Words to Grow On

Archive Devotions

April 11, 2005

“The Parable of the Ten Virgins”

By:

Vicki Johnson

In order to gain a better understanding of this parable, first we must look at where, when, why and to whom Jesus told the parable.  After such study we may then look at the symbolism of the bridegroom, the ten virgins, the light and lamps, and the specific phrasing that parallel other references in the Bible.

According to Matthew, Jesus just left the temple in Jerusalem and was walking with His disciples when He began sharing signs that will indicate the end of the age and the fact that the timing is unknown.  The disciples had questions about the kingdom of heaven, so it is often inferred that Jesus told the disciples about the ‘end times’ to address these questions.

Looking at the week before the death of Jesus, we see how everything fits together:  Saturday, the anointing at Bethany; Sunday, the triumphal entry into Jerusalem; Monday, the cleansing of the temple.  On Tuesday, questions of Jesus’ authority, paying taxes and the greatest commandment arise, and Jesus shares His distress about the Pharisees.  Thursday evening brings the Passover, the last supper, and Jesus’ betrayal and trial.  Friday, Jesus is brought before the council, Pilate, and Herod, and is crucified and buried to await Sunday, the resurrection.  We can place the telling of this parable on Tuesday because after Jesus shares this parable, he tells His disciples they need to get ready for Passover, which is in two days.1

There are many symbols in this parable: the bridegroom, the ten virgins, the light and lamps, and the specific phrasing of the key points of the parable.  In order to understand these symbols, we must look at their different parallels in the Bible.

Isaiah says God celebrates over Christians like a bridegroom celebrates over his wife.  The LORD says earlier in Isaiah, the one who made us is our husband and his name is the LORD Almighty.2   Paul writes in 2nd Corinthians of a promise to a husband, who is Christ.3   John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the bridegroom.4   Even Jesus refers to himself as the bridegroom.5   There are many other references to Jesus Christ as the bridegroom in both the Old and New Testataments.6   From these references, we can be lead to the following conclusion:  Jesus Christ is the bridegroom.

If Jesus is the bridegroom, who are the virgins?  According to Jewish custom, the ten virgins were the bride’s attendants, the bridegroom’s servants.  The bridegroom and friends, late at night, would go to the bride’s house where she and her bridesmaids awaited his arrival.  When the bridegroom was close, the virgins would take their lamps and light his way to the house with pomp and circumstance to celebrate the marriage.

According to Jesus, in order to be great we must be like Him, a servant.7   Paul tells Timothy the qualifications of being a servant: no petty arguing, must be a good mentor, persevering and compassionate.8   The wise virgins are the true and sincere Christians, while the foolish virgins are hypocrites.  True Christians follow God’s instructions on how to live and be a servant, therefore, planning for Christ’s return.  Hypocrites are living for the world and not for God and will be gone when Jesus comes back.

It is interesting to note: both the foolish and wise virgins fall asleep.  The bridegroom took what was seemingly a long time in returning so that all virgins slumbered.  This fulfills what Jesus says in Luke; when he returns, there will not be faith.9   Falling asleep shows a lack of faith.  If the virgins really thought the bridegroom was returning, they would not have fallen asleep.  The difference between the wise and foolish virgins is though both were asleep, the wise planned ahead and brought enough oil to keep the lamps burning.  The wise virgins are examples of Paul’s instruction on placing valuables in heaven, so they will have a solid footing for the future.10

According to Matthew, Christians are the light of the world and are to let their light shine for all men to see.  The virgins in the parable have light to declare they are awaiting the bridegrooms’ return.  In this same way, Christians are to let their lights shine while waiting for Christ’s return.  Paul tells us that Christians are like the stars that shine in the night sky:  illuminating for all to see.11

From looking at different references in the Bible, we learn the Lord is the one who fuels our lamps,12 the words of God are our lamps to light the way for daily life13 and God’s lamp sees the hearts of men.14 

Specific phrases in this story occur repeatedly throughout the Bible.  When the virgins return with their oil, they knock on the door.  The bridegroom tells them to go because he does not know them (v. 12).  This is parallel to Jesus telling His disciples there are people doing good for God, but who do not know God themselves.  When Christ returns, Jesus will say He never knew them.15

The theme of keeping watch is not a new theme.  The LORD say He, who scattered the Israelites, watches over them the same way a shepherd watches their flocks.16   Jesus tells His disciples to be on the lookout since they do not know when He returns.17

In the next chapter, Jesus instructs His disciples to be on guard to stay clear of temptation.18   The shepherds in the Christmas story are keeping watch over their sheep.19   Paul tells Timothy to pay attention to his life and doctrine.20

After understanding the setting of the parable, we see the symbols of the bridegroom; the virgins, the light and lamps, and the specific phrasing of the story are far greater that what they first appear.  As with all of Jesus’ parables, there is a deeper, more significant meaning to be found upon closer examination.  Jesus is not the only one who taught these ideas.  David, Solomon, John, Paul, and even the LORD Himself enlightened us in the same way:

Be ready.

1 Matthew 26:1

2 Isaiah 54:5

3 2Corinthians 11:2

4 John 3:29

5 Mark 2:19

6 Psalm 45:9-11; Matthew 22:1-14; Luke 5:34-35; Ephesians 5:25-33; Revelation 19:7; Revelation 21:2

7 Matthew 20:26-28

8 2Timothy 2:24

9 Luke 18:8

10 1Timothy 6:19

11 Philippians 2:15

12 2Samuel 22:29

13 Psalms 119:105

14 Proverbs 20:27

15 Matthew 7:21-23

16 Jeremiah 31:10

17 Matthew 24:42

18 Matthew26:41

19 Luke 2:8

20 1Timothy 4:1