the bride was led to the home of the bridegroom, who would stay away until the time appointed for the wedding feast. The bridesmaids , who had already escorted the bride to the groom’s home, would then wait for news of his arrival and escort him to the feast (Matt 25:10 ). Others think the groom may have come late in the night to the bride’s home, where he was announced. Then, after celebrating with the bride’s guests, the groom would take his bride under torches or lamps to his home.

a25:1-13►

b25:13►

cLuke 12:35-36►

d25:1►

eMark 2:19-20►

fMatt 25:10►

g25:3►

h25:5►

i25:6►

j24:42-51►

‏ Matthew 25:1-13

Summary for Matt 25:1-13: 25:1-13 ^a This parable reinforces the need for individuals to be watchful and to prepare for the return of Christ (25:13 ^b; see also Luke 12:35-36 ^c). 25:1 ^d To meet the bridegroom is an image for the coming of the Messiah (see Mark 2:19-20 ^e).

• Details of wedding customs during the period are not known. Some think that the bride was led to the home of the bridegroom, who would stay away until the time appointed for the wedding feast. The bridesmaids, who had already escorted the bride to the groom’s home, would then wait for news of his arrival and escort him to the feast (Matt 25:10 ^f). Others think the groom may have come late in the night to the bride’s home, where he was announced. Then, after celebrating with the bride’s guests, the groom would take his bride under torches or lamps to his home.
25:3 ^g While some have speculated that the oil symbolizes something specific (such as the Holy Spirit), it probably merely supports the point that proper preparation for the second coming of Christ is needed.
25:5 ^h Both the prudent and the foolish bridesmaids sleep while waiting. The parable criticizes only the foolish bridesmaids’ failure to bring enough oil.
25:6 ⁱ The arrival of the bridegroom at midnight while the bridesmaids slept further highlights the fact that the second coming of Jesus will come suddenly, at a time that no one can anticipate (24:42-51 ^j).