The Oil in the Parable of the Ten Maidens

[jennifer_bloom]

To me, the 10 maidens represent the 10 commandments. The first four involve gratitude towards God and the fifth involves gratitude to human care givers, so the first five maidens who held oil in their hands are those who keep any one of the five laws of gratitude in the Ten Commandments and demonstrate that they have the ability for gratitude and appreciation.

The foolish maidens who took their lamps but did not take oil with them, are the egocentric righteous ones who took their responsibilities and their principles but did not take any love or gratitude or joy or personal appreciation and compassion with them.

Because the provider took so long to reach the 10 commandment keepers, they were forced to provide for themselves while waiting for their fiancé to arrive and those who failed to show gratitude, both privately and behaviourally, end up diminishing their judgment, to the point where they can no longer discern between good and evil and are not emotionally responsive to their fiancé when he finally arrives.

They beg and plead to be included in His kingdom, but God does not acknowledge them, because when they were religious, they refused to acknowledge God’s other children. Which is why, you must always prime yourself with proactive kindness and emotional helpfulness so when your heavenly provider comes, you can accept and emotionally respond to Him.

That is how I understand the oil in the 4 gospels..

[emperor90]

Nice

[Honestguyopen]

That is a interesting take I have not heard before. However, consider for a moment a few things. First, the 10 were awaiting one bridegroom to arrive. They were to use the lamps to light the path for the bridegroom to bring his bride to the house he had prepared for her. It was a gesture of honor. Next, half of the 10 brought enough oil for the time when they expected the groom to arrive. Yet because he took longer than expected, they ran out because of lack of preparedness. During the delay, all 10 fell asleep, resulting in a lapse in vigilance when had they kept on the watch, they might have realized the need for more oil sooner. So lack of preparedness and not being vigilant by carrying more oil in case of need is highlighted.
So what was Jesus saying here? He was likening this to the kingdom that was being prepared for his disciples. He told them after to keep on the watch, because like the virgins didn't know when to expect the groom, Jesus disciples would not know exactly when He would arrive to establish his kingdom. So we are advised to keep on the watch, like a homeowner waiting for a thief he knows is coming.

[collie22]

i get its about being prepared and learn the word