Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13)

Matthew 25:1-13 Return of Jesus in N.T. Belief & Experience

In this sermon, Pastor Albert N. Martin expounds Matthew 25:1-13, the Parable of the Ten Virgins, emphasizing the critical importance of watchful readiness for Christ's second coming. He argues that all professing Christians will be exposed as either wise or foolish based on their preparedness, which is rooted in a saving, personal acquaintance with Jesus. Martin warns against self-deception and calls believers to radical, ongoing obedience and conformity to Christ, making His priorities the regulation of their lives, lest they be found unprepared and excluded from the marriage feast.

2 illustrations in this sermon

Introduction: The Olivet Discourse and the Parable's Context

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Matthew Henry on Christ's Second Coming

Driving home: Matthew Henry, your Puritan commentator, states accurately that the second coming of Christ is the center in which all the lines of our religion meet, and to which the whole of the divine life has a constant reference an…

Martin quotes Matthew Henry to underscore the theological importance of Christ's second coming as the 'center in which all the lines of our religion meet,' reinforcing the sermon's thematic focus.

Speak, Lord. We plead for our good and for your glory. Amen. In commenting upon this parable, Matthew Henry writes, As Christians we profess not only to believe and look for, but to love and to long for the appearing of Christ, and to act in our whole pattern of life with regard to it, the second coming of Christ is the center in which all the lines of our religion meet,

4:07 - 4:48 Read in full sermon

Central Concern 3: Readiness as the Identifying Issue

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English Poet Laureate's Poem

In this part of the sermon: Martin identifies readiness or non-readiness as the core issue distinguishing the wise from the foolish, detailing three dimensions of this readiness: personal, non-transferable…

Martin quotes a poem by an English Poet Laureate, which sets the parable to poetry and music, vividly illustrating the tragic finality of 'Too late, too late, you cannot enter now' for the foolish virgins.

Because it was a timely readiness. And when they were ill-prepared, the door was shut. I don't know who the poet was. He is designated in William Taylor's commentary as the English Poet Laureate.

40:45 - 41:08 Read in full sermon

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