06/24/2025
THE PARABLE OF TEN VIRGINS
Day One: “The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like…”
Text: Matthew 25:1-13
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” – Matthew 25:1
Introduction
In this powerful parable, our LORD JESUS CHRIST gives a sobering picture of the last days—of watchfulness, readiness, and the consequences of spiritual negligence. This is not merely a story about wedding traditions; it is a divine revelation of the Kingdom of GOD and the necessity of preparedness. The ten virgins represent those who profess to await the return of CHRIST, yet only half were truly ready.
Let us take a careful look at the meanings behind these symbols, drawing from the Old and New Testament, so we can rightly divide the Word of Truth and prepare ourselves to be among the wise.
1. The Kingdom of Heaven Is a Prepared Place for a Prepared People
The parable begins with “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins…” JESUS often used parables to illustrate the nature of GOD’s Kingdom. The phrase “Then shall…” connects this parable with the events of the end times described in Matthew 24. In essence, this parable is a continuation of JESUS’ end-time discourse.
The “ten virgins” all represent believers who have been set apart (virginity symbolizing purity or professed holiness), but not all were wise. This tells us that outward appearance or confession is not sufficient—inner substance and readiness are what CHRIST seeks.
Example from Scripture:
• The people of Israel were called out of Egypt as a nation unto GOD (Exodus 19:6), yet many perished in the wilderness because, though they had been delivered, they were not prepared in heart (Hebrews 3:17-19).
• Similarly, the church at Sardis had a reputation of being alive, but was spiritually dead (Revelation 3:1-3).
2. Lamps Without Oil: A Dangerous Assumption
All ten virgins took lamps, but only five took oil with them. The lamp symbolizes the outward profession, ministry, or testimony. Oil represents the HOLY SPIRIT, GOD’s grace, and the personal relationship with HIM that fuels our light.
Having a lamp without oil is like having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5). Many today carry the Bible, attend church, and even preach or sing in choirs, yet lack the indwelling presence of the HOLY SPIRIT. Such are like Saul, who was once anointed but lost the SPIRIT (1 Samuel 16:14), or the foolish Galatians who began in the SPIRIT but sought to be perfected in the flesh (Galatians 3:3).
3. Spiritual Slumber in the Last Days
Verse 5 says, “While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.” The delay in the bridegroom’s coming tested the endurance and preparation of the virgins. This is a picture of spiritual drowsiness and the tendency of many to lose fervency while waiting for CHRIST’s return.
Supporting Scripture:
• Romans 13:11 — “It is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”
• Revelation 3:2 — “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die…”
Though all slept, only the wise had reserves of oil. This means that trials and delays will come, but those who have a deep, abiding relationship with GOD will remain spiritually prepared.
4. A Midnight Cry: A Sudden Awakening
The cry at midnight (verse 6) signifies the suddenness of CHRIST’s return, just as Paul described in 1 Thessalonians 5:2—“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the LORD so cometh as a thief in the night.”
No one will have time to borrow righteousness or oil. The midnight hour is a dividing hour, a moment of revelation, and a season of irreversible consequence. This is why JESUS warned, “Watch therefore…” (Matthew 25:13).
Conclusion
The parable warns us not to rely solely on appearances or religious acts. It challenges us to go deeper—to carry oil, to be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT, and to abide in CHRIST daily. For when the trumpet shall sound, there will be no second chance to buy what we neglected to carry.
Three Prophetic Blessings
1. I prophesy that you shall not be counted among the foolish in the day of HIS appearing, in the NAME of JESUS.
2. May the OIL of the HOLY SPIRIT overflow in your vessel, and may your lamp never go out, in the NAME of JESUS.
3. You shall hear the voice of the BRIDEGROOM and enter with HIM into everlasting joy, in the NAME of JESUS.
Bishop Joshua Ajayi
WMM Toronto Canada