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Matthew 25

1-13 After Jesus ends his point about the wise and evil servant, He shares another parable about ten virgins. He mentions that the kingdom of heaven is like these ten virgins. These virgins has lamps and they went forth to meet the bridegroom. Five were wise and five were foolish. The wise and evil servant relates to leadership, but the ten virgins relates to the leadership and it’s members. This parable illustrate the experience of the church living just before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ in the last days COL406.2.  

 

The kingdom of heaven is right now like ten virgins because right now we are in a kingdom of grace and many people profess to believe the truth or a have a pure faith. They have the scriptures and know the message of Christ soon return. They have their lamps which is the word of God and His commandments (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 6:23). They were five wise and five foolish. The foolish had the lamps (WoG), but took no oil with them. The oil is the symbol of the Holy Spirit and to anoint (Lev 24:2; Zech 4:12, 14, 6; Micah 6:15; Deut 28:40; Exodus 28:40-41; 1 Samuel 13:16; Psalm 89:20;  Isaiah 61:1) The wise had their lamps (WoG) and took oil in their vessels. They received the spirit of grace (Zech 12:13) and have not trodden under foot the Son of God where they were sanctified (Hebrews 10:29). They have purified the soul in obeying the truth through the Spirit (1 Peter 1:22) and have study the prophecies (2 Peter 1:19-21) to learn the truth. 

 

Vessels are containers or storage for holding something like oil (1 Kings 10:21; 1 Kings 17:10; 2 Kings 4:2-6; 2 Kings 25:13-14; Daniel 5:1-3; Ezekiel 4:9; John 19:29) A person is also a symbol of a vessel (Acts 9:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:4; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Timothy 2:21; 1 Peter 3:7). But we are only speaking of oil in a vessel (container). 

 

While the wise and the foolish went forth to meet the bridegroom, the bridegroom tarried or delayed and both the wise and foolish fell asleep. At midnight there was a cry made "Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. This is a call to go meet the bridegroom after the tarrying. There was a first call (First angels message GC88 393.3) because everyone did go out and when the tarry came those who were not all in because of disappointment abandon their faith. They did not have the Bible as their foundation. The tarrying time is a trial period to test their faith and to see if their lamps will stay trimmed. This tarrying is also the passing of the time in1844 in the spring when the Lord’s coming was first expected. There are several times that Christ could have come, but we are today in a tarrying time and must keep our lamps trimmed. 

 

The wise servant and wise virgins were ready by giving meat in due season and keeping their lamps trimmed. They were always in a constant state of readiness because they knew not when the Lord was coming, but they knew it was imminent.  But the evil servant and foolish virgins, said my lord delayeth is coming (putting it far away) and was not ready and did not provide meat in season and went to eat and drink and have no self control. Their lamps were not trimmed and end up not being ready. They were found wanting and it was too late. 

 

At midnight there was a cry saying, Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him. Midnight is the darkest hour of the night. When this call was made in 1844 many people expected that Christ would have come to the earth, but He didn’t. Christ came to the meet the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:13) in the heavenly sanctuary which led to a great disappointment and those who had oil in their vessels went in with Christ into the Most Holy Place.

 

The darkest hour for us is when the world is in trouble, distress, trauma, depression, murder, violence, and pride etc.. (Isaiah 8:22; 9:2; 59:7-15). Especially when cruelty and oppression towards the people of God. The bible teaches the world will be similar to the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:26-29) just before the coming of the Son of man.  Then it will be known who are the true followers of Christ. We desperately need the Holy Spirit. We have to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives by agreeing and cooperating which is faith and works. This is also a symbol of receiving the latter rain which will lighten the whole world with God’s glory.

 

When all the virgins arose and trimmed their lamps, the foolish virgins did not have enough and asked the wise virgins to give of their oil. The wise virgins replied there is not enough for us to give, go and buy for yourselves. The foolish virgins were destitute of the Holy Spirit because they did not allow the heart to be sanctified. The foolish virgins did allow the Spirit of God to transform the character. This is the grace that God is offering now. We are currently under the throne of grace (Heb 4:16) and God does not want us to despite the Spirit of grace (Heb 10:29) nor neglect to receive the light (Matt 3:16) which comes with the Holy Spirit. 

 

In the great and measureless gift of the Holy Spirit are contained all of heaven's resources. It is not because of any restriction on the part of God that the riches of His grace do not flow earthward to men. If all were willing to receive, all would become filled with His Spirit. COL 419.1

 

And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail (a pin/stake; a constant and sure abode Isaiah 22:33; 33:20; 54:2) in his holy place (us as God’s people), that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. Ezra 9:8

 

And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Rev 4:5

 

The trimming of lamps is continuing to study God’s word and with increase intensity of interest GC402.1. God is looking to see if we will not cast away our confidence in Him. When the foolish virgins ask the wise virgins for oil, the time had come for the world to be captivated by Satan COL414.3. The character will be tested and it will be a trial for God’s people and cause a great shaking. The wise said to the foolish we can’t give you any oil, only God can impart to you (COL418.5) and told the foolish virgins to go and buy (Rev 3:18) and as they went to go buy, Jesus had come and took the wise virgins and went in to the marriage and shut the door. 

