The Ten Virgins
J. C. Gray. Matthew 25:1-13 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened to ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.… I. The PREPARATION. 1. All were moved by one desire — to welcome the bridegroom, and partake of the banquet. Even the foolish may be right in part. 2. The wise went wholly prepared. 3. The unwise took lamps and vessels, but no oil; perhaps did not examine the vessel. Thought they had enough, etc. The experiment of many seems to be, an attempt at discovering how little religion will suffice for their safety. II. The DISCOVERY. 1. The light gone out! Night dark. Bridegroom coming. Midnight cry. Terrible thing to have no light of truth, hope, etc., in the night of error, sorrow, death. 2. The oil exhausted. Sad for the heart to be without grace in seasons of perplexity and peril. 3. No oil to be borrowed. He who has most religion, has none to spare; and cannot impart grace to empty souls. 4. Oil must be bought. Those who seek grace at last may find those who might guide and comfort full of engagements. 5. The door shut. Could neither meet the Bridegroom or enter in. III. The APPEAL. 1. Respectful. 2. Earnest. 3. Heartrending. 4. Fruitless. (J. C. Gray.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. WEB: "Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom.