November 26, 2025
The End - Part 3
Matthew 25:8-9
11/26/2025
8 And the foolish said to the wise, ``Give us some
of your oil, for our lamps are going out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, ``Since there will
not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the
dealers and buy for yourselves.'' (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. When the bridegroom appeared, the five who had no oil
realized their sad plight.
And the foolish said to the wise, ``Give us some of
your oil, for our lamps are going out. But the wise
answered, saying, ``Since there will not be enough for
us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for
yourselves.''
Salvation from sin, death, and the power of the devil is by
God's grace and love. Faith hears the message of the Gospel,
that our sins are forgiven for the sake of the death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ. Faith trusts that word of hope.
I can tell you why I have the hope of eternal life, and
share my faith with you, but I cannot instill faith in your
heart. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. I cannot give you
my oil, no matter how much I desire so to do. You find the oil
only where God says faith is found, in His Word, both heard and
seen.
May our Lord grant us wisdom to hear His Word, to believe
it, and to trust in Him alone for our salvation. Amen.