Matthew 25

“The bridegroom was a long time in coming ...” (5). In the parable of the virgins who did not bring extra oil for their lamps, Jesus warned his disciples to be prepared for faithful endurance. They were not to discard their responsibilities, thinking they knew when he would return. With the parable about the bags of gold, Jesus helped his disciples understand that they had work to do; they were expected to use his gifts actively and productively. The only servant who disobeyed was the one who didn’t really know the Master (24).

“Whatever you did ... you did for me” (40). The crucial question about Jesus’ return is not the date, but how we are living for him in the meantime.