Does Jesus Know You? (Matthew 25:1-13)
Questions: Does Jesus Know You? (Matthew 25:1-13).
“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you‘” (Mt 25:12). “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” (Mt 7:23).
- What do people think of you?
- What do you think about yourself?
- What does Christ think of you?
Growing up as a shy, reserved, nerdy introvert, I felt that people often perceived me to either be awkward, aloof or arrogant, while I felt restless (Gen 4:12, 14), as I wondered about what the meaning and purpose of my life was. Becoming a medical doctor in my early 20s didn’t resolve any of my ongoing internal dilemma. But after meeting Christ in 1980, or rather was sought out by Christ, my inner restlessness abated, and for the first time ever I experienced the gift of peace (Jn 14:21; Rom 5:1; Phil 4:7). By God’s mercy and grace I became “wise” about not just how I should live, but for what purpose (1 Cor 10:31).
After almost half a century of following Christ, am I still wise, or have I become foolish by having a form of godliness, but devoid of power (2 Tim 3:5)? Am I living off my multiple decades worth of life experience as a Christian, or am I being continually filled by the Holy Spirit of God (Eph 5:18; Gal 5:22-23)?
The 10 virgins (representing Christians/believers) in this parable are those who know the bridegroom–Christ (Mt 9:15). From their outward appearance and behavior the 10 virgins are similar, but Jesus says that 5 were wise (discerning) and 5 were foolish (Gk mōros, which has also been translated as idiots, silly, stupid).
God and the Christian Life:
- Inclusivity: God graciously invites all 10 virgins (Mt 25:1).
- Exclusivity: God distinguishes between people (Mt 25:2). The door will be shut to some people (Mt 25:10), to those not wearing “wedding clothes” (Mt 22:11-13), for many are called but few are chosen (Mt 22:14).
- Preparedness requires work (Phil 2:12-13): A Christian needs “extra oil” (Mt 25:4). An “unprepared Christian” is foolish / stupid (Mt 25:3), and will be shut out (Mt 25:10). A Christian is one, not just externally / outwardly, but especially internally / inwardly.
- Intimate relationship: Do you truly know whether Jesus knows you?
- Assumptions: Don’t live based on your own positive assumptions about yourself (1 Cor 10:12; 9:27).
- Search your heart: Be concerned about your heart, not your appearance (1 Sam 16:7; Jer 17:10).
- ..the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
- “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve” (Jeremiah 17:10).
