Parables of the Ten Virgins and the Talents,DCLM Children Search
LESSON 10
Matthew 25:1-46; Luke 19:11-27
Parable is a comparison drawn from nature or daily life experiences a designed to explain some spiritual truths. During the earthly ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, He used series of methods to teach His audience. His methods include: illustrations, parables, storytelling and use of symbols. In our lesson today, we are considering the parables that teach us about the attitudes of the different categories of people in the church. God wants us to learn important lessons that will help us to do the right thing so as to be qualified to live with Him in His kingdom at last.
1. PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS: Matthew 25:1-13
This parable has its background from the manner of celebrating wedding ceremonies during the New Testament period. It is usually conducted in the evening, but in our passage, it was delayed because the groom and his friends arrived at midnight. The ten virgin’s crane as guests. At midnight, all the ten virgins became tired and slept. When the groom arrived, his friends announced his arrival and alerted everyone to wake up to meet the bridegroom.
All the ten virgins had burning lamps when they went to sleep but their lamps were almost burnt out when the bridegroom arrived. Then the foolish ones did not take along extra oil said to the wise give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out”.
From this parable, we can learn the following lessons:
І.The foolish virgins were denied access into the venue of the ceremony because they did not take with them extra oil in separate vessels to replenish e supply in their lamps. Similarly, boys and girls that approach spiritual sues with seriousness and careless conduct will face similar fate when the Lord Jesus comes.
ii) The wise virgins were called ‘wise’ because they took extra oil in separate vessels beside what they had in their lamps. Boys and girls are expected to jealously guard their spiritual experiences such as salvation, sanctification and Holy Ghost baptism, so that they will not lose them because of carelessness and compromise.
(iii) The coming of Jesus at the rapture can happen any moment. Boys and girls need to be watchful and vigilant. There will be no time for emergency repentance and restitution.
The oil in the parable represents true faith, righteousness and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. This parable therefore stresses the necessity of perseverance in the faith and spiritual preparedness because Jesus will come at an unexpected time. You must be watchful, prayerful and live a holy life.
2. PARABLE OF THE TALENTS: Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19: 11-29
Jesus told another parable to His audience that the kingdom of God Was like a honorable and rich man that went on a journey. Before his journey, he ” called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods” (Matthew 25:14). To one he gave five talents, to another he gave two and to the last, he gave one. He gave these to them based on their different abilities. After the man had departed, the first and the second servants made useful and sensible use of the gifts received. They gained additional talents but the third servant went and hid his own. At the appointed time, the rich man returned and called the servants to give account of how they had used the resources given to them.
After listening to them, he commended the two profitable servants Well done, thou good and faithful servant …” and condemned the attitude of the last servant: thou wicked and slothful servant The master collected the goods from the third servant and gave it to the first servant that had five. He further punished the last Servant ” Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth”.
This parable illustrates the relationship between Jesus and His friends.
(i) The noble man is Jesus Christ.
(ii) The servants are boys and girls who profess to be friends of Jesus.
(iii) The two faithful servants are boys and girls who surrender their talents to God as choristers, ushers, cleaners in the church, and those that get involved in other work areas in the church.
(iv) The last servant symbolises lazy boys and girls who refuse to work for God.
(v) The arrival of the noble man symbolises when Jesus will come to reward boys and girls that work for Him and reject those that refuse to work for Him.
A talent represents our abilities, time, resources and opportunities to serve God while on earth. This parable therefore warns us that our place and service in heaven will depend on how faithful we are in the use of our God-given talents. Everyone has been given one talent or another. You must endeavour to use your own talent to profit the kingdom of God here on earth. Then when Christ returns, He will recognize your faithfulness and reward you.
3. THE PEOPLE CATEGORIZED AS SHEEP AND GOATS: Matthew 25:31-46
Jesus Christ concluded His parable with a powerful illustration of how the judgment will be. This illustration shows that people can be categorized into two groups, namely, saints and sinners. Sheep are known to be simple and controllable. On the other hand, goats are known for their stubbornness and naughtiness. According to the illustration in our text, sheep and goats are allowed to feed together but will be separated later. Similarly, at the end of time, there will be a clear separation of saints from the sinners. God will determine who will enter His kingdom and those that will be denied entry. The question is, to which group do you belong?
If you are still doing naughty things like a goat, then you must be ready to face God’s judgment. However, God is loving and merciful. He is not willing that any child should perish. Therefore, a sinful boy or girl must urgently take these steps so as to be saved from the judgment to come.
(i) Realise and accept that you are a sinner.
(ii) Repent and to God.
(iіі) Ask for forgiveness and cleansing with the blood of Jesus.
(iv) Ask Jesus to come into your heart to reign as your Saviour and Lord.
QUESTIONS
1. Mention three methods Jesus used in teaching His hearers.
2. List five lessons learnt from the parable of the ten virgins.
3. Five symbols used in the parable of the talents are:
(i) .Mention three important lessons in the parable of the talents.
5. (b) How can a sinful child be saved?
MEMORY VERSE: “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25: 13).
God’s desire is that boys and girls should be saved and serves acceptably.
THOUGHT: I will be saved and also serve God faithfully so as to enjoy God’s reward.
ACTIVITY: Discuss and plan on evangelism outreach to the sinners in our neighbourhood.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 87 – TAKE MY LIFE
CHORUSES:
(1) I’ m thinking when my Lord shall come again.
(2) Give me Oil in my lamp.
(3) He is coming back again.
HOMEWORK: Everyone should go and preach to sinners in the community.
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:
1. Parable
2. Replenish
3. Vigilant
4. Symbolise
5. Illustrate.
