The Parable of the Ten Virgins: Be Ready for Christ's Return

Devotional

Day 1: Be Ready for Christ’s Return

Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins powerfully illustrates the necessity of being spiritually prepared for His return. Just as the wise virgins brought extra oil, showing foresight and readiness, so too must each person ensure their faith is genuine and active, not merely an outward association with Christ. The opportunity to respond to Christ is available now, but once He returns, the door will be shut, and the chance for salvation will be gone. Let your heart be attentive and your life reflect a readiness to meet the Lord at any moment, for the timing of His coming is unknown to all. [37:39]

Matthew 25:1-13 (ESV)
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 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.’ 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. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are “asleep” spiritually, assuming you have more time? What practical step can you take today to be ready for Christ’s return?

Day 2: Genuine Faith, Not Outward Religion

The parable warns that outward religiosity or association with Christian community is not enough; only those who have truly repented and trusted in Christ will be known by Him. Like the foolish virgins, many may assume their good works, family background, or church involvement will suffice, but Jesus makes clear that only a personal, saving relationship with Him matters. Examine your heart to ensure your faith is not just a formality but a living trust in Christ alone for salvation. [49:49]

Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

Reflection: In what ways might you be relying on religious activity or heritage rather than a true relationship with Jesus? How can you shift your trust to Christ alone today?

Day 3: Salvation Is Non-Transferable

Each person must respond to Christ for themselves; faith cannot be borrowed or transferred from another. Just as the wise virgins could not share their oil, so too no one can rely on the faith of parents, friends, or a church community to save them. The call is personal: to look to the Son and believe in Him for eternal life, for after death comes judgment and no further opportunity to decide. [57:16]

John 6:40 (ESV)
“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Reflection: Is there someone whose faith you have been depending on instead of your own? What would it look like for you to personally respond to Jesus in faith today?

Day 4: Assurance of Salvation Through Knowing Christ

True assurance of salvation comes from knowing Christ and being known by Him, not from external markers or feelings. The Scriptures encourage believers to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith, and to rest in the testimony that eternal life is found in the Son. If you have believed in Jesus, you can have confidence that you possess eternal life and are secure in Him, even as you await His return. [01:07:22]

1 John 5:11-13 (ESV)
“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Reflection: When doubts about your salvation arise, how can you remind yourself of the assurance found in Christ? What Scripture can you meditate on today to strengthen your confidence in Him?

Day 5: Live as the Betrothed Bride Awaiting the Bridegroom

Believers are described as the betrothed bride of Christ, awaiting the glorious wedding feast when He returns. This identity calls for living in faithful devotion, purity, and anticipation, knowing that Christ has paid the price for us and is preparing a place for His people. Let your life reflect the joy and hope of being united with Christ forever, and let this hope motivate you to serve Him and help others be ready for His coming. [01:10:24]

2 Corinthians 11:2 (ESV)
“For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.”

Reflection: How does seeing yourself as the beloved, betrothed bride of Christ change the way you approach your daily life and relationships? What is one way you can live out this identity today?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus was on the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew 25:1-13, a story Jesus told to illustrate the importance of spiritual readiness for his return. Drawing from the rich context of first-century Jewish wedding customs, we explored how the engagement, betrothal, and wedding feast each carried deep significance, especially the final step—the wedding feast, which is the setting for this parable. In the story, ten virgins await the bridegroom, but only five are wise enough to bring extra oil for their lamps, while the other five are unprepared. When the bridegroom arrives unexpectedly, only those who are ready enter the feast; the rest are shut out.

This parable is not about deciphering every detail as an allegory, but about grasping the central point: the necessity of being truly prepared for Christ’s return. Outward appearances or mere association with the faith are not enough. The wise virgins represent those who have genuine faith—a heart transformed by repentance and trust in Christ. The foolish virgins, though outwardly similar, lack the inward reality of new birth. When the moment comes, spiritual readiness cannot be borrowed or transferred from another; each person must have their own relationship with Christ.

We also considered the sobering reality that, just as the door was shut to the unprepared virgins, there will come a time when the opportunity for salvation is over—whether at Christ’s return or at the end of our earthly lives. Jesus’ repeated exhortation to “watch” and “be ready” is not just for those who will live through the end times, but for every generation. The assurance of salvation is not found in religious activity or heritage, but in truly knowing Christ and being known by Him. This is the testimony of eternal life: “Whoever has the Son has life.”

