November 25, 2025
The End - Part 2
Matthew 25:5-7
11/25/2025
5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became
drowsy and slept.
6 But at midnight there was a cry, ``Here is the
bridegroom! Come out to meet him.''
7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their
lamps. (ESV)
The traditional Gospel reading for the last week of the
Church Year is the parable of the Ten Virgins. Five took oil for
their lamps as they went out to meet the bridegroom. Five did
not.
As the virgins waited for the bridegroom, they grew weary
and fell asleep. Each person faces temporal death while awaiting
the return of Jesus to judge the living and the dead. But there
is the promise of the resurrection as the angels announce the
coming of our Lord.
The virgins fell asleep with the oil of faith they possessed
in this life. Faith is knowledge of Jesus Christ, agreement that
the knowledge is true, and trust in Him as the object of faith.
Lack any of the three, even if you did many good works while
living, you lack the oil of faith.
At the resurrection those who trusted in their own good
works, those who believe that their redemption from sin, eternal
death, and the power of the devil lies in their own strength,
will find their lamps will not light. They lack the oil, there
is no light.
We believe, teach, and confess that faith is a gift from God
as the Holy Spirit creates and sustains our faith through the
Word and sacraments. We need to hear the law to see our sin. We
need to hear the Gospel to know that Jesus' death and
resurrection paid the price of our sin.
May our Lord grant us faith to hear His Word, to believe His
word, and to trust in His Word. Amen.