 

This shut door is a indication that there is no more time of grace. No more time to form character and receive the Holy Spirit. Now is the time while Christ is still on the throne of grace to offer all that is needed to overcome this world. We must seek God earnestly for the gifts that He want to bestow upon His church.

 

When the foolish virgins came back and try to get in, asking Lord, Lord, open to us. The reply was "Verily I say unto you, I know you not" one of the most disturbing words to human ears. Jesus once again emphasizes that we need to watch because we don’t know the day or hour when the Son of man cometh. 

 

Another point I want to bring out regarding the oil, is that the oil which is the Holy Spirit is to give us a new heart or change us into another man ( new creature in Christ) 1 Samuel 10:1, 6, 9. When we receive the Spirit we do not remain the same. This is during the time of grace, this is what God is offering and can do right now. When the Bible mentions the kingdom of heaven, it has two kingdoms, the kingdom of grace and the kingdom of glory GC346.4. The kingdom of heaven was established at the death of Christ at the cross. The kingdom of grace was brought in full effect and Paul brings this out in Hebrews 4:15-16. It was instituted immediately after the fall of man in Genesis 3:15. But the kingdom of glory is at the Second Coming of Christ (Matt 25:31-32) which is still yet future.

 

14-30 Jesus shares another example using talents and compares it to the kingdom of heaven. A man is traveling to a far country and before he leaves, he calls on his servants and leave them with goods (James 1:17; 1 Peter 4:10; Deut 28:11; Ecc 3:13; 1 Cor 12:7). He doesn’t say specifically what to do with the talents, but only gives it. The parable with the pounds, he does say "Occupy until I come" (Luke 19:13). The servants are aware that they should use their talents because God will give the increase.  So Christ has given these servants talents, to one he gave 5 talents or goods/gifts, to another 2 talents and to another 1 talent. The one is gave 1 talent does say what that talent is, verse 18 says it is money. He gives according to their ability and then the man took his journey and left.  The man traveling to a far country is Jesus. Jesus constantly mentions that he has to go away (John 14:28; 16:7, 16; Luke 24:51-53). The servants are of course His followers (Numbers 14:24; 1Kings 14:7-9; John 12:26; 15:20), those who have accepted Christ and believe in His merits and grace.

 

This parable is also similar to Luke 19:11-27. The talent parable speaks about the three servants who received their talents from Christ and the pound parable speaks of ten servants who were suppose to received their pounds, but only three were willing to receive it. The other seven said, we will not allow this man to reign over us (Luke 19:14).

 

The servant that received the five talents traded and got five more. What did he trade to get five more? It says he used the same talents and traded (v16). He could have worked or had a occupation in labor or business (Genesis 46:31-34; Acts 18:3; John 6:27; Luke 19:13) or he could have traded in the market (Ezekiel 27:17; Genesis 37:28;) as a merchant. What comes to mind when you hear the word "market"? stock

 

In the night season I was instructed to tell God's people that it is not according to His will that those who believe in His near coming should invest their means in mining stock. This would be burying our Lord's talent in the earth.  CS 242.3

 

"The Lord has given me instruction that at the meetings I would attend I would find men encouraging our people to invest their money to work mines. I am bidden to say that this is a device of the enemy to consume or to tie up means that is greatly needed to carry on the work of God. It is a snare of the last days, to involve God's people in loss of their Lord's entrusted capital, that should be used wisely in the work of winning souls. Because so much money is invested in these very uncertain enterprises, the work of God is sadly crippled for lack of the talent that will win souls to Christ.... CS 243.1

 

I warn you to be careful what you do with your Lord's goods. By placing it in God's treasury you may ensure for yourselves a revenue from the inexhaustible treasures of His kingdom. CS 244.4

 

Satan has many finely woven, dangerous nets which are made to appear innocent, but with which he is skillfully preparing to infatuate God's people. There are pleasing shows, entertainments, phrenological (study of character/mental abilities) lectures, and an endless variety of enterprises constantly arising calculated to lead the people of God to love the world and the things that are in the world. Through this union with the world, faith becomes weakened, and means which should be invested in the cause of present truth are transferred to the enemy's ranks. Through these different channels Satan is skillfully draining the purses of God's people, and for it the displeasure of the Lord is upon them. 1T 550.3

 

Joseph is an example of a servant who used the goods/ talents God gave him, he allowed God to multiple his talents. The Spirit gave him the ability (Matthew 25:15; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

 

Gen 41:37  And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.

