April 5, 2010
WHAT WOULD YOU ATTEMPT FOR GOD IF YOU COULD NOT FAIL?
Matthew 25:1-13
Jeff Ward
Central Truth
This passage is a great reminder that we should be living in expectation of Jesus' return, living lives that are aligned with God's purpose and plans, free from fear, and in complete obedience to His Word. And we should apply that expectation to every aspect of our daily lives.
Key Verse | Matthew 25:6
"But at midnight there was a shout, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'" (Matthew 25:6)
Matthew 25:1-13
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
1 Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps 1 25:1 Or torches and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 25:1 Some manuscripts add and the bride 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Dive Deeper | Matthew 25:1-13
Yesterday, we celebrated Easter, rejoicing in God's grace and provision for us through Jesus' death and resurrection. In this third of four parables, Jesus describes how and why we should be prepared for His return. He uses the example of 10 bridesmaids waiting on the return of the groom. Five are wise and have prepared themselves. The other five are unwise and ill-prepared when the groom comes, and they end up with the door shut in their face.
The point of the parable seems clear. Just as the wise virgins were ready for the groom's return, we must be READY for Christ’s return every day and in every way. That sounds reasonable, but what does it mean? How do we get ready? How do we live ready for Christ's return? Let me answer that by asking another question that someone once asked me: "What would you be willing to attempt for God if you knew you could not fail?"
If you haven't even thought about it, be careful before you ask it; and be wiling to obey what God might lay on your heart, even before you hear it. Ready? Then spend some time praying and considering what God might have for you to do. If the answer is something other than what you are currently doing, what is holding you back? Fear of failure? Remember that God is sovereign and in control, and He will equip you for what He has called you to do (Hebrews 13:20-21). Fear of the unknown? Jesus promises peace (John 14:27). Fear of doing something uncomfortable? Read the story of Caleb, who was 85 years old, and yet chose a difficult new adventure, based squarely on his unwavering trust in God (Joshua 14:6-15). Believe that you’ve got the rest of your life to get it in order? We know that our probability of death is 100%. We are told repeatedly in Scripture that life is a vapor, fragile, and fleeting (Psalm 39:4-7). So don't waste any more time. Trust God today. Step out in faith. And watch God work!
Discussion Questions
1. How would someone sum up your life in one sentence?
2. When you give an account, will you have regrets about how you spent your time? Your money? Your talents?
3. Is everything "on the table" and available to God—your time, talents, money, and even vocation?
4. What are you doing in your life that 1) advances His kingdom on earth and 2) requires dependence on God?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What makes a person ready to meet Jesus (John 3:16)?
2. Are you prepared to meet Him?