Matthew 25: Preparing for the King's Return
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
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.
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Matthew 25, a pivotal chapter in the "Olivet Discourse," concludes Jesus' profound teachings to His disciples on the Mount of Olives concerning future events. Following His stark prophecies about the Temple and Jerusalem in Matthew 24, Jesus uses parables and vivid imagery to underscore the critical importance of readiness for His return. This chapter transitions into the poignant narrative of the Last Supper, betrayal, and arrest in Matthew 26, making it a bridge between anticipation and the ultimate sacrifice.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
Jesus illustrates the kingdom of heaven with the story of ten virgins, or bridesmaids, awaiting the bridegroom's arrival to escort the bride to the wedding feast. In that era, the groom would go to the bride’s home and take her to the marriage feast. A great procession would accompany them, and then all would enter into the feast. Each virgin carried a lamp, essential for the procession through the darkened streets. The word “lamp” here refers to a light, perhaps akin to a modern-day torch, requiring oil to function.
The parable highlights a crucial distinction: five were wise, and five were foolish (Matthew 25:2). The wise virgins brought extra oil, demonstrating foresight, while the foolish ones did not, revealing a lack of preparation (Matthew 25:3-4). As the groom's arrival was delayed, all ten virgins fell asleep (Matthew 25:5).
When the announcement of the groom's approach finally came in the middle of the night, the unpreparedness of the foolish virgins became evident. Their lamps were going out, and they pleaded with the wise virgins for oil (Matthew 25:6-8). However, the wise virgins recognized that sharing would leave everyone in darkness (Matthew 25:9). The foolish virgins were forced to seek oil elsewhere, and in their absence, the groom arrived, and the wedding feast began. Upon their return, the door was shut, and their pleas to enter were denied (Matthew 25:10-12).
Jesus concludes with a powerful exhortation: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matthew 25:13). This parable serves as a potent reminder to all believers to remain spiritually alert and prepared for Christ's return. Don’t wait until the last minute to be spiritually prepared, because then it will be too late.
Some interpret this parable as a specific depiction of Jewish believers during the tribulation period. The wise are seen as those spiritually prepared for the "abomination of desolation" (Matthew 24:15), sustained by the Lord until His kingdom begins. The foolish represent those who neglect spiritual preparation and are excluded from the kingdom's blessings. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the parable's universal message is clear: spiritual readiness is paramount.
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
Next, Jesus shares a parable illustrating the kingdom principle of stewardship. A man, embarking on a journey, entrusts his possessions to three servants, each receiving a different amount based on their ability—one talent, two talents, and five talents respectively (Matthew 25:15). In Jesus' time, a "talent" was a significant sum, equivalent to many years of labor. The master expected them to steward these funds, ideally returning a profit for the master.
The first two servants diligently invested their talents and doubled their value (Matthew 25:16-17). However, the third servant, fearing his master, buried his talent and returned it untouched (Matthew 25:18).
Upon his return, the master commended the first two servants, rewarding their faithfulness with greater responsibility and an invitation to share in his joy (Matthew 25:19-23). But he condemned the third servant for his laziness and lack of initiative. The master rebuked him for not even putting the money in the bank to earn interest (Matthew 25:24-27). The master then took the talent from the unproductive servant and gave it to the one who had ten talents (Matthew 25:28). The unproductive servant was cast out into the darkness (Matthew 25:30).
This parable highlights how God expects us to use the resources, abilities, and opportunities He has entrusted to us for the advancement of His kingdom. We are stewards of what God has given us—not owners. God owns “everything” (Psalms 24:1; 50:10-12). And he expects us to protect and expand his possessions for the advancement of his kingdom in history. To waste, ignore, or disrespect what God provides is a disservice to Him. The question is not what or how much you have. The question is, What will you do with what you’ve been given?
