Wisdom in Preparation
Summary of sermon on Matthew 24:36 - 25:13 from Pastor Nick Gainey.
Jesus uses the picture of a wedding in our text this week to show the importance of preparation.
In Jewish culture at the time, there were two ceremonies that took place for marriage. In one, the woman was legally married to the husband but still lived in her father’s house. This was called betrothal (ex. Mary and Joseph). The second ceremony was the wedding.
As part of the wedding ceremony, the groom would leave his house and journey to the bride's father’s house. He would then take the bride back to his house where they would have a feast and ceremony.
In this time and culture, the groom would have either arrived early to surprise the bride, or late so she would have to wait in anticipation.
The "virgins" referred to in this text would be considered modern-day bridesmaids. Their sole job was to provide light.
Of these bridesmaids, Jesus tells that five were wise and brought enough oil for their lamps (in case the groom arrived late) and five were foolish, in that they did not prepare.
We can learn several things from this parable:
(1) There is great danger in procrastination.
The five foolish bridesmaids were not prepared; they were doing something other than spending time and energy preparing for the groom. Because of this, the groom's response was “I don’t know you” and they weren't allowed into the wedding feast.
- Spiritual Procrastination is sometimes laziness.
- It also happens because we are too busy with things of no spiritual value or importance.
It's wise to ask ourselves,
“If Christ were to return today do I regret what I or my kids spent their time preparing for this week?”
There is wisdom in preparation.
The five wise bridesmaids prepared out of love.
How do we make sure we are spiritually prepared?
- We must have enough oil/faith when the bridegroom returns.
- It must be our own faith.
- We must spend ourselves loving and obeying the bridegroom.
- We must make lifestyle choice that are counter-cultural.
- Those who are devoted to the bridegroom orient their lives to make much of Him and not themselves.
Timing matters.
What we invest our time doing in preparing for what matters. All ten of the virgins got tired and fell asleep. When they woke up there was no time left to prepare.
- There is a heavy reality with time.
- Jesus is warning the disciples and those listening that there will be a day when you will run out of time. (“It is appointed for man to die once and after that comes judgement.” - Hebrews 9:27)
- Those who are truly prepared and who love the bridegroom will get to be with the Father and enter into the Wedding.
We will all stand before God one day and give an account. The thing that makes it urgent is that we don’t know when this day will come. Those who are truly prepared are the ones who will be welcomed in.
Jesus is warning the disciples and us in this parable because he loves us!
“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” - Hebrews 9:28
