Matthew 24 describes a number of extreme events – some of which have already happened, and some of which will happen soon. Those historical events relate to the terrible AD 70 devastation of Jerusalem at the hands of Roman General Titus. The future events relate to Yeshua’s second coming. This prophetic chapter is therefore like a telescope, focusing on events in the then-near-future and also on events in the much more distant future. Jesus was in this way responding to the two questions his disciples had asked: Firstly, “When will this [destruction of the Temple] take place?”, and secondly, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (verse 3).
What will be the sign of Yeshua’s coming and the end of the age? According to Matthew 24, it will be a very difficult time because of: persecution against believers, natural disaster, wars, deception, wickedness, betrayal, rejection of faith and demonic activity.
False claims to be the Messiah, “wars and rumours of wars”, “nation rising against nation”, “earthquakes” and “famines”, are together just “the beginnings of the birth pains”, according to Matthew 24:8. More extreme signs follow.
Where are we today? The events of Matthew 24 are emerging, but are not yet fully formed. When they happen concurrently, consistently and considerably, then we will be in that time period.
The key to understanding Matthew 25 is the first three words of the chapter, “At that time…” Clearly this refers back to the events of chapter 24 concerning the very end of the age. Chapter 25 focuses more on our response as believers and the wonder of the Bridegroom King, rather than the signs of his coming.
Obtain Lamp-Oil Beforehand
Some commentators interpret the 10 end-time virgins in Matthew 25 as describing humanity in general – that some will believe (the wise), while others will not (the foolish); and that the wise will enter heaven, and the foolish hell. There are, however, problems with this interpretation: Firstly, a virgin is a sign of purity. Why would the pure go to hell? Secondly, wisdom alone does not save us. It is through faith that we are saved, although clearly the choice of faith is a wise choice.
I believe that in order to fully understand the parable of the virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, it is essential to appreciate that the passage refers to a unique and short period just before Yeshua’s return. This time will be extraordinarily difficult and without comparison in human history: “For then there will be great distress, un-equalled from the beginning of the world” (Matthew 24:21).
We are told that believers will greatly suffer with the rest of the world just before Yeshua’s return – it is only for the sake of the “elect” (believers) that the time will be “cut short” (24:22). If believers were raptured before or during the tribulation, there would be no need to cut short this tribulation.
The virgins refer to believers. Believers are divided into two groups, roughly 50:50, the wise and the foolish. The oil for the virgins’ lamps refers to relationship with the Holy Spirit, to anointing.
The foolish virgins are neither equipped with sufficient lamp-oil, nor can they receive it from the wise (“There may not be enough for both us and you” – chapter 25:9), any more than one person can take a shower on behalf of another.
The wise virgins have enough oil for their lamps, and they enter the presence of the bride groom in a unique way during this tribulation – see the wedding banquet of verse 10. They are able to enjoy and celebrate the King, shining the light even in the midst of utter darkness.
In chapter 24 we are clearly given the signs that signal Yeshua’s return, yet in chapter 25:13b we are told, “You do not know the day or hour”. There is a tension between knowing the general signs and not knowing the precise time. How then are we to navigate the end of the age? Yeshua tells us in response to this parable, “Therefore keep watch”.
“Throw off Everything that Hinders”
Watching speaks of spiritual preparedness. Hebrew 12:1-2 tells us to throw off not only sin, but everything that hinders – anything that gets in the way of a vital relationship with the Lord. This is like a ship entering a huge storm when the crew throws off all heavy items, so that the boat is light enough to ride out the storm. Hebrews also tells us that when facing the cross, perseverance is essential – we cannot find our way through hardship without endurance. We must also fix our eyes in one place – on Yeshua. If our eyes are fixed on the wind and waves we will sink, but if they are fixed upon him, we can walk on water. We must trust him to the end, because he did not only give us the gift of faith, but will also complete and perfect it:
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Is the body of Messiah worldwide watching and preparing sufficiently to enter this time of unparalleled difficulty without being devastated?
Perhaps in places of extreme persecution, where believers have been purified by suffering. I believe, however, that most of us tend, to one degree or another, towards being either like the younger brother of Yeshua’s parable in Matthew 18, worldly and fleshly, or like the older brother, proud and aloof – or both. Neither of these is the purity of the wise virgin.
We can see the signs of Yeshua’s return emerging, but we do not know the day or hour. To navigate the end of the age we must be prepared – for there is no last-minute preparation. There is only one real option – get ready as if preparing for the perfect storm!