As Tony Evans notes, God has given believers time, talents (abilities), and treasures (financial resources) to steward. Each person receives these gifts in different measures, according to God's perfect will and knowledge of their capacities. The key is to use them faithfully for kingdom purposes.
This parable also points to a future day when all believers will stand before Christ to give an account of their stewardship (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15). What will He say to you? Live today with a future orientation, knowing that one day he will call you by name to settle accounts.
The Judgment of the Nations (Matthew 25:31-46)
Finally, Jesus depicts the moment when He returns in glory as King and Judge, separating all nations as a shepherd separates sheep from goats (Matthew 25:31-32). This passage is notoriously difficult to interpret. Scholars debate whether this is an explicit moment in time, perhaps at the beginning of the millennial kingdom, or a general explanation of each person's eternal fate. Other disputes arise over whether those being judged are only Gentiles, only non-Christians who survive the tribulation, or all people living on earth at that time.
The "sheep," those on His right, are commended for their acts of love and service to "the least of these brothers and sisters of mine" (Matthew 25:35-40). They are welcomed into His kingdom, inheriting eternal life. Jesus considers service rendered to his Jewish siblings as service rendered to him and as a demonstration of faith in him (Matthew 25:40; see Joel 3:1-14).
Conversely, the "goats," on His left, are condemned for neglecting to care for those in need and are sent into eternal fire (Matthew 25:41-45). Thus, Jesus will indict them for their indifference. This will be in keeping with the Abrahamic covenant in which God promised Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you,” and “I will curse those who treat you with contempt” (Genesis 12:3).
This passage underscores that true faith is demonstrated through acts of love and compassion. Loving other people, and meeting their needs, is treated by Christ as if those deeds had been done for Him, personally (Matthew 25:33–40). As James wrote, "faith without works is dead" (James 2:26).
Matthew 25 serves as a powerful call to action for all believers. It challenges us to live with a constant awareness of Christ's return, to steward our gifts faithfully, and to demonstrate our love for Him through acts of service to others. By embracing these principles, we can be found ready and worthy when the King returns in His glory.
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
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.
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Matthew 25, a pivotal chapter in the "Olivet Discourse," concludes Jesus' profound teachings to His disciples on the Mount of Olives concerning future events. Following His stark prophecies about the Temple and Jerusalem in Matthew 24, Jesus uses parables and vivid imagery to underscore the critical importance of readiness for His return. This chapter transitions into the poignant narrative of the Last Supper, betrayal, and arrest in Matthew 26, making it a bridge between anticipation and the ultimate sacrifice.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)
Jesus illustrates the kingdom of heaven with the story of ten virgins, or bridesmaids, awaiting the bridegroom's arrival to escort the bride to the wedding feast. In that era, the groom would go to the bride’s home and take her to the marriage feast. A great procession would accompany them, and then all would enter into the feast. Each virgin carried a lamp, essential for the procession through the darkened streets. The word “lamp” here refers to a light, perhaps akin to a modern-day torch, requiring oil to function.
The parable highlights a crucial distinction: five were wise, and five were foolish (Matthew 25:2). The wise virgins brought extra oil, demonstrating foresight, while the foolish ones did not, revealing a lack of preparation (Matthew 25:3-4). As the groom's arrival was delayed, all ten virgins fell asleep (Matthew 25:5).
When the announcement of the groom's approach finally came in the middle of the night, the unpreparedness of the foolish virgins became evident. Their lamps were going out, and they pleaded with the wise virgins for oil (Matthew 25:6-8). However, the wise virgins recognized that sharing would leave everyone in darkness (Matthew 25:9). The foolish virgins were forced to seek oil elsewhere, and in their absence, the groom arrived, and the wedding feast began. Upon their return, the door was shut, and their pleas to enter were denied (Matthew 25:10-12).
Jesus concludes with a powerful exhortation: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matthew 25:13). This parable serves as a potent reminder to all believers to remain spiritually alert and prepared for Christ's return. Don’t wait until the last minute to be spiritually prepared, because then it will be too late.
Some interpret this parable as a specific depiction of Jewish believers during the tribulation period. The wise are seen as those spiritually prepared for the "abomination of desolation" (Matthew 24:15), sustained by the Lord until His kingdom begins. The foolish represent those who neglect spiritual preparation and are excluded from the kingdom's blessings. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the parable's universal message is clear: spiritual readiness is paramount.
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
Next, Jesus shares a parable illustrating the kingdom principle of stewardship. A man, embarking on a journey, entrusts his possessions to three servants, each receiving a different amount based on their ability—one talent, two talents, and five talents respectively (Matthew 25:15). In Jesus' time, a "talent" was a significant sum, equivalent to many years of labor. The master expected them to steward these funds, ideally returning a profit for the master.
The first two servants diligently invested their talents and doubled their value (Matthew 25:16-17). However, the third servant, fearing his master, buried his talent and returned it untouched (Matthew 25:18).
Upon his return, the master commended the first two servants, rewarding their faithfulness with greater responsibility and an invitation to share in his joy (Matthew 25:19-23). But he condemned the third servant for his laziness and lack of initiative. The master rebuked him for not even putting the money in the bank to earn interest (Matthew 25:24-27). The master then took the talent from the unproductive servant and gave it to the one who had ten talents (Matthew 25:28). The unproductive servant was cast out into the darkness (Matthew 25:30).
This parable highlights how God expects us to use the resources, abilities, and opportunities He has entrusted to us for the advancement of His kingdom. We are stewards of what God has given us—not owners. God owns “everything” (Psalms 24:1; 50:10-12). And he expects us to protect and expand his possessions for the advancement of his kingdom in history. To waste, ignore, or disrespect what God provides is a disservice to Him. The question is not what or how much you have. The question is, What will you do with what you’ve been given?
As Tony Evans notes, God has given believers time, talents (abilities), and treasures (financial resources) to steward. Each person receives these gifts in different measures, according to God's perfect will and knowledge of their capacities. The key is to use them faithfully for kingdom purposes.
This parable also points to a future day when all believers will stand before Christ to give an account of their stewardship (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15). What will He say to you? Live today with a future orientation, knowing that one day he will call you by name to settle accounts.
The Judgment of the Nations (Matthew 25:31-46)
Finally, Jesus depicts the moment when He returns in glory as King and Judge, separating all nations as a shepherd separates sheep from goats (Matthew 25:31-32). This passage is notoriously difficult to interpret. Scholars debate whether this is an explicit moment in time, perhaps at the beginning of the millennial kingdom, or a general explanation of each person's eternal fate. Other disputes arise over whether those being judged are only Gentiles, only non-Christians who survive the tribulation, or all people living on earth at that time.
The "sheep," those on His right, are commended for their acts of love and service to "the least of these brothers and sisters of mine" (Matthew 25:35-40). They are welcomed into His kingdom, inheriting eternal life. Jesus considers service rendered to his Jewish siblings as service rendered to him and as a demonstration of faith in him (Matthew 25:40; see Joel 3:1-14).
Conversely, the "goats," on His left, are condemned for neglecting to care for those in need and are sent into eternal fire (Matthew 25:41-45). Thus, Jesus will indict them for their indifference. This will be in keeping with the Abrahamic covenant in which God promised Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you,” and “I will curse those who treat you with contempt” (Genesis 12:3).
This passage underscores that true faith is demonstrated through acts of love and compassion. Loving other people, and meeting their needs, is treated by Christ as if those deeds had been done for Him, personally (Matthew 25:33–40). As James wrote, "faith without works is dead" (James 2:26).
Matthew 25 serves as a powerful call to action for all believers. It challenges us to live with a constant awareness of Christ's return, to steward our gifts faithfully, and to demonstrate our love for Him through acts of service to others. By embracing these principles, we can be found ready and worthy when the King returns in His glory.