Finally, we reflected on the beautiful imagery of Christ as the bridegroom and the church as His bride. Our salvation story mirrors the ancient wedding process: the Father initiates, the Son pays the bride price with His blood, and we are now betrothed, awaiting the glorious wedding feast to come. Until that day, we are called to live as faithful servants, ready and eager for His return, and to help others be ready as well.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual Readiness Cannot Be Borrowed True preparedness for Christ’s return is a personal matter. No one can rely on the faith or spiritual vitality of another—each must have their own oil, their own relationship with Christ. This challenges us to examine whether our faith is genuine or merely external, and to seek a living, personal connection with the Lord. [56:29]
2. Outward Religion Is Not Enough The foolish virgins looked the part, but lacked the essential inner reality. Jesus warns that mere association with the church, good works, or religious heritage cannot substitute for true repentance and faith. The difference between “professors” and “possessors” of faith is eternally significant. [49:49]
3. The Door Will Not Stay Open Forever There is a sobering finality to the parable: once the bridegroom arrives, the door is shut. This reminds us that the opportunity to respond to Christ is limited—either by His return or by our own mortality. We are urged to respond now, not presuming on a future that may not be ours. [59:03]
4. Assurance Is Found in Knowing Christ Eternal life is not about religious performance, but about knowing Christ and being known by Him. This relationship is the only sure foundation for assurance, peace, and hope, both now and at the day of His coming. [60:24]
5. Live as Faithful Servants While We Wait While we await the return of our Bridegroom, we are called to live faithfully—serving, watching, and helping others be ready. Our hope in the coming wedding feast should shape our daily lives, fueling both our devotion and our mission. [71:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[14:31] - Opening Worship and Announcements
[27:19] - Operation Christmas Child & Remembrance
[31:10] - Church Business and Veterans Day
[33:17] - Introduction to Matthew 25
[36:08] - Reading the Parable of the Ten Virgins
[38:38] - Jewish Wedding Customs Explained
[41:25] - Engagement, Betrothal, and Wedding Feast
[45:03] - The Parable’s Main Point
[47:19] - The Lamps, Oil, and Readiness
[49:49] - Outward Profession vs. Inward Reality
[51:52] - The Midnight Cry and Unexpected Return
[54:26] - The Consequences of Unpreparedness
[59:03] - The Shut Door and Finality
[62:04] - Watchfulness and Application
[68:45] - Christ the Bridegroom and Our Betrothal
[71:18] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
[79:02] - Final Announcements and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 25:1-13 (ESV) — “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 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.’ 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. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” 1 John 5:11-12 (ESV) “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,”

Observation Questions

In the parable, what was the main difference between the wise and foolish virgins when it came to their lamps and oil? (Matthew 25:3-4)
What happened when the bridegroom finally arrived, and how did the virgins respond? (Matthew 25:6-10)
According to the sermon, what does the “shut door” in the parable represent? [59:03]
What does 1 John 5:12 say is the difference between those who have eternal life and those who do not?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus emphasized that spiritual readiness cannot be borrowed or transferred from someone else? [56:29]
What does it mean to have a faith that is more than just outward appearance or association with the church? [49:49]
How does the parable challenge the idea that there will always be more time to respond to Christ? [59:03]
In what ways does the imagery of Christ as the bridegroom and the church as His bride help us understand our relationship with Him? [01:08:45]

Application Questions

The wise virgins were prepared ahead of time, while the foolish ones waited until it was too late. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you are “putting off” being ready? What is one step you can take this week to be more spiritually prepared? [56:29]
The sermon said that outward religion is not enough and that true faith is shown by a changed heart. How can you tell if your faith is genuine and not just an external habit? Are there warning signs in your life that you might be relying on appearance rather than real relationship with Christ? [49:49]
The parable warns that the door will not stay open forever. Is there someone in your life you feel prompted to share the gospel with, knowing that opportunities may not last? What is one way you can reach out to them this week? [59:03]
Assurance is found in knowing Christ and being known by Him. What does your daily relationship with Jesus look like right now? Are there specific ways you want to grow in truly knowing Him, not just knowing about Him? [01:00:24]
The sermon described our salvation story as being like a wedding process, with Christ paying the bride price and us awaiting the wedding feast. How does this picture affect your hope and motivation as you wait for Christ’s return? [01:08:45]
While we wait for Jesus, we are called to live as faithful servants. What is one practical way you can serve others or help someone else be ready for Christ this week? [01:11:00]
The parable ends with Jesus’ command to “watch” and “be ready.” What distractions or habits in your life make it hard to stay watchful? What is one thing you could change to help you stay focused on Christ’s return? [01:02:04]

Sermon Clips

Just as a lamp would be useless once the oil would run out, so too it’s foolish to have a profession of allegiance to Christ without actual faith in the accompanied regenerated heart, and infinitely more foolish. [00:48:47] (18 seconds)

Half the virgins were foolish, half were wise. It doesn’t necessarily equate that half of the people who profess Christ at the end of the great tribulation will be saved and hath not. But it’s another indicator that broad is the road that leads to destruction. [00:50:38] (16 seconds)

When the Lord appears at the end of the Great Tribulation, many who profess to be followers of Christ but were not actually will be struck with a realization that they didn’t truly know Him. They might think that their association with the church, or having been born and raised in a Christian family, or their good works will be what is needed to be saved, rather than truly humbling themselves in repentance and faith and trusting Christ. [00:55:01] (29 seconds)

The foolish virgins didn’t have enough time to obtain more oil. The bridegroom came, they weren’t there and ready. The wedding marriage feast, right? Went on with that procession, went on without them. It got to the place where it was was taking place and the door was shut. [00:58:57] (17 seconds)

It is going to be a terrible day for those who face the returning Christ and are made to fully realize that they don’t know him truly and he doesn’t know them, that they are unsaved and will remain that way that the door will be shut just as it was on the ark the day that the flood came in Noah’s time. And it’s too late. [01:01:04] (26 seconds)

Sadly, like the foolish virgins of the parable and other texts that we’ve considered, some seem to think they’ll be okay based on some false sense of security. But the only thing we can base our assurance on is truly believing in Christ and knowing him and him knowing us. And everybody should be sure that already in doing so, by examining yourself, Second Corinthians 13:5, to see whether you are in the faith, test yourselves. [01:06:31] (28 seconds)

We are then at this time have we believed in Him. Those things are true for us. And we now are betrothed to Christ as is written about in the scripture. Paul said 2 Corinthians 11:2 For I feel a divine jealousy for you since I betrothed you to one husband to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. We are awaiting our bridegroom to send for us for the wedding feast of the Lamb. Revelation 19. [01:09:53] (32 seconds)

``The consummation is this. We’re always going to be with him in a place that he’s preparing for us initially. And then it’s also going to come. Heaven and earth are going to be one. New heavens, new earth. Praise be to God. Amen. [01:10:49] (15 seconds)

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