Sunday: The Ten Virgins — Matthew 25:1-4
In this passage the Kingdom of Heaven is likened to the events of a wedding ceremony in Bible days. The marriage ceremony was a week-long celebration. The bridegroom would come for his bride at any hour of the day or night to bring her to the wedding party. If he came at night, the lamplights would need to be burning. This showed the preparedness of the bride’s attendants. Jesus warns, that like the bridesmaids, we need to be prepared for the Son of Man’s return. We don’t know when this will occur, so we need to remain in a state of readiness at all times.
Monday: The Bridegroom Approaches — Matthew 25:5-9
There was a delay in the bridegroom coming for his bride. When the bridegroom did appear, the wise bridesmaids were ready. Their lamps had the necessary oil and wick. The lights are symbolic of a Christian life that is proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and upon His return is actively participating in Biblical principles. The oil is representative of the Spirit of God and reminds us that, besides our lives being ready, we need to have our hearts ready also. When the bridegroom comes we should be engaged in vigorously pursuing the Kingdom of God in our words, in our actions, and in our heart.
Tuesday: Opportunity Lost for Eternity — Matthew 25:10-13
The foolish bridesmaids were asleep when the bridegroom came. They had no oil. They tried to get the wise virgins to give them some, but ended up having to leave to purchase the supplies. While they were gone, the bridegroom arrived. When they were finally prepared, they tried to enter the party, but found that the door was shut. This will be the fate of many who talk about being ready, but don’t actively pursue their faith. When Jesus comes to take His people home, they will find the doors to eternity are forever locked.
Wednesday: The Talents — Matthew 25:14-19; Luke 19:11-15
The parable of the talents addresses our productivity as Christians. It reminds us that we are accountable to God for the service we offer Him. As His disciples we are called to minister to the body of Christ and to have concern for souls. Our tasks include the responsibility to plant, to water, and to harvest those souls, always keeping in mind that it is God who gives the increase.
Thursday: Faithful Service — Matthew 25:20-23; Luke 19:16-19
The key to the parable of the Talents is that the King is not really concerned with how much money is produced, but that His servants have demonstrated their faithfulness. The King doesn’t give them a monetary reward, but because the servants were faithful in the small things, the King increases their responsibility and makes them ruler over even greater things.
Friday: The Lazy Servant — Matthew 25:24-28; Luke 19:20-25
The contrast between the faithful servants and the lazy servant is dramatic. The lazy servant gives excuses for his lack of effort on the King’s behalf. He accuses the King of being a harsh master. The King shows His displeasure that the unfaithful servant wasn’t even willing to find a simple way to earn interest.
Saturday: A Just Recompense — Matthew 25:29-30; Luke 19:26-27
The wicked servant has not been merely lazy, but has deliberately done nothing that will benefit his master. There is no second chance after deliberate rebellion. God removed the blessing from the lazy servant and gave it to His faithful one. Likewise, God said that He will punish His enemies. Who are His enemies? You are not God’s enemy if you fail—He loves you and has grace sufficient when you repent. But you are God’s enemy if you refuse to productively serve Him. If you set your will against His, you are His enemy. That is a deadly place in which to stand.