VV.1-13 - “The Parable of the Ten Virgins”
Verse 1 starts with the premise of when Christ returns. It is “then” that the kingdom of heaven will be like this parable. The greek word for “lamps” is lampas, which can also refer to a torch. In either case, the device needed oil in order to burn. There has been a great deal of speculation concerning the need for lamps and the virgins meeting the bridegroom. However, little evidence or historical information exists concerning some of the Jewish marriage practices. It is best to take Jesus’s parable at face value.
In verses 2 through 4, Jesus explains that five of the virgins had brought their lamps and the oil needed for the lamps to burn. However, the other five had not come fully prepared. Verses 5 through 7 explain that the bridegroom did not come immediately and the ten virgins had to wait for a time. When the bridegroom did come, they quickly prepared their lamps.
Verses 8 through 10 reveal that the unwise virgins were not able to borrow from the wise. When Christ returns, those who have not made themselves ready will not be able to borrow the righteousness of those who are prepared. While the five foolish virgins were searching for oil, the door was shut. Verses 11 through 13 describe the tragedy of those who will be unprepared. When the Kingdom comes, it will be established quickly and one must not miss their opportunity to enter. (While this parable is concerning the coming of Christ to establish the Kingdom, there are strong similarities with our age of grace. We also do not know the day or hour of the rapture. We must be prepared at all times. We prepare ourselves by being in Christ, through faith.
VV.14-30 - “The Parable of the Talents”
In verse 14, Jesus provides another parable concerning the kingdom of heaven. The man who is traveling leaves his wealth with his servants. Verse 15 explains that these three servants received the amount that was appropriate for their ability. The man was not asking more of his servants than they were capable. The word “talent” in the Greek is talanton, which refers to a balance of scales for a certain value. It is estimated that a talent of gold is equal to about 200 pounds.
Verse 16 explains that the servant who received five traded with his talents to double what was given him. The word “traded” is ergazomai, which means toil and labor. Perhaps the servant used the five talents to purchase tools and worked as a craftsman or blacksmith. In the same way, the servant with two increased what was entrusted to him. However, verse 18 reveals that the servant who received one talent chose to hide his lord’s money.
Verses 19 through 23 illustrate the return of the man, and more directly the return of Christ. The servants who used their talents to increase the wealth of their master received a great reward. Within the parable, the one who received two was not rewarded less than the one who received five. With this parable representing the kingdom of heaven, one can speculate that the servant who received the most talents would be equivalent to Peter and the other disciples. This group was given the most responsibility and authority. James 3:1 would appear to confirm this. The servant who received two talents may be mirroring the other disciples besides the twelve who followed Jesus at times in his earthly ministry.
Verses 24 through 30 describe the man’s dealing with the last servant. This verse revealed the contempt that the servant has toward the master. This servant, while claiming to have preserved his master’s wealth, did nothing to serve or increase his master’s possessions. This servant was not given a burden beyond his ability, yet he chose to do nothing. In verses 26 and 27, the master justly ridiculed the servant and pointed out that the servant did not even fear the master. If he would have, he would have done at least something with his master’s possessions. As a result of the servant’s wickedness and disobedience, his master’s possessions were given to the first servant and he received nothing and was cast out. (Oftentimes preachers try to make an application with this parable. However, this parable is not intended for our dispensation. There is danger in mixing kingdom instruction for our age of grace. In doing so, we can make the mistake of teaching works based salvation. With that being said, God has also blessed us with this life and the understanding of how man can be reconciled unto him. Let us not waste the blessings he has given us.)
VV.31-46 - “The Coming of the Lord’s Judgment”
There are some theologians who debate the meaning of these 16 verses. Some believe this is referring to the great white throne of judgment in Revelation 20. This is a tempting option, because there are some similarities and may even simplify some doctrinal matters concerning the end times. However, if one reads the verses carefully, Revelation 20 becomes a less than ideal option.
First of all, verses 31 and 32 describe this event occurring when Christ does in fact return and reigns on the throne. Furthermore, verse 32 described two groups: the sheep and the goats. These groups consist of all nations, but one can build a strong argument in which Israel is not in this group. This is because at this point, they have already repented and been saved as a nation.
These two groups are likely the rest of the peoples of the earth. The sheep will receive the reward and be placed at Christ’s right hand. Christ’s explanation in verses 35 and 36 seem strange; however, he reveals he is not speaking directly of himself. He is referring to the “least of these”. Taken in isolation, this verse would be vague and confusing. However, the entire context has been focused on the end times, the tribulation, the Anitchrist, and the return of the Lord. Staying true to context, the best explanation would be “the least of these” referring to the Jewish remnant in the tribulation. This can be seen as a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3. However, the goats did nothing of the sort. Being threatened and fearful of the Antichrist, they refused to help the persecuted Jewish people. They did not clothe them, feed them, or care for them. Instead, they followed the governing authority. As a result, they entered into judgment.
(Mishandling of this passage has led to further legalism and even socialist ideals within Christian society. The “least of these” replaces Israel and is instead interpreted as the poor and needy. Faith is often devalued and the true test of salvation comes in the form of social justice. The fact is, socialism is not taught in the Bible. It always comes from an improper handling of scripture and bad theology. You cannot be saved by feeding and clothing the poor. Neither is charity the burden of proof for salvation. You are saved by grace through faith and faith alone. With that being said, let us love others as Christ loved the whole world. Christ died for the poor and needy just as he died for us. Let us be motivated by love for others, not legalism.)
