What does Matthew 25:7 teach about preparedness for Christ's return? Setting the Scene “Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.” (Matthew 25:7) Jesus is describing the moment when a midnight cry announces the bridegroom’s arrival. Ten virgins—five wise, five foolish—rise simultaneously. Their first instinct? Tending to their lamps. Key Observation • Every virgin, wise or foolish, immediately responds by getting up and preparing her lamp. • The verse spotlights a critical truth: the coming of Christ will suddenly expose whether prior preparation was genuine and sufficient. Lessons on Preparedness • Readiness must be maintained before the crisis. When the call comes, there is no time to start getting ready; there is only time to finish what was begun. • Spiritual vigilance is an individual responsibility. No virgin could borrow another’s alertness. • External similarity masks internal difference. All ten appear earnest in verse 7, yet only the wise possess the inner supply (oil) needed to keep shining (vv. 8-10). • The command to “trim” implies ongoing maintenance—removing charred wick so the flame can burn brightly. In discipleship, that pictures regular repentance and renewal (cf. Psalm 139:23-24). Practical Steps for Today 1. Stock the oil—cultivate genuine faith by daily communion with Christ (John 15:4-5). 2. Keep the wick short—confess sin promptly, letting God prune what hinders clear witness (1 John 1:9). 3. Stay awake—live expectantly, ordering time, resources, and relationships as though He might return tonight (Titus 2:11-13). 4. Shine now—use opportunities for gospel testimony while there is daylight (Matthew 5:14-16). Supporting Scriptures • Luke 12:35: “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:4-6: “But you, brothers, are not in darkness… So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” • Revelation 16:15: “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.” • 1 Peter 1:13: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be sober-minded and set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Encouragement for Vigilance Matthew 25:7 urges believers to live in a continual state of readiness. When the midnight cry sounds, the faithful will simply rise, trim their lamps, and move forward with joy, their prior preparation proving its worth in the light of the Bridegroom’s return. |
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