DCLM Search The Scripture Youth For February May 21, 2023 : Topic – THE PARABLES OF THE TEN VIRGINS AND THE TALENTS
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YOUTH STS
LESSON 62
THE PARABLES OF THE TEN VIRGINS AND THE TALENTS
Memory Verse: “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:13).
TEXTS: Matthew 25:1-30; Luke 19:11-27
Our Lord Jesus Christ used the marriage custom and the occupation of the Jews to illustrate the situation of Christians before the rapture and the reward of faithfulness for fruit-bearing. The parable of the ten virgins
deals with readiness of Christians for the coming of the Lord, while the parable of the talents deals with
Christian service.
Question 1: State the differences between the parables of the ten virgins and the talents.
Both parables have some differences enumerated as follows: one, the first parable represents the Christian youth that is waiting for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ; while the second represents the one using his
talents for the Lord. Two the first shows the necessity of a constant supply of inward grace, while the second
proves the need for unceasing involvement in the service for the Master. Three, the teaching of the first
parable lay emphasis on the necessity of current and practical Christian experiences, while the second dwells
on the uses of our gifts and the gains we make for the Lord through it as Christian youths. Is your Christian experience genuine and current, and are you using your talents in the service of the Lord?
1. THE INTERPRETATION OF THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS
(Matthew 25:1-13;Luke 12:35-38; 2 Corinthians 6:2;Revelation 19:5-9).
The parable is applicable to the disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ in every generation, including Christian
youths. The clear use of the following terms as the kingdom of heaven, the virgins, the lamps, the oil and the bride groom in the parable indicate the community of people Christ was addressing. “The kingdom of heaven”
describes a territory for a peculiar set of people that are called out of the worldly kingdom and systems. “The bridegroom” is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The “ten virgins” in the passage refer to those youths who have repented of their sins, and are converted. But Christ grouped them into two categories: wise and the foolish.
Question 2: Why did Jesus describe some of the virgins as wise and the others as foolish?
“And five of them were wise, and five were foolish” (Matthew 25:2). Jesus described some of the virgins as wise because they made the right decisions at the right time. The foolish ones were procrastinating and
sluggish. All the virgins had equal chances to take their lamps and they were all aware of the necessity of oil
for their respective lamps, but due to thoughtlessness, procrastination and carelessness, the foolish virgins did not make the required and appropriate preparations to qualify to meet the Bridegroom.
Question 3: What are the biblical implications of the parable often virgins to Christian youths?
“But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps” (verse 4). Oil is a source of strength or energy to the light in the lamp that keeps it burning. And the purpose of the lamp is to give light and repel darkness. The oil
spiritually represents the grace of God that keeps us burning as light in the world. It is that which helps us to keep the faith, able to conquer sin, self, society, and Satan. Extra oil in their vessels illustrates deeper consecration and consistent service unto the Lord. It makes us fresh and fruitful in our daily walk with God.
The implication of this for youths is that there is need for full consecration and complete yieldedness to Christ after salvation. Every believer should endeavour to attend every meeting designed by the church to refresh them at all times. They should create time to pray daily and be involved in the work of God in the church.
Question 4: What does the refusal of the wise virgins to give oil to the foolish ones teach the Christian youths?
“Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your
oil; for our lamps are gone out” (Matthew 25:7,8). Christian youths should realize that Christianity is a race
that demands daily personal devotion, fellowship with brethren and constant watchfulness for the coming of
the Lord. “But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather
to them that sell, and buy for yourselves” (Matthew 25:9). The denial of the request of the foolish virgins by
the wise is not an act of selfishness, because the extra oil is something personal and not transferrable to
others. It can only be possessed individually while the opportunity lasts. Do not seek the Lord when it is late.
“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).
2. THE CALL TO CONSECRATION AND COMMITMENT
(Matthew 25:14-17; Luke 19:12-15; Mark 13:34-37; Ephesians 4:7-12 Proverbs 22:29)
“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country who called his own servants, and
delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to
every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey” (Matthew 25:14,15). While He
continued to discuss with His disciples on the kingdom of heaven, He told he them or what is expected of
them while waiting for His coming. Every Christian has been given talents according to his or her ability and is
expected to be on the field of service for the Lord till He comes.
Question 5: What is Christ’s expectation from saved youths like the Master in our text?
Christ does not expect any of His servants to be idle, therefore He desires and demands faithfulness and
fruitfulness from every Christian youth. “And he called his ten servants, and said unto them, occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13). Though He is physically absent; He duly equipped each Christian youth with the necessary tools with which to work and be profitable. “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one: to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey” (verse 15). The
Master did not leave His household un-provided for and certainly did not allow for carnal comparison and
competition among His servants. He has provided for “every man according to his several ability”.
Question 6: Mention some talents that youths can receive from the Lord.
“But every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men” (Ephesians 4:7,8). Talents or gifts
are provided for every Christian youth in the church. And this could be either natural or spiritual talents which can manifest in form of singing, writing, oratory, painting, playing of musical instruments, giving assistance or
helps, administrative and organizational ability, leadership skills, teaching skills, and so on. It is possible for
some youths to have more talents than others. It is bestowed by God according to each person’s ability. “As
every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the
manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). So, there should be no envy, jealousy, rancor or any ill-feeling against
one another, rather we should use our talents effectively and complement each other. In using our talent(s),
Christian youths must be clothed with humility and selflessness for the edification of the body of Christ. “For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” (1Corinthians 4:7).
3. THE COMPENSATION OF THE FAITHFUL AND UNFAITHFUL SERVANTS
(Matthew 25:16-30; Luke 19:16-27;8:18;2 Corinthians 5:8-10;Revelation 22:12)
“Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also
over five cities” (Luke19:16-19). Here, God rewarded His servants according to their works. We are but
stewards of God and must give account to the Lord. Therefore we should invest our gifts in the service of the
Lord. The faithful servants were rewarded for their efforts. Likewise, everyone who channels his gifts towards expansion of God’s kingdom will not go unrewarded both here and in eternity. “And, behold, I come quickly;
and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be”(Revelation 22:12).
Unfortunately, the third servant who got one talent did not invest his talent but hid it. Therefore, he had no
gain to present to the Master on His return. “And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin” (Luke 19:20). Christian youths should make efforts to utilize their talents so that they would not dissatisfy the Lord. Remember that “In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury” (Proverbs 14:23).
Question 7: How did the Master appraise his servants?
Actually the Master was looking out for the faithfulness of His servants, but He could only measure it by the
fruits of their labour through the talents He gave them. “His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:21). The Lord commended the faithful servants and promoted them with entitlements. Emptiness, confusion of mind, rejection, pains and eternal suffering await the unfaithful servant. “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer
darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:29,30).