Jesus told two parables to emphasize the need for preparation and faithfulness as they wait on Jesus’ coming.
The first parable described ten virgins waiting on the arrival of the bridegroom. It seems to be that they were to make a procession for the groom with lamps/torches. Five made prior preparation with oil for their lamps, but five did not. The bridegroom delayed longer than they thought he would. But, in the middle of the night he arrived. The five that had prepared with oil were ready to go with him. The others had run out of oil. They wanted to borrow some, but the prepared ones would share. The point is that you can’t borrow spiritual preparation. When they went to get some, the door was shut and they could not get in.
Jesus’ lesson was to be prepared because you don’t know when the judgment is coming.
The second parable told of a master who entrusted three of his servants with talents (about 20 years wages). One servant got five, one two, and one one. The master left. When he returned, he found that the first servant had turned the five talents into five more, the servant with two talents turned it into two more, and the servant with one talent hid the talent.
The master praised the first and second servants. They had been faithful and would receive more responsibility and find a place of joy.
The last servant made the excuse that he served a harsh master and didn’t want to lose who he had been given. The master rebuked him as wicked and lazy. He should have done something with the money in view of the master’s disposition.
His talent was taken and given to the one who had ten. Then, the servant who did nothing with his one talent was to be thrown into the dark place of sorrow and pain.
Lessons to Learn:
Judgment is coming. Be ready. Of course, the focus in chapter 24 was on the judgment on the city of Jerusalem. But, He is shifting into a discussion of final judgment (see 25:31 and following). We can learn that we need to be in a constant state of readiness and preparation in view of the return of Jesus. Peter will say in II Peter 3:10 that the day of the Lord will come. Though we cannot know the day, we know that our earthly lives will end one way or another. Let’s be ready.
The talents represent opportunities. Some are entrusted with lots of opportunities. Those who use them will be given more. Those who don’t will have theirs taken away. In the time between now and the coming of the Lord, let us use the time and opportunity we have been given to be productive. Do not let fear or laziness keep you from using the opportunities that are right in front of you. Let us look for opportunities to do good.
We are thankful to share considerations of God’s word. It’s best if you have a Bible close at hand and evaluate what we say. We always want to go “back to the Bible” for what we teach. To reach us with your questions and comments or to request a personal Bible study email us at info@backtothebiblepodcast.com.
