Question 1

What is Jesus teaching in the parable of the ten virgins?

Accepted Answer

In this parable, the ten virgins picture people who claim to be waiting for Christ. All have lamps, an outward show of religion, but only the wise bring extra oil, which pictures real inner grace and faith. The delay of the bridegroom shows that Christ’s return may seem long. When he finally comes, only those who are truly prepared go into the wedding and the door is shut. This teaches that we must be ready in heart, not just in name, because there will be no second chance when he appears.

Question 2

What do the lamps and oil represent in the story of the virgins?

Accepted Answer

The lamps represent an outward profession of faith, like saying you follow Christ, joining worship, or being known as a believer. The oil points to what keeps that light burning, the inward work of God’s grace, real trust in Christ, and a life that depends on him. The wise virgins prepare by bringing oil with their lamps, meaning they are not content with mere outward forms. The foolish carry lamps without oil, showing empty religion without true faith. When the cry comes at midnight, that difference is suddenly exposed.

Question 3

Why does Jesus warn, “Watch therefore” in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Jesus says, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour,” right after the door is shut on the foolish virgins. He is telling his followers not to live carelessly as if there is plenty of time to turn to God later. The bridegroom’s delay and sudden arrival picture his return, which will be sure but unexpected. Watching means staying spiritually awake, keeping close to Christ, and not putting off repentance. It is not about never sleeping, but about living each day ready to meet him whenever he comes.

Question 4

What is the meaning of the parable of the talents?

Accepted Answer

The parable of the talents shows that Christ, pictured as a man going to a far country, entrusts his servants with different gifts and opportunities. One receives five talents, another two, another one, each “according to his ability.” The first two use what they are given and gain more, and they hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your lord.” The last hides his talent in the ground out of sloth and wrong thoughts about his master. He is called wicked and cast into outer darkness. The story teaches that we are responsible to use what God gives, not to waste it.

Question 5

Why is the servant with one talent judged so severely?

Accepted Answer

The servant with one talent does not lose it by accident; he deliberately hides it and does nothing with it. He also speaks badly of his master, calling him hard and unfair, instead of trusting his goodness. His master exposes his excuses. Even by his own words, he should at least have put the money where it could grow. The point is not the size of the gift but the heart that refuses to serve. Wasting what God gives and blaming God for it shows a rebellious, lazy spirit, which is why the judgment on this servant is so serious.

Question 6

What happens when the Son of man comes in his glory in this chapter?

Accepted Answer

When the Son of man comes in his glory with all the holy angels, he sits on the throne and all nations are gathered before him. He separates people like a shepherd separates sheep from goats, placing the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. He calls those on the right “blessed” and invites them to inherit a kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world. Those on the left are told to depart into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. It is a clear picture of final judgment and eternal destinies.

Question 7

Who are the “sheep” and the “goats” in Jesus’ teaching here?

Accepted Answer

In this picture, the sheep are those who belong to Christ and show it by lives of simple, quiet mercy. They fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed strangers, clothed the naked, and visited the sick and prisoners. The goats are those who did not do these things. Both groups are surprised, because they did not realize that how they treated “the least of these” was counted as how they treated Christ himself. This shows that real faith is never alone, but shows itself in love and care for others.

Question 8

What does “the least of these my brethren” mean in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Jesus says that whatever is done to “the least of these my brethren” is done to him. This points to people who seem small and unimportant in the world’s eyes, especially those who belong to him and are in need: the hungry, thirsty, strangers, the poorly clothed, the sick, and prisoners. To care for such people for Christ’s sake is to honor Christ himself. To ignore them is to ignore him. The passage does not say we earn salvation by these works, but it does show that true belonging to Christ will produce this kind of mercy.

Question 9

How should believers today apply the teaching of Matthew 25?

Accepted Answer

This chapter calls believers to live ready for Christ’s return, not just in words but in daily life. Like the wise virgins, we need more than outward religion; we need a real, ongoing walk with Christ. Like the faithful servants, we should use whatever gifts, time, and opportunities God has placed in our hands, however small, for his honor and the good of others. And like the sheep, we are to show compassion to needy people, seeing Christ’s image in them. The whole passage urges steady faith, watchfulness, and active love until he comes.

Matthew 25:1

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

The Parable of the Talents

The Sheep and the Goats

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

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Matthew 25:1

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

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The Parable of the Ten Virgins

The Parable of the Talents

The Sheep and the Goats

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

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