Parables
What Is a Parable?
Jesus Christ is known as the greatest storyteller of all time. He often used various literary techniques to convey His message to His audience. One of His most well-known techniques was the parable. It is commonly stated that Jesus spoke 46 parables. According to an internet source (swapmeetdave.com), His first parable was the Parable of the New Cloth, and His forty-sixth and final parable was the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. The Parable of the Ten Virgins is listed as number 43.
A parable is an earthly story with a deeper spiritual meaning. It is a story within a story, where the true meaning is not always understood at face value. Parables were not first introduced by the Lord, nor are they confined to the Bible. Even in Jamaica, we have our own parables. One familiar example is the Jamaican saying “one one cocoa full basket.” On the surface, it appears to be about filling baskets with cocoa, but at a deeper level, it teaches that progress and increase come through consistent, gradual effort.
Why Did the Lord Use Parables?
One may wonder why Jesus would use such a seemingly complex method to teach critical truths and preach important messages. All of Jesus’ parables were understandable; He never spoke in a way that His audience could not comprehend if they took time to think carefully.
Brothers and sisters, I believe that the more time one spends thinking about something, the less likely it is to be forgotten. A parable is different from a riddle. A riddle is meant to confuse or trick, but a parable is intended to provoke thought. The issue we face today is not hearing God’s Word; the problem is retention—remembering what we have heard—and application—living out what we have learned. It is as though Jesus was saying, “What I am about to say, I do not want you to forget.”
Meditate — Think About This
Jesus never said, “Read,” but He often emphasised “study.” Paul instructed Timothy, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” What is lacking is not hearing or reading the truth, but meditation upon it.
Jehovah told Joshua in Joshua 1:8:
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
Jesus did not use parables to deceive. A parable is not a riddle. He was not trying to confuse His audience or mislead the reader. Rather, Jesus wanted His listeners to think deeply about His words. Parables are intuitive because they are built using everyday elements familiar to the audience.
What Type of Parable Is This?
Jesus’ final parables were eschatological in nature. They did not focus primarily on the early church but pointed toward future events. Eschatology refers to the study of end-time events; the Greek word eschatos means “last things.” Eschatology concerns the events surrounding the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This parable carries more significance for believers today than it did for the original audience, including the disciples and apostles.
Who Was the Parable For?
Jesus clearly states in Matthew 25:1:
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.”
This parable is directed toward the last-days church—those who are within the Kingdom of God during the final days. Therefore, it has greater relevance for us today than for the original hearers.
Understanding Hebrew Wedding Practices
The parable describes ten virgins (some Bible translations refer to them as bridesmaids) awaiting the groom. Studies of ancient Jewish wedding customs suggest that bridesmaids would escort the bride to the groom’s house before his arrival. They would wait at a separate location and later accompany the groom to the bride.
The bridesmaids needed to remain alert and prepared because the groom would be eager to reach the feast. Having waited through months—possibly years—of preparation, he would not want to waste a single moment. His focus would be on joining his bride and celebrating with the guests.
This mirrors modern weddings, where the ceremony and reception often occur at different locations. After the ceremony, the bride and bridesmaids leave for the reception while the groom remains behind to conclude matters at the chapel. Jesus uses this familiar practice to communicate a deeper spiritual truth: as He prepares for the great marriage supper, end-time believers must be alert, prepared, and expectant of His return.
The Attitude of End-Time Christians
Jesus highlights contrasting attitudes among the bridesmaids—some were wise, and some were foolish. Not everyone will approach His return with joy and anticipation. This is a serious matter that demands reflection.
Jesus presents Himself as the Groom, revealing His eagerness and anticipation. Many men can relate to the excitement of finally being united with their bride after long preparation. There is no desire for delay. Likewise, Jesus eagerly anticipates reunion with His disciples, His mother Mary, His earthly family, and all believers who have suffered or died for Him throughout the church age.
He remembered His promise: “I go to prepare a place for you… that where I am, there ye may be also.” He also declared that He would not drink of the vine again until the great marriage supper. Nothing will delay Him.
This explains the strong response toward the five virgins who were not ready.
The Night Came
All ten virgins knew night could come—that is why they brought lamps and oil. Being a Christian implies awareness of Jesus’ return and an understanding that darkness can arise. Preparation, however, must go beyond awareness.
Night symbolizes many things. In times when believers are restricted from gathering and worshipping, a form of spiritual darkness may be setting in. If Christ is the Light of the world, and the church is also called the light, then the absence of corporate worship signals darkness.
Two Things the Night Tested
Anticipation and Preparation
Anticipation is the excitement of something about to happen. Scripture says they went to meet the groom, implying expectation. Are believers today eagerly anticipating Christ’s return?
Sleep dulls awareness. Darkness tempts people to become complacent. When the church sleeps, anticipation fades. Jesus warned that His coming would be like the days of Noah—people were unaware, distracted by everyday life, until destruction came suddenly.
Emergency sirens during World War II did not announce the exact time bombs would fall, but they warned of imminent danger. Likewise, current events signal that we are in the season of His return.
Preparation: The Action Taken to Get Ready
Anticipation without preparation is dangerous. Many may expect Christ’s return but lack spiritual readiness. The foolish virgins were aware but unprepared. They lacked sufficient oil—symbolizing prayer, Word, and devotion—to endure difficult times.
This is not a drill. The siren is sounding.
It is time to pray—for yourself, your family, your marriage, your church, and your leaders. It is time to study God’s Word, to read with understanding, and to meditate deeply.
To those pressing forward—stay focused. To those who have grown sleepy—wake up. Stand and cry out, “Lord, fill me again. Touch me again. Send a fresh anointing.”
Here is the revised sermon manuscript with clear, reverent altar-call language woven naturally into the conclusion. It is written for public worship, inviting response without pressure, and maintaining a strong pastoral tone.