Matthew 25:10 (NKJV)
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
Bible Commentary
Matthew 25:10 is a Bible verse where Jesus shows us what happens to the foolish in the parable about the wise and foolish virgins.
Jesus starts the parable in Matthew 25:1 by saying the story is like the kingdom of heaven, “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.”
There is something to be learned and applied here in regards to our relationship with Christ. Let’s take a look at the rest of the story.
Matthew 25:2-10 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ 7 Then all those virgins arose 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, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
The bridegroom represents Jesus Christ, and the virgins who are waiting for His arrival represent the bride of Christ, the church.
Those virgins who took oil with them in their vessels represent those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and these virgins took oil with them in their vessels, just as those of us who are saved have the oil of the Holy Spirit dwelling in our vessels—our bodies.
The oil is what fuels the light for the lamp. Therefore, those with oil in their vessels are prepared, even in the darkness. That is why we are wise; we accepted the gift of Jesus Christ and submit to His authority in our lives.
Unlocking the Truth – The Door was Shut
Those who have rejected Christ and His lordship are foolish. When the darkness comes, they have no oil in their vessels to keep the light on.
Jesus said in John 9:4-5,
“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
It is a sobering thought to know that a dark time is coming when no one can work. As great as God’s mercy and love is, we know from His Word that He is also Ruler and Judge. The Book of Revelation speaks about His judgement.
Many unbelievers scoff at the idea of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. This is precisely why He is delayed in coming back. He desires every person to be saved. 2 Peter 3:9 says,
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
But there will come a time when He will wait for repentance no longer. That time is quickly approaching. This is what Jesus is warning us about in Matthew 25:10.
“And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.”
When the door is shut, there are no more opportunities. Time has run out. See how the parable ends in Matthew 25:11-13.
“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Study the Bible verse of Matthew 25:10, be in prayer for unbelievers and watch for His coming.
