529. MAT 25:1, MAT 25:13. THE WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS

Mat_25:1, Mat_25:13. The Wise and Foolish Virgins

"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish," &c.’97Mat_25:1, Mat_25:13.

In this most beautiful parable the character of Christ as a bridegroom, and the solemnity of the nuptial ceremony, are very graphically presented before us. This view of the Redeemer is often the subject of scriptural revelation. In the forty-fifth psalm, and other portions of the Old Testament writings, this figure is adopted and sustained. In the parable of the marriage of the king’s son, the same idea is held forth. The apostle Paul adopts the same similitude, 2Co_11:2. And John, in the sublime visions of Patmos, refers to the church as the Lamb’s wife. In this parable, however, while the character of Christ as bridegroom, and the consummation of the marriage are clearly the leading events, yet we are especially directed to the character of those who were to grace the wedding with their personal presence. These are the ten virgins with which the parable commences. Let us then consider,

I. Whom the virgins represent. Is it not evidently the visible kingdom of Christ, the professed followers and friends of Jesus? The figure employed, that of virgins, is intended to show us the loveliness and purity of the friends of Jesus. In these virgins we look for a holy affection for Christ, and obedience to his authority. A profession of religion involves these two particulars in a preeminent degree. That we love Christ, and desire to exhibit that love in cheerful obedience to his sacred commands. All reasonable profession of religion includes of necessity these two things. Observe,

II. The essential points in which these virgins differed from each other.

1. In the appellations given to them. "Wise and foolish." (1.) The wise. The professions of the wise were valid. They were earnest, sincere. They professed Christ, and maintained that profession in reference to the future. They knew what it involved. That they would be expected to be found ready, prepared for the bridegroom’s appearance. They were therefore prudent in making the requisite preparation. They prepared lamps, or torches, as was customary on such occasions. They also provided themselves with oil for any exigency which might occur. Their wisdom, in one word, consisted in preparing and acting for the future.

(2.) The foolish. These had lamps, but no provision of oil for the future. Their religious profession had only reference to the present. The great end was not duly contemplated, nor provision made for it. Wisdom fixes its attention on the most important things, and arranges chiefly and first for them. Not so shortsighted folly, which only gazes on the present uncertain flitting now, and neglects to prepare for the sure and momentous future. A mere profession of religion may do for the flitting years of life, but Will not for the realities of death, judgment, and eternity. Notice, we are referred,

III. To the period which intervened between the coming of the bridegroom. "The bridegroom tarried." Did not appear so early as was expected. The second coming of Christ was expected by the Christians of the apostolic age. Hence Paul wrote to disabuse the minds of the early Christians as to his near approach. Since then, eighteen centuries have rolled over. So that from the commencement of the Christian dispensation to the second advent, it may be well certified, "that the bridegroom tarried." During this period, "they all slumbered and slept." This evidently refers to the sleep of death. One race and age of the church rose up and died after another. No other interpretation can meet the case clearly, for the same thing is said of both the wise and foolish, and without any blame being attached to it. It is obvious that both the wise and foolish died as they had lived. The one in union with Christ, and waiting ready for him. The other with only a nominal profession. At length the slumbers of the whole are disturbed. For notice,

IV. The momentous proclamation. "Behold the bridegroom cometh: go ye out to meet him:" Mat_25:6. This takes place at midnight, when the day of the world’s probation has passed away. At "midnight," before the day of eternity dawns.

(1.) How sublime the announcement! "Behold the bridegroom cometh." In all his grandeur and magnificence. In all his pomp and glory. Cometh as predicted. Cometh to consummate his kingdom.

(2.) How important the command! "Go ye out to meet him." For this they have been long waiting. And now they all wake and startle into life. The slumbers of the world are disturbed. But the dead in Christ rise first. Now,’97now is the grand crisis. The day of destiny and doom.

(3.) How active the arrangements! Mat_25:7. "Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps." What anxiety and care will press on every mind. It is clear that the foolish virgins were not hypocrites, but formalists. They were not deceivers, but self-deceived; for they earnestly attempt to make ready for the bridegroom’s appearance. Notice,

V. The solemn difference now discovered.

(1.) The foolish have no oil. Their mere profession died with them, and now they have no real grace, and therefore cannot join in the nuptial procession. The wise trim their lamps, and go forth as they had prepared, as they had desired, as they had expected. This difference is now first discovered. But discovered when it is too late. "The harvest is past," &c. The means of mercy past. The day of probation ended. They attempt to buy in vain. The wise have no oil,’97no grace,’97no merit,’97no righteousness to benefit others, and therefore their ruin is inevitable.

(2.) The foolish are excluded. The wise enter in with the bridegroom. Now their faith is realized in sight. Now their hope in eternal fruition. Now they are forever with the Lord. But the foolish are excluded. "The door was shut." How terrible that short sentence! The door shut, and that forever. Shut, and they excluded. And their appeals are in vain,’97for they cry "Lord, Lord," &c. But the asseveration is heard, "Verily, I know you not," Mat_25:12. I never recognized you as more than professors: mine ye never were. I cannot approve of you, or own you now. Let solemn preparation be made for eternity. Let the Christian live for that. Prepare for that. Do all things in reference to that. Apply the subject with Mat_25:13.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS