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Sermon Series: We are currently going through a sermon series in the Gospel of Matthew. Today, we’re talking about how Jesus taught His disciples to be ready for His second coming. 

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

25 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps^[a] and went to meet the bridegroom.^{[b] 2} Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. ³ For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, ⁴ but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. ⁵ As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. ⁶ But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ ⁷ Then all those virgins rose 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, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. ¹¹ Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ ¹² But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ ¹³ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

The end times is a confusing, and often divisive, topic. In this part of God’s Word, we see Jesus continuing to have a teaching moment with His disciples regarding His second coming. By taking a look at what Jesus taught them, we can learn:

How to remain ready for Jesus’ return:

1. Don’t just look the part

Matt. 25:1-3, 23:25, Rev. 3:15-16, 2 Tim. 3:5, Rev. 3:1

2. Continually prioritize intentionality

Matt. 25:2-4, Eph. 5:16, John 12:35, Eph. 6:13, Gal. 6:10, Phil. 4:8-9

3. Realize your limitations

Matt. 25:5, 11:28-30, Ps. 127:2, Heb. 4:9-10, Gen. 2:2-3

4. Remember that Jesus’ return will be unexpected

Matt. 25:6, 24:42-44, 1 Thess. 5:2-3, Luke 12:40

5. Make sure your relationship with Jesus is personal

Matt. 25:7-10, John 17:3, Rev. 3:20, John 1:12

6. Be continually led by the Holy Spirit

Matt. 25:8, Rom. 5:5, 8:11-14, John 16:13, 1 John 3:24

7. Remember the consequence for not being ready

Matt. 25:10-13, 7:21-23, Rev. 20:15, 21:8, Mark 9:43-45

Reflecting on God’s Word

Getting Started

• Take some time to read over Matthew 25:1-13 and pray. 
• Have you ever read or heard about this before? What stood out to you as we were talking about it? 
• What surprised you as we talked about it?
• As you reflect on Jesus’ Words from this part of Scripture, in what area(s) do you need to work on? 

 

Diving In 

1. Read James 1:22. Is there any aspect of your life that you are just “looking the part” of a Christian, but not actually doing what God’s Word says? If so, what, and how can you surrender that over to the Lord? 

 

2. Where in your life could you work on being more intentional? What would that look like, and who could help you with that? 

 

3. You’re not God. You can’t do everything, and save everyone. Where in your life do you need to internalize that better, and what practical things would that change in your life? How would making those changes give you more peace?

 

4. Jesus makes it clear that His return will be at an unexpected, and probably inconvenient time. How does realizing that help you to remain ready for His return? 

 

5. Each one of us has to make a decision to personally accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and follow Him. Have you ever made the mistake of following Jesus vicariously? If so, what helped you make it personal? If you’re there right now, what would help you personally follow Jesus?  

 

6. Scripture makes clear that we are to be continually led by the Holy Spirit. How could you be led by the Holy Spirit better, throughout your normal, everyday routine? 

 

7. God’s Word makes the consequence for not being ready for Jesus’ return clear. How does remembering that help you to remain ready? 

 

Applying the Scripture

What are your biggest takeaways from this passage of God’s Word? 

• What practical step(s) do you need to implement in your life to apply what God has taught you in this passage of Scripture? 
• How would applying this affect your life and your relationship with the Lord? 
• Who can you ask to keep you accountable to applying this to your life?

 

Small Group Guide: