Question to Ponder...Parable of the Ten Virgins

[Diplomat]

I am thinking most of us are aware of this parable, yet there is something about it that has intrigued me. The ten ladies were all virgins, all had lamps, but only 5 had lamps with oil. Obviously Jesus was using a parable to teach a spiritual truth, but what truth do you think He was teaching, and what is your understanding of the oil - in the context of that lesson - that some of them were missing? [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

The parable as recorded in St. Matthew 25, KJV:

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7  Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

[neutral]

Re: Question to Ponder...Parable of the Ten Virgins

Originally posted by CEW:
[qb] I am thinking most of us are aware of this parable, yet there is something about it that has intrigued me. The ten ladies were all virgins, all had lamps, but only 5 had lamps with oil. Obviously Jesus was using a parable to teach a spiritual truth, but what truth do you think He was teaching, and what is your understanding of the oil - in the context of that lesson - that some of them were missing? [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

The parable as recorded in St. Matthew 25, KJV:

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4  But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7  Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8  And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. [/qb]

all ten virgins for just one guy?!!!lucky bar steward!!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[Dailybread]

Re: Question to Ponder...Parable of the Ten Virgins

Originally posted by CEW:

what truth do you think He was teaching

One truth that I think He was teaching is that we can all be together but won't all be ready to go when the time comes.

what is your understanding of the oil - in the context of that lesson - that some of them were missing?

The oil represents something that each individual need for themselves and it cannot be shared. The Bible tells us in Psalm -thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path-. I would say that the oil represented the Holy Ghost (Spirit). The Word is the lamp but without the Holy Spirit to bring an understanding of the Word to us the word is of non effect on our lives. When the Holy Spirit comes in then our paths are lit and we can see our way.

This statement is going to show you that I’m not positive regarding my above answer because I’m not sure what is meant by – go to them that sell and buy-. You don’t sell and can’t buy the Holy Spirit.

[Diplomat]

Re: Question to Ponder...Parable of the Ten Virgins

Originally posted by neutral:

all ten virgins for just one guy?!!!lucky bar steward!!! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

I would have been surprised if you hadn't noticed [img]/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[Guest]

Re: Question to Ponder...Parable of the Ten Virgins

I think this lesson parallels other Biblical lessons/rituals whereby the requirenments/preparation for success are clearly outlined by God and it is the beliver's choice whether or not to do their part.

Baptism is the prime example of this. The rules for entry into Heaven are clearly spelled out, but it is up to individual to decide whether they will follow God's instructions.

The virgins come unprepared and should not be surprised that they are turned away. Further, if you arive at one of God's rites of passage unprepared, you can't expect to buy your way in.

In my opinion the oil represents a symbolic commodity that the virgins have control over, yet manage poorly.

[Guest]

Re: Question to Ponder...Parable of the Ten Virgins

The parable of the Ten Virgins was told to the disciples immediately after they were told about the signs of the end of time. I believe the parable tells us that we must be prepared at all times for His second coming. Yes, we may believe in Him and His coming but what are we doing in the meantime in preparation for his coming? We are to be constantly filled with the Holy Spirit. Claiming to be a Christian and not walking in the Anointing will not get us into the Kingdom of Heaven.

[Guest]

Re: Question to Ponder...Parable of the Ten Virgins

Parable of the wise and foolish virgins, Jesus taught the necessity of preparedness for his return. The second coming is compared to a joyful wedding procession in which the unprepared cannot participate. The five wise were prepared for the unexpected delay of the bridegroom by having an extra supply of oil.

[Queen]

Re: Question to Ponder...Parable of the Ten Virgins

Coincidentally, I'm reading a book by Watchman Nee and just today, in the chapter I read pertaining to redeeming the time, he touched on the 10 virgins. Some deep and powerful stuff he shared, however, I'll let the discussions flow and reach to an end before posting some of his thoughts and revelations on the subject.

[Diplomat]

Re: Question to Ponder...Parable of the Ten Virgins

Thank you all for your imput. This is one of those parables that are often interpret any number of ways, so I do have respect and appreciation for the various points of view put forward.

