Matthew 25 continues the conversation about the End of the Age which the disciples asked Jesus to explain. Jesus starts to talk in parables again, explaining how he will return at an unknown time, warning us to always be ready.
Parable of the Ten Virgins
First is the Parable of the Ten Virgins found in verses 1-13. Ten virgins (representing people like you and me) were waiting for the bridegroom (Jesus) to arrive to the city (Earth). They all brought their lamps with them, but half of them did not bring any oil (representing the Holy Spirit).
The Bridegroom tool a while coming, and all the virgins fell asleep, so when it was announced that the Bridegroom was entering the city, the virgins without oil in their lamp had to go wander off to buy some. While they were searching for oil, the Bridegroom came and only the virgins who were ready and waiting were taken to the wedding banquet (heaven). To the other virgins who tried to come in later, the Bridegroom replied,
I tell you the truth, I do not know you.
From this parable we can see that only those who have the Holy Spirit in their lives, through submission to Jesus Christ are allowed to enter heaven.
Parable of the Talents
The next parable that Jesus tells is the Parable of the Talents found in verses 14-30. This parable also tells of man’s responsibility to use the gifts and knowledge that God gives to follow Christ and work to lead others to salvation through Jesus.
A master (representing God) gives three of his servants different amounts of money. Two of the servants went to work with what he was given and doubled their master’s investment. But the servant who received the least amount of money did nothing, but stick the money in a whole, ignoring it.
To the faithful servants the master said,
Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!
But to the lazy servant the master said,
Throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
There is no middle ground for eternity. It is either rejoicing in God’s happiness in heaven or being tormented in hell, away from God.
The Final Judgement of God
The chapter ends with verses 31-46, telling us very clearly of the eternal judgment of every man who ever lived. Jesus will separate the “sheep from the goats”.
Verse 46:
Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.
Jesus was repeatedly clear on the dangers and reality of Hell, but so many people today don’t like the idea of Hell, so they put their own beliefs ahead of the truth that Jesus preached.