Watch therefore

The word ‘then’ which opens this chapter links the teaching in the following verses to the events outlined by the Lord in chapter 24. Many a gospel message has been preached from the parable of the ten virgins, and doubtless it has led souls to salvation. However, whereas the principles found in portions of scripture such as this can be used as illustration and application, we need to take into account the context and details to arrive at an interpretation. The Lord is speaking of events associated with the coming of the Son of Man, a title linked with His earthly pathway and purpose. He illustrates His coming as that of a bridegroom and the parable portrays the ceremony and culture of a Middle Eastern wedding. The virgins cannot represent the bride, she has already been claimed by the bridegroom; they do, however, indicate the watchfulness or otherwise of the remnant of Israel in anticipation of millennial blessing when the Lord Jesus inaugurates His kingdom on earth.

The parable which follows places emphasis, not so much on preparation and watchfulness, but on faithfulness in service. The prophetic timeframe still anticipates the Lord’s return to the earth, but the principles and the pattern can be applied to every age: the absent Lord, the servants entrusted with the means to engage in profitable employment, the period of opportunity given until their Lord’s return, and his assessment of service, followed by appropriate reward or loss.

This parable is often compared with the parable of the pounds, Luke 19. 12-27. There are similarities but also differences, not least being the occasion on which each was spoken. Here also, the amount entrusted to the servants was ‘according to his several ability’, whereas in Luke the amount given was the same to each, with emphasis being placed on the rewards gained by prudent management of the master’s assets. Both parables look forward to the kingdom reign of the Lord Jesus, but we in our day have been likewise entrusted with both ability and opportunity to serve a returning Master. There will be for us a time of assessment and reward, 2 Cor. 5. 10; we do well to heed the Lord’s words, ‘Occupy till I come’, Luke 19. 13.