Resurrection Life of Jesus Church

MARRIAGE
Most Christians do not understand the parable of the ten virgins because they try and make the marriage story conform with the with the way weddings are conducted today.

Young adults did not date at the time of Jesus. Marriages were arranged by the parents when children were young. This is what took place with Joseph and Mary.

The parents of Joseph examined Mary’s family and thought that a union of their children would be suitable. Joseph and Mary were probably ten years old at the time. The two sets of parents discussed a marriage between their children, set up a legal contract, and Joseph’s parents paid the dowry. Then they visited the gate of the city (courthouse) and registered the marriage between their children. Joseph and Mary were officially “espoused.” Luke 1:27

The Mosaic law stipulated that death was the punishment for an espoused woman who was unfaithful. Deuteronomy 22:13-21

When Mary became pregnant, Joseph intended to put her away someplace private to save her life. Undoubtedly, he was hurt by her infidelity, but then the angel of the Lord dispelled all his fear and anger with the news that she was carrying the Messiah.  Matthew 1:18-21

THE WEDDING
A date was set for the wedding feast when an espoused man was financially strong enough to support a wife. As far as the Mosaic law was concerned, he and his fiancée were already married because it had been previously registered. All weddings were paid for by the father of the groom and guests were given wedding garments when they arrived at the father’s home.

Only the groom knew when he was going to the home of his bride and pick her up. Therefore, it was necessary for her and the bridesmaids to be ready during a particular 24-hour period.

When the appointed hour arrived, the groom left his father’s house with a number of friends and they crisscrossed the village or city, blowing trumpets as a signal for the guests to join them.

It was the responsibility of the guests to join the groom’s parade making its way to the bride’s home or after he collected the bride and made his way to the venue. A guest could not attend the wedding if he failed to connect with the groom’s entourage.

When the happy procession finally arrived to the bride’s house, she and the bridesmaids joined the festivity and traveled to the groom’s house.

Once the marriage parade arrived at the home of the father, the father stood at the door and handed out special wedding garments to each guest. Guests could not bring their own wedding garments; they were exclusively provided by the father.

Once everyone had gotten dressed, the festivity started with a lavish meal featuring musicians and singers. This was followed by more entertainment and then the groom and bride entered the bridal chamber where the marriage was consummated.

THE TEN VIRGINS
As Jesus stood on the temple ground, He told a parable about ten virgins who were waiting to attend a wedding. Since they had to be ready for a particular 24-hour period, they had oil lamps if the festivities took place after the sun set. Matthew 25:1

The five wise virgins brought extra oil if the groom arrived later than expected. The five foolish virgins expected the groom to come quickly and had just enough oil to make their lamps burn for a while; they made no provision for delay. verses 2-4

• The wise virgins refer to those who are prepared for the second coming of Jesus.

• The foolish virgins reveal the conduct of those who profess to love Jesus, but are not prepared to meet Him.

The ten virgins waited all day for the groom. Then evening came and they all fell asleep. verse 5

They were awakened by the noise of the groom and his wedding party at midnight.
verse 6

The ten virgins arose and found their lamps producing a dim and smokey light that comes from an untrimmed wick. They needed a bright flame when traveling with the groom’s procession and that is why the wicks were trimmed. verse 7

The wise virgins added more oil to their lamps and the foolish virgins asked to borrow some because their fuel supply would soon run out. verse 8

The five wise virgins had each brought a cruse of oil to refill their lamps. They knew there wasn’t enough fuel if they shared with the foolish virgins and denied their request. verse 9

The five foolish virgins left to buy more oil, but while they were gone, the groom’s procession arrived. The five wise virgins joined the gathering and everyone that was part of the parade was allowed into the father’s house and then the door was shut. verse 10

After securing more oil, the foolish virgins failed to join the wedding procession. They were denied admittance by the father upon their arrival to the father’s house because the father did not know them. verses 11-12

Jesus told the people listening to the parable to watch for His second coming because they were ignorant of the day and hour when it will take place. verse 13

SUMMARY
The oil in this parable represents salvation. Christians are to watch for the second coming of Christ and be ready to meet the bridegroom (Jesus). The wedding feast will take place in heaven. God the Father is going to host the assembly where we will finally get to meet Jesus (groom). Revelation 19:1-9

Jesus is our salvation; it impossible to enter heaven without His righteousness, let alone take part of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Acts 4:12

Being a church member does not save anyone; there is no salvation associated with the church. Doing charitable works also does not ensure you make it to heaven. We are saved by faith and confessing Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-13

Anyone can claim to be a Christian. The hallmark of Christianity is repentance; that’s what God is seeking. God the Father’s intention is that you will repent and be born again. Matthew 7:21-23