20 Presumption. . . .

25:1-13

Ten virgins

25:1-13 "Then the kingdom of the heavens will be like ten virgins, who, taking their lamps went forth to a meeting with the bridegroom. Now five of them were foolish and five prudent. The foolish ones, on taking their lamps did not take oil with them. But the prudent ones took oil in vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom delayed everyone slumbered and slept. Then in the middle of the night there was a cry. “Behold the bridegroom is coming. Go forth to meet him.” Then all the virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. But the foolish said to the prudent

ones. “Give us some of your oil because our lamps have gone out. But the prudent ones answered saying “In case here is not enough for both us and you go rather to those who sell it and buy some for yourselves. But while they were away buying it the bridegroom came and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding festivities. The door was shut. Later on the remaining virgins came saying “Lord Lord open the door for us.” But He answering said “Truly I say to you I do not know you. Watch therefore, because you do not know the day nor the hour."

It might be commented that the ‘hook’ of “Jesus said” here is from the bridegroom rather than from Jesus himself. But the previous passage is talking about the coming of the Son of Man (that is, Jesus). Also Jesus refers to himself elsewhere as “the bridegroom” for example in relation to his group of disciples when he was asked why they did not fast. Also again, the idea of Jesus speaking through others is being developed here. It continues into more paragraphs to follow. Later the idea of 'a living voice' speaking through others will be further developed by the two gospel writers Luke and John c/f 'the living word' The following paragraph may appear somewhat harsh. But it could present a "reality check" for the way things are.

21 Lack of development. . . .

25:14-30

dug earth and hid

25:14-30 There was once a man going away from home and he called his own slaves and delivered his goods to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one - each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately on his going the one who had received the five talents traded with them and gained another five. Similarly the one receiving the two gained another two. But the one who had received the one talent on going away dug a hole and hid his lord’s silver. Then after a long time the lord of those slaves came to make an account with them. The one who had received five talents approached and brought the other five talents saying “Lord you delivered five talents to me. Behold I gained another five talents.” His lord said to him (Note: Jesus as Lord) “Well done good and faithful

slave. Because you were faithful over a few things I will set you over many. Enter into the joy of your lord." Then the one who had received the two talents approached and said “Lord you delivered two talents to me. Behold the two further talents I gained. “ His Lord said to him "Well done good and faithful slave. Because you were faithful over a few things I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." Then the one who had received one talent approached. He said “Lord I knew you and what a hard man you are, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not scatter. Being afraid I went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold what is yours.” And answering his lord said to him. “Evil and slothful slave. (Continued over)