Gen 41:38  And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

Gen 41:39  And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

Genesis 41:41 (KJV) And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.

Gen 41:46  And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

Gen 41:47  And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.

Gen 41:48  And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.

Gen 41:49  And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.

 

Just like Joseph, Pharaoh did make him ruler over many things and God will do the same when we allow Him to use us. 

 

Judas is an example of burying his talent. He would often take money for himself (John 12:3-6) so he was misusing his talent selfishly and end up betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16; 27:3) and then he repented himself because of the consequences and gave the money back because of his wrong idea of who God is. The Pharisees were also an example of receiving one talent and burying it Matthew 23:13; Luke 11:52. The Lord has blessed them, but they misused the talent and also keep people from also receiving the blessing as well.  

 

Same thing with the person who received the one talent. He had a wrong view of God and said Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man reaping where thou has not shown and gathering where thou hast not strawed and I was afraid and hid thy talent in the earth. 

 

The servant knew that he was suppose to multiple the talent. But he didn’t use it and it got buried. The statement that was said "reaping where thou hast not sown and gathering where thou hast not strawed" is a false statement. Christ is the seed and sows good seed (Galatians 3:16; Matthew 13:37) He is the one that gave His life and provides grace or gifts to every person (Ephesians 4:7-8) He was sown at the cross by blood and we can received the benefits (Hebrews 9:15–18) So we belong to God both by creation and redemption through Christ. He is the sower and also the sowed. He sowed in us His righteousness (Hosea 10:12-13). But the servant with the one talent charge God falsely and thought that God will not profit him (Job 21:14-15; Malachi 3:14-15; Roman 9:20; Ezekiel 18:25)

 

The servant was afraid and hid the talent in the earth and gave it back to him when he returned. The lord called him a wicked and slothful servant. In other words, a bad and lazy servant. Then the lord says he could have put my money to the exchangers and then when he came back, he could have received it with a gain. What does he mean by "put my money to the exchangers"? Mark 12:41-44;  Peter 4:10-11; Matthew 20:28; 1 Chron 29:14; Deut 23:20;

 

Jesus was in the court where were the treasure chests, and He watched those who came to deposit their gifts. Many of the rich brought large sums, which they presented with great ostentation. Jesus looked upon them sadly, but made no comment on their liberal offerings. Presently His countenance lighted as He saw a poor widow approach hesitatingly, as though fearful of being observed. As the rich and haughty swept by, to deposit their offerings, she shrank back as if hardly daring to venture farther. And yet she longed to do something, little though it might be, for the cause she loved.

 

 It was very small in comparison with the gifts of those around her, yet it was her all. Watching her opportunity, she hurriedly threw in her two mites, and turned to hasten away. But in doing this she caught the eye of Jesus, which was fastened earnestly upon her. DA 614.4

 

 Many would have advised her to keep her pittance for her own use; given into the hands of the well-fed priests, it would be lost sight of among the many costly gifts brought to the treasury. But Jesus understood her motive. She believed the service of the temple to be of God's appointment, and she was anxious to do her utmost to sustain it. She did what she could, and her act was to be a monument to her memory through all time, and her joy in eternity. Her heart went with her gift; its value was estimated, not by the worth of the coin, but by the love to God and the interest in His work that had prompted the deed. DA 615.1

 

So the servant who had the one talent did not have any love to God and in the interest of His work. The lord took the talent from him and give it unto the servant that had ten talents. Often times we see people do things that we were suppose to do. The Lord has blessed us with a gift and we don’t use it and God has to have someone else to fulfill His purpose. Self gets in the way and we miss out on the blessing that God intended. We have to look to God and not to self. The purpose is fulfilled when we cooperate with Him. 

 

But when we give ourselves wholly to God and in our work follow His directions, He makes Himself responsible for its accomplishment. He would not have us conjecture as to the success of our honest endeavors. Not once should we even think of failure. We are to co-operate with One who knows no failure. COL 363.1


We should not talk of our own weakness and inability. This is a manifest distrust of God, a denial of His word. When we murmur because of our burdens, or refuse the responsibilities He calls upon us to bear, we are virtually saying that He is a hard master, that He requires what He has not given us power to do. COL 363.2

 

The spirit of the slothful servant we are often fain to call humility. But true humility is widely different. To be clothed with humility does not mean that we are to be dwarfs in intellect, deficient in aspiration, and cowardly in our lives, shunning burdens lest we fail to carry them successfully. Real humility fulfills God's purposes by depending upon His strength. COL 363.3

 

