THE WARNING TO WATCH, TALENTS FOR INVESTMENT, AND THE JUDGMENT OF GENTILE NATIONS #52
This chapter is a continuation of the instructions in the previous chapter. The word “Then” connect the two, and the time frame is at the end of the Tribulation.
The scope of the book is the Kingdom of Heaven. It has nothing to do with the body of Christ. The parable is “likened unto…” It depicts those who watch and those who ignore the Word, and the signs of Christ’s return and the coming judgments.
It is difficult to identify the meaning of the number ten. It is a number of “completeness of order. Some think the ten virgins represent the the Gentile Bride of Christ and Although I am not certain of the significance of the number ten, if any, there is no doubt as to the meaning of the parable. It parallels the days of Noe, and the warning to watch. All, had lamps and oil, and all were warned to watch. While the bridegroom tarried, half did not adequately prepare. When the bridegroom came, those who were negligent, and indifferent, were shut out of the Kingdom of Heaven. “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” This, without a doubt, is the point Jesus is stressing. There is nothing in the parable about the church of this dispensation. The church of this dispensation is not the bride. Neither will any of the saved run out of oil or be lost. It is a warning. Those who do not watch will be deceived and shut out of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Concerning the number ten, it’s significance must be determined according to its use. However, it need not have any other interpretation than the number itself. For instance, in the following parable, we see five talents, two talents, and one. Shall we focus on the numbers individually, and collectively, and them place significance on the number eight? All this my be overkill, and lead one into a faulty interpretation.
The following parable is similar to the others. It differs in this fact, those who would enter the Kingdom of Heaven are expected to use the abilities and opportunities given them. One can see that all is a works salvation. Money and banking will not be important in the Tribulation, so the issue in no investment of dollars and cents. We are reminded of the laborers who were hired a different hours of the day. Faithfulness was the key. The man with the least ability was given less responsibility. However, he was wicked and lazy, and found fault with his lord.
The moral is clear. Those who are faithful to the Lord in the Tribulation will receive abundance in the Kingdom of Heaven. Those who fall away, or are unfaithful, will forfeit what they would have received. Others will possess it. The five virgins will be “shut” out, the unprofitable servant will be “cast out.”
When Jesus returns at the end of the Tribulation, there will be a period wherein the Lord will set up His government at Jerusalem for the Kingdom of Heaven. Dake has a helpful note on these additional days.
- “3. The last period is 1,335 days, an addition of 45 days to the second period. The extra 75 days (the 30 days and 45 days) added to the 1,260 days will complete the 1,335 days of Dan. 12:7-13, the last day of which will be the actual day of the proclamation of the kingdom, when men who have lived through the tribulation will be blessed. It is the actual time when Christ will say to the sheep nations: “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Mt. 25:34). These extra 75 days will be taken up by certain events necessary to the actual proclamation of the kingdom.” Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible.
At that judgment, gentile nations will be judged according to their treatment of Jewish believers in the Tribulation. Those who are compassionate and merciful to the Jews will be rewarded and welcomed into the Kingdom. Those who are indifferent are judged accordingly. The promise made to Abraham comes to mind here.
Again, this is a works situation, and those who did the good works were not aware of the reward they would receive. Nor, were the nations who refused to help the Jews aware of the judgment awaiting them. These nations will be assigned their place in hell.
There is nothing in the chapter about the church, the body of Christ. Although illustrations, and applications can be made, the teacher must first give the true meaning of the text, or people be misled. Right division must always come first, if there is to be right understanding.
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.