Comparison of Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21 - Mom's Bible ...

focus is on the guests or attendants at the wedding—not the bride. The bride isn’t even mentioned. Why? She is alreadythere.It would seem that they all expected the bridegroom, but they were not all prepared. Only the five wise virgins had oil intheir lamps and extra oil in vessels to replenish the oil that was burned if needed; the five foolish virgins had only the oilin their lamps, which they allowed to burn out.Oil in the lamps provide light.Light = knowledgeExtra oil = preparation based on that knowledge2Corinthians 4:6 “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of theknowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”Both the wise and foolish virgins possessed oil (knowledge) to begin with and had the ability to purchase more. How dowe obtain more knowledge, more light, more understanding? Through the teaching of the Holy Spirit. How do we getaccess to the teaching ministry of the Spirit? Through the saving grace of the Lord Jesus. The wise virgins had respondedin faith to the knowledge of the gospel message. They were prepared for the return of the bridegroom.Considering the context, I think the application is to those who make it through the tribulation, the Jewish remnant inparticular, and whether or not they get to enter the earthly kingdom.I was listening to Jimmy DeYoung this morning, and as he was emphasizing that these teachings were regarding theJewish people—not the church—all of a sudden a light bulb went off in my head. I had always struggled with the factthat all ten virgins were looking for the bridegroom. It hit me that all Jews are looking for the Messiah to come, but onlythose who have placed their faith in Jesus as the Messiah would get to go to the marriage. They all had knowledge thatMessiah was coming. The extra oil referenced being prepared for His return through recognizing and placing faith inJesus as the Messiah (the bridegroom).As in the previous parables, the Lord (the bridegroom) returns when He is not expected.Another truth seems to be jumping out at me. Once the Lord comes, it’s too late to change your position. Your choice hasbeen made. This is something that has bothered me a lot, since I have talked to many people who indicate that they’llmake their decision when the rapture happens, or when they recognize the antichrist, etc. I’m just not sure there is a