Matthew 25:8
“But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.”
Context:Matthew 25:8 is part of a parable known as the Parable of the Ten Virgins. This parable is found in Matthew 25:1-13 and is shared by Jesus to emphasise the importance of being prepared for His second coming and the need for readiness and vigilance among His followers.
The Characters:In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, there are ten virgins who are awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom. The ten virgins represent the followers of Christ, the Church, or the body of believers.
The Setting:The parable takes place during a wedding ceremony where the bridegroom is expected to arrive. The ten virgins have lamps with oil, which symbolise their readiness to meet the bridegroom.
The Action:In the parable, all ten virgins fall asleep while waiting for the bridegroom. At midnight, a cry is made that the bridegroom is coming. The virgins wake up and prepare their lamps, but only five of them have brought extra oil with them.
The Wise and Foolish:The distinction between the wise and foolish virgins lies in their level of preparedness. The five wise virgins brought extra oil for their lamps, demonstrating their readiness and foresight. The five foolish virgins, on the other hand, did not bring extra oil and found themselves unprepared when the bridegroom arrived.
The Response:When the foolish virgins realise they are running out of oil, they ask the wise virgins to share their oil. However, the wise virgins respond by saying, “Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.” They encourage the foolish virgins to go and buy oil for themselves.
Spiritual Meaning:The parable teaches several spiritual lessons. The oil represents the readiness and spiritual preparedness required to meet the Lord. The wise virgins symbolise those who are diligent in their faith, keeping their lamps burning brightly, while the foolish virgins represent those who are unprepared and lack spiritual discernment.
Personal Responsibility:The response of the wise virgins emphasises personal responsibility in spiritual matters. Each person is responsible for their own preparedness and relationship with God. The wise virgins cannot share their preparedness with the foolish virgins because spiritual preparedness is not transferable.
Urgency and Readiness:The parable highlights the need for believers to be vigilant, watchful, and ready for Christ’s return. It warns against complacency and procrastination in matters of faith, urging believers to be diligent and prepared at all times.
Final Exhortation:The parable concludes with the lesson that those who were unprepared missed the opportunity to enter into the wedding feast with the bridegroom. Jesus concludes the parable by exhorting His disciples to “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:13, KJV).
