Matthew Chapter 25

Verse 11: “Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.”

This event will take place AFTER the door is shut—and after the foolish virgins realize it is shut. However, the pleading “Lord, open to us” means they want the door to be opened, which is quite different from those in the Johnsonite movement, who blithely accepted the supposed fact that the door is shut and had no desire for it to be opened.

The JW’s are another group that is not concerned. Its members are wed to the organization and thus are indifferent to the supposed close of the high calling. They do not see the necessity for a personal relationship with Christ. For many years they did not sing hymns at their meetings, believing that singing was a form of idolatry. Their writings lack tenderness. They say “King Jesus.” The organization has no emphasis on the high calling and being with Jesus.

In short, Verse 11 is showing that an emotional trauma will take place. The foolish virgins will plead to get in when they realize the door is shut. That is a big difference from anything that has happened to date! This very sad time ties in with Song 5:6 where the Great Company opens too late to the Beloved. “I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spoke: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.” The little sister (picturing the Great Company) made excuses when Jesus came to the door—the cost was too great to bestir her. When she finally arose and did what she had been debating, it was too late. She came to her senses, but after her Beloved had left. However, the fragrance of his having been there lingered on the handle of the door lock. Then she went out and tried to find her Beloved. Here, then, is a class who are not satisfied when they are too late. They will plead, “Lord! Lord! Open to us!” Disappointment is registered and desire to get in. This event is not yet fulfilled.

The expression “gnashing of teeth,” which means extreme bitter disappointment, applies to three categories depending on context (see Matt. 8:12; 24:50; 25:30; Luke 13:28; etc.). The phrase can apply to those who are utterly rejected or to those who are partially rejected.

Comment: In Verse 12 Jesus answered and said, “I know you not.” He knew the foolish virgins but not in the sense of knowing them as being of the Little Flock.

Reply: Yes. He was saying, “I do not recognize you as being part of that class.”

Comment: Does Verse 12 tie in with Matt 7:21–23,

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.  Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

Reply: Many feel that to be of the Bride class depends on works. With too great an emphasis on works, the tendency is not to listen to the Lord’s instruction. Works are important, but to be of the Little Flock includes much more. By belonging to a particular group, fellowship, or organization, many wrongly feel they will be judged faithful and get into the marriage. To be faithful, we cannot follow an individual or an organization, and we cannot justify ourselves by works. “Though I have the tongue of angels and give my body to be burned and give all my goods to the poor, that alone will not profit my attaining the Little Flock” is the thought. The “lawlessness” of Matt 7:21–23 is not strictly listening to Jesus’ advice.

Question: Does Matt 7:21–23 apply to the Great Company?

Answer: That question must be studied as a subject. Two classes will experience such disappointment. Matt 25:1–12 goes into only one class: the foolish virgins, who will be saved. In other Scriptures a Second Death class is treated.

Verse 11 shows that the foolish virgins ARE virgins—they are really dedicated to the Lord, and Jesus is their Master. “Lord, Lord, open to us” is an honest, true confession, but the foolish virgins will not be worthy of the marriage because they do not strictly listen to all of Jesus’ commandments in detail (called a “law” in some cases).

Notice that Jesus opened the door and he will close it. The door was opened at Pentecost. When it is closed, the fact will be known—and by just as startling an event.

VERSE 13 “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”

Verses 1–12 are the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. Verse 13 comes back to Jesus talking. Paraphrased: “I have just given you the parable. Watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour when I will come to take the Bride home.” This warning about the rapture is a repeat of what was said in Matt 24:42, 44.

Verse 13 is a verification that Jesus is not referring to the beginning of the secret presence in 1874 in those verses.

The last eight words of Verse 13 are not found in the oldest Greek MSS, as stated the statement: “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.” was in regards to the fulfillment of the parable, NOT in the Lord’s return.

What a long discourse Jesus gave: all of Matthew 24 plus the three parables of Matthew 25!