WATCH, THEREFORE!

Text:  Matthew 25:1-13.

Purpose: To stir hearers to watchfulness, in view of the promised coming of Christ; to show what this watchfulness involves.

Introduction

I. Enthusiasts of numerous sects have through the centuries suddenly proclaimed the Lord's imminent return, and have established vigils to wait for Him. Jesus faced some in His ministry who thought the Kingdom of God would immediately appear (Luke 19:11). In the past century, founders of the Jehovah's Witnesses and of the present Seventh-Day Adventists announced the Lord's near return, creating great excitement among their followers, but proved wrong when the set dates passed uneventfully. In our own time there have been several such small groups who claimed revelations to the same effect, left their belongings, and banded together in seclusion to await Jesus' return.

II. The New Testament certainly affirms Christ's return, in person and in power, but while it says the time is "short" it also stresses that no man knows the day God has set. See Acts 1:11; 1 Corinthians 7:29; James 5:8,9; 1 Peter 4:7; Mark 13:32.

III. Paul had to tell the Thessalonian saints of certain prerequisites to Christ's return; they were apparently anticipating an immediate parousia (II Thessalonians 2). Peter stresses the certainty of the second advent, while explaining its indefinite delay (II Peter 3).

IV. How could Jesus and the apostles speak both of the "nearness" of Christ's return and at the same time allow for a delay already 2,000 years long? It may be explained thus. When they say "it is near," they are not looking forward to a set timetable of events and seeing it approaching. Rather they are looking backward to the fulfillment of all God's promises in Christ and the accomplishment of His saving purposes in the Christian community, and are saying, "nothing else remains but the end - it could come any time." (Preacher: the first chapters of Vernard Eller's The Most Revealing Book of the Bible, published by Eerdmans in paperback, are more than worth the price of the book. They deal with the problem here discussed. Eller is a Brethren scholar.)

Body

I. The story of ten virgins at the wedding feast. Tell the story or read it from the text. Jesus' punch-line is found in verse 13. "Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." What does it mean to "watch," and why is it so urgent?

II. What does it mean to watch?

   A. What it does not mean.

        1. It does not demand something beyond our power, nor does it call for total constant concentration. The virgins all slumbered and slept (verse 5).

        2. It does not mean simply appearing to be watchful. They all trimmed their lamps (verse 7).

        3. It does not mean simply claiming to be watchful (verses 7, 11).

   B. What it does mean. To be watchful means being able to move at moment's notice, having made preparation in advance. We might say "be prepared" and mean the same thing as "watch, therefore." See verses 8-10.

III. Why is it so important to watch?

   A. Because its very simplicity increases the command's responsibility. All virgins had the same opportunity for preparation; some simply lacked forethought and concern (verse 9).

   B. Because without this watchful preparation, all else becomes meaningless and unimportant. Breathing and eating are simple, but most important. "Watchers" without oil were no watchers at all! All their waiting, their trimming, their knocking, even their too-late attempts at preparation, came to nothing. They were shut out; their opportunity had come and gone.

   C. Because of its consequences if neglected (verse 12). Clemency is sometimes offered in cases of hardship or in view of extenuating circumstances. But what can be said of those who neglect something so simple, so possible, and so urgent? One cannot really point to their earnestness, sincerity, obedience or their faith - if they neglect such a simple command.

Conclusion

Neither activism, profession nor appearance can take the place of simple watchfulness. Christ calls on us to be ready at any moment for His return, so that - all preparations made in advance - we can meet Him wholeheartedly in genuine faith and in good conscience.

Therefore, watch!

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