Parable of the Ten
Christians
Adapted from:
Matthew 25:1-13
by Rich Murphy
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5 While the Lord tarried, they all got busy with their lives and work. 6 And at a time least expected there was a cry made, Behold, the Lord cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those Christians arose, and prepared to show the Lord the witness of their lives. 8 And those merely following religious tradition said unto those truly seeking God’s will, Give us of your anointing; for the witness of our lives has gone out. 9 But those truly seeking God’s will answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to the Holy Spirit and receive for yourselves. 10 And while they went to receive, the Lord came; and they that were ready went in with him to the rapture: and the tribulation started. 11 Afterward came also the other Christians, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
So, the question for you today is, which group are you part of? Are you one of the Christians who are on fire, or are you just getting along with religious tradition? God’s presence is often described with fire in the Bible “For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire...” (Deut 4:24). He desires that we too become a fire for Him. We are called to become “flames of fire” for Him (Heb 1:7 & Ps 104:4). The sin of the American church is called complacency. Jesus put it this way: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth” (Rev 3:15-16). If we aren’t on fire for the Lord, we fall into that category called lukewarm. We don’t know exactly how soon Jesus is returning, but there is no doubt in most Christians minds that He is coming back soon. Instead of being concerned about what is happening in the world around us, we need be looking at what is inside us. Are we ready for His return? Or, will we find ourselves like those merely following religious tradition? Will the anointing power of the Holy Spirit be manifest in our lives for Jesus to see? Some denominations teach that all you have to do is say a prayer, and you’ll get into heaven. Jesus doesn’t seem to agree with that, He said: “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matt 7:22-23) When Jesus comes back, He will be looking for those who are busy accomplishing God’s will on the earth. He will seek out those who have a true relationship with the Father, not those who have a relationship with a church. Where will you be (in your relationship with Him) on that day?
This parable was adapted from the parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew chapter 25. The substitutions made were in alignment with scriptural symbology. Oil in the Bible always refers to the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself said that our lives are to be a light unto the world. The parable itself starts by saying it is talking about the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, the parable must be about God’s people. |
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This Teaching was originally
done as a brochure for distribution in revival. |
This parable, and others
is included in our book: |
Copyright © 1998 by Richard A. Murphy, Maranatha Life.
Any Christian church may make unlimited copies of this brochure for free
distribution.
This copyright notice, and the Maranatha Life information must be included.
1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto
ten Christians, which took the witness of their lives, and went forth to
meet the Lord. 2 And five of them were truly seeking God’s will,
and five were merely following religious tradition. 3 They that
were merely following religious tradition took the witness of their lives,
and took no anointing with them: 4 But those truly seeking God’s
will took anointing in their ministry with the witness of their lives.