I however do take note of Compry's very excellent observation of the context in which this parable was given - after they were told about the signs of the end of time - and the subsequent comments. IMHO, the fact that they were all virgins with lamps speaks to just how 'familiar' everyone in the Church looks. The thing that really separates us all is what we have on the inside, our oil, and without it we have nothing of substance.

I hope to develop on this some more, but will wait for some other perspectives.

[Guest]

Re: Question to Ponder...Parable of the Ten Virgins

Found this other view on the oil and what it represents. Thought I'd share it.

The oil that the foolish virgins found depleted when the bridegroom came is analogous to our desire for, belief in, and commitment to the eternal Life which God has promised. Many people will desire it; many will believe God's promise; many will commit themselves to wait for its realization. But only a few will find their desire, their belief, and their commitment in ample supply. Time and the flame of the weary, mundane ordinariness of life will try to lick dry our desire for the Kingdom and our belief in God's promise. For those of us who are foolish--in whom the desire does not run deep, the belief is not profound, and the commitment is only superficial and very fragile--our supply will soon run out. When the bridegroom comes, no longer do we really believe, no longer do we really want his Kingdom; long before, we had shifted our commitment to something else this world had to offer. But for those of us who are wise, our desire runs deep, our belief is profound and unshakable, and our commitment is more than superficial. So, our supply outlasts the bridegroom's delay. Though he does not come, his delay does not consume our readiness. We remain ever ready to follow him; for still we desire, still we believe, and still we remain committed to that which He has promised.

Source

[DC]

Re: Question to Ponder...Parable of the Ten Virgins

Originally posted by CEW:
I am thinking most of us are aware of this parable, yet there is something about it that has intrigued me. The ten ladies were all virgins, all had lamps, but only 5 had lamps with oil. Obviously Jesus was using a parable to teach a spiritual truth, but what truth do you think He was teaching, and what is your understanding of the oil - in the context of that lesson - that some of them were missing? [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

The parable as recorded in St. Matthew 25, KJV:
12  But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

You know, after reading this I was more intrigued with the words "I know you not" There is something about that word know. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I tend to think there was a relationship between the Word 'know' and the significance of that oil.

Well, for one the oil was the substance that was capable of being burned and making the lamp the source of light. The lamp's purpose is to shed light for the ten virgins[The Church],and for others, to see their way. Well, apparently the five foolish virgins were negligent in ensuring that their oil supply did not run low. They were not heeding Jesus' command to 'Let your light shine before men...' In other words, they were careless. The ran out of oil! If they are out of oil, it simply means that they are walking in darkness! The Word says we are Children of the Light-we are not Children of the darkness. So for awhile, they were walking in darkness, not realizing that time was of the essence.

The other aspect of the significance of the oil is that it represents anointing; however, not the anointing that give the power to do great and mighty things for God. All that is good and has its place, but as far as I am concerned, anyone can demonstrate great miracles(in the name of Jesus) but is not truly anointed. Rather, it is our spirits being connected to the Anointed One and as a result the anointing will flow from the inside out. This oil is more within than it is without. At this point God can truly say -I know who you are because you are connected to the Vine-the Supplier of the Oil. And of course, since you are connected to the Supplier you really have no need to go hunting for oil because you will never be short of oil. You will have enough to keep you walking in the Light until His return.

To know Him is to stay connected..

My two cents...

[Diplomat]

Re: Question to Ponder...Parable of the Ten Virgins

Originally posted by DC:

The other aspect of the significance of the oil is that it represents anointing; however, not the anointing that give the power to do great and mighty things for God. All that is good and has its place, but as far as I am concerned, anyone can demonstrate great miracles(in the name of Jesus) but is not truly anointed. Rather, it is our spirits being connected to the Anointed One and as a result the anointing will flow from the inside out. This oil is more within than it is without. At this point God can truly say -I know who you are because you are connected to the Vine-the Supplier of the Oil. And of course, since you are connected to the Supplier you really have no need to go hunting for oil because you will never be short of oil. You will have enough to keep you walking in the Light until His return.

To know Him is to stay connected..

My two cents...

Excellent perspective and thanks for sharing it! You have touched on something I was going to amplify but it is all good [img]/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] . I have to admit this particular study, i.e. the various contributions, has really deepened my understanding of this parable.