Definition of Parable:
Parable
signifies in general a comparison, or a parallel, by which one thing is used to
illustrate another. It is a likeness taken from the sphere of real, or
sensible, or earthly incidents, in order to convey an ideal, or spiritual, or
heavenly meaning. As uttering one thing and signifying something else, it is in
the nature of a riddle and has therefore a light and a dark side, it is
intended to stir curiosity and calls for intelligence in the listener. The
derivation of the Hebrew is unknown.
Parable of the Bride's
Girlfriends (or The Ten Virgins)
Matthew 25:1-13
"Then
the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens 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
slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, `Behold, the bridegroom!
Come out to meet him.' Then all those
maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, `Give
us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, `Perhaps there will not
be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.'
And while they went 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 maidens came also, saying,
`Lord, lord, open to us.' But he
replied, `Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you
know neither the day nor the hour.
Explanation/Meaning:
You know the look of disappointment when you
miss a "once in a life-time" opportunity. Being unprepared can lead to disastrous
consequences! What good is a forgotten
life-jacket, when the boat is sinking?
Jesus' story of ten girlfriends of the bride being caught off-guard by
the groom's party seems strange to westerners today. But his audience knew all too well how easily
this could happen to them. Wedding
customs in ancient Palestine required extra vigilance and preparation for
everyone involved. (Some near eastern
villages still follow this custom.) The
bride and groom did not go away for their honeymoon, but celebrated for a whole
week with their family and friends. It
was the custom for the groom to come at his discretion and get his bride and
bring her to the wedding party. If he came at night lamps were required by
necessity. To show up for a wedding
party at night without proper attire, such as a lamp and a wedding garment, is
like showing up for an important event today which requires a reservation and a
ticket. You just don't get in without
the proper pass. Can you imagine the
frustration one experiences in traveling abroad and finding out you can't get
into some country because you don't have a valid passport or visa? Jesus warns us that there are consequences
for being unprepared. There are certain
things you cannot obtain at the last moment. For example, a student cannot
prepare for his exam when the day of testing is upon him. A person cannot get the right kind of
character or skill required for a task at hand unless he already possesses it.
Our eternal welfare depends on our hearing, and many have trained themselves to
not hear. We will not be prepared to
meet the Lord, face to face, when he calls us on the day of judgment, unless we
listen to him today. The Lord invites us
to feast at his banquet table. Are you
ready to meet him when he calls?
"Lord,
make me vigilant and attentive to your voice that I may heed your call at all
times. May I find joy in your presence
and delight in doing your will."
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