God works by whom He will. He sometimes selects the humblest instrument to do the greatest work, for His power is revealed through the weakness of men. We have our standard, and by it we pronounce one thing great and another small; but God does not estimate according to our rule. We are not to suppose that what is great to us must be great to God, or that what is small to us must be small to Him. It does not rest with us to pass judgment on our talents or to choose our work. We are to take up the burdens that God appoints, bearing them for His sake, and ever going to Him for rest. Whatever our work, God is honored by wholehearted, cheerful service. He is pleased when we take up our duties with gratitude, rejoicing that we are accounted worthy to be co-laborers with Him. COL 363.4

 

If we don’t use what we have then it will be taken away. Everyone that hath shall be given and he shall have abundance, but he that hath not it shall be taken away even that which he hath. When the Lord gives something He expects returns on His investment or else it will be taken away. This is why the servant was also called the "unprofitable servant"  verse 30. The bible says,

 

Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. KJV — 2Corinthians 8:11

 

God has given us all talents that can be used which includes: 

  • Speech (Proverbs 15:23)

  • Influence (Matthew 5:13-16) 

  • Time (Ecclesiastes 3:1; Rom 12:11) 

  • Health (Psalms 67:2) 

  • Strength (Isaiah 27:5; Duet 33:25) 

  • Money (Psalms 37:16; Pro 11:28;10:22; Malachi 3:8) 

  • Kindly impulses and Affections (Ephesians 4:32; Pro 19:22; Col 3:12-13)

 

Not only did he take the talent from the servant, but he was cast into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. What is this outer darkness, weeping, and gnashing of teeth? Matthew 13:41-42; John 15:6; Ezek 15:1-5; Jer 15:1-2

 

31-40 After Jesus speaks about the servants, virgins, and the talents, He then brings all their works into judgment (which causes a separation)  which He will give a reward according their deeds.

  • Servants– wise-faithful/evil-unfaithful, 

  • Virgins–wise/foolish

  • Talents–gift used/gift not used

The verse starts with the Son of man which means Christ is still a High Priest doing a work in the sanctuary, specifically in the Most Holy Place. Then it transitions into Him sitting upon the throne of His glory, which indicates that He is finished with His priestly duties and now puts on His Kingly robes. Revelation 11:15; 19:11-16. Jesus is ready to give rewards or to give punishment.  He has already done the separation and He been doing it as we read in the previous verses. He showed separation between the faithful and unfaithful servant, wise and foolish virgins, and the talents used and not used, The judgment just makes the decision and separation final.

 

He has gathered all nations, which means everyone is in involved and no one is left out. Everyone single person who lived is involved. He shall separate them into two folds. One fold for sheep and the other fold for goats. The bible says Jesus is the good Shepherd (John 10:14, 27) and a Shepard has sheep and the sheep hear his voice and they follow him (Psalms 78:52). The goat is a symbol of Satan (Leviticus 16:21-22 Revelation 20:1-2; Zech 10:3) Goats are destructive and stubborn, they tend to rely on themselves and can do harm. Goats also scatter sheep and very independent.  This is why goat will be punished and not sheep.

 

The sheep shall be on the right hand and the goats on the left. A separation between the good and the evil. Jesus says to them on the right hand "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" and then Jesus gives the reason why they are able to enter.

  • Hungry - gave me meat

  • Thirsty - gave me drink 

  • Stranger - took me in

  • Naked - clothe me

  • Sick - visited me

  • Prison - visited me

The righteous will ask when did we do this for you? Jesus said, if you did it to someone in need, you did it unto me (Proverbs 14:21, 31; 19:17; Job 31:16-22; Isaiah 58:6-8; Luke 3:9-14). Those on the right hand ministered unto the people that were in need. Their motives were pure and sincere, they serve without the thought of reward but to truly helped them (Luke 6:35). Then He says to those on the left hand "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels" and then He also give them the reason why. 

  • Hungry - not fed

  • Thirsty - no drink

  • Stranger - took me not in

  • Naked - no clothing

  • Sick - didn’t visit me

  • Prison - forgot about me

The wicked also ask the question, when did we not do this? He shall answer in as much as ye did not to one of the least of these, ye did it not unto me. When Christ was on earth this was His ministry. He fed thousands (feeding of the 4,000 15:36-38 ) with the bread, change water into wine (John 2:7-11 at the marriage, spoke and comforted strangers (8:1-3), clothed the naked (Luke 8:26-35), visit and heal the sick (8:23-25), and did not forgot about those in prison (11:2-5). The bible says that their will be people that do wonderful things in Jesus’ name, but Jesus will say unto them I never knew you. Then He also gives them the reason, because you work iniquity (7:21-23). They will go away into everlasting punishment and the righteous in to everlasting life. 

 

Now is the time to worship and serve the Lord. Our decisions must be in accordance with Him. The Lord has given talents and gift to everyone and may we use it for His name, honor, and glory so we too can enter into everlasting life. 

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