[:en]SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 25
Bible Verses:
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:13)
“For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. (Matthew 25:29)
“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)
THE PARABLE OF THE 10 VIRGINS (vs. 1-13)
There were 10 virgins, five were foolish and 5 were wise. The foolish took their lamps without oil while the wise took oil in jars along with their lamps. They were waiting for the bridegroom to come. When the bridegroom came at midnight, only five were able to turn their lamps with light and enter with the bridegroom. The other five went out to buy oil but when they returned, the door was shut.
THE PARABLES OF THE TALENTS (vs. 14-30)
Before a man went on his journey, he entrusted his property to 3 servants. The first one with 5 talents, the second, 2 talents and the third ,one talent. The first man put his money to work and gained 5 more. The second also gained two. But the third man buried the money on the ground.
When the master of the servants returned, the first servant gave him 5 more. The second one gave him 2 more but the third just returned the one talent. The master commended the first and second servant as good and faithful servants. He put them in charge of many things and share his happiness with them. But to the third servant, he said: “You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit the the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest” (v. 26-27). He took the talent and gave it to the first servant. Then he threw him outside into the darkness.
THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS (vs. 31-46)
When the Son of Man came in his glory, he will separate the sheep from the goats. The sheep are those who show love and mercy while the goats are the selfish and greedy people who do not care about others. The sheep will inherit eternal life but the goats will go to eternal punishment.
LESSONS:
- We will never know when Christ will return. But we must always be prepared to meet Him. Lamps symbolized illumination and testimony. The oil speaks of the Holy Spirit that every true believer has within. Stay awake and be ready!
- The talents represent different abilities each individual has. God gives us the opportunity to use our abilities to serve Him. Therefore, we should use whatever we have to serve God faithfully. God’s reward is not based on how big or small our ministry is but how faithful we have done for him.
- When Christ returns, it will be a time of commendation. Whatever ministry you had done for the Lord despite of how insignificant you may think, will be reward by Him. It is our duty as Christians to show our love and care to the poor and the needy.
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