Barton's Bible Study Notes

Life of Christ: Unit 46 - Section 157

Read Matthew 25:1-13. In answer to the question of the disciples, our Lord describes the signs of the end of the age. His answer can be divided into two parts: the description of these times and parables for those who would be living during these days. As one comes to the study of these passages, the proper perspective must be kept in mind. Our Lord spoke and taught from the Old Testament viewpoint of Jewish history. This perspective does not see the church, which was a mystery; that is, it was hidden in the Old Testament. In His teaching about the days preceding His coming, the church age is not in view; it is invisible. The time period spoken of is the seven years before His second coming, the period we know as the Tribulation Period. Matthew 25 contains three parables not found in the other gospels. The first of these is the parable of the ten virgins. To fully understand this parable, it is helpful to understand the Jewish marriage customs of those days.

In that day and patriarchal culture, a husband and his bride would usually go live with the groom’s parents. Often a room or rooms were simply added on to the family residence for the newlyweds. When all was ready, the groom would go to the bride’s home and bring her back to his home. The wedding and the wedding feast would then take place.

1. Who were the ten virgins in the parable who went out to meet the bridegroom who was returning with his bride?

2. What mistake did half of these young women make?

3. What is the point and warning our Lord makes with this parable?

Read Matthew 25:14-30. This is very similar to the parable our Lord told His disciples in Luke 19 as He was approaching Jerusalem. We would be remiss in our thinking if we did not believe our Lord used the same parables over and over in His teachings.

4. What is the point of this parable?

Read Matthew 25:31-46. This is known as the sheep and goat judgment. It will take place after our Lord has returned, defeated the Antichrist, and set up His kingdom.

5. Who is gathered for judgment?

6. Into what two groups are all peoples of the world divided?

7. What is the basis for judgment of these two groups? What determines into which group a person falls?

8. Does this passage then teach that a person’s works determine his eternal destiny?

The Applications:

What are the applications of these passages to our lives today? Identify as many as you are able.