I’m sipping my coffee and reading this chapter, and something inside me feels uncomfortable. Jesus didn’t mince words, did He? But alongside the unbending reality of what comes if we slumber (Matthew 25:12,41), we get a glimpse of the celebration that comes in choosing Jesus while we wait. Tucked within words that seem harsh, the promise and fulfillment lies in our hope in Jesus. Here we see Jesus speak of the culmination of all that He came for.
The message surrounding each parable is the same:
Jesus is coming back for us. “When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats” (vv.31–32).
We don’t know when. “Therefore be alert, because you don’t know either the day or the hour” (v.13).
The choices we make while we wait matter. “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy” (v.21).
Our choices tell the story of what we hold close and dear. Both the virgins and the servants understood their jobs. But as the foolish virgins and the lazy servant waited, a nap and a covered-over pile of dirt took priority over what’s to come. They didn’t long for more than what they had.
I’ll be honest—as I read this, I find myself tempted to do more. Get the oil! Invest and double the profit! Doing secures our place in the kingdom, right? But being known by Him and invited to enter the wedding (Matthew 25:10, Revelation 19:9), and hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant,” (Matthew 25:21) isn’t about perfectly completed spiritual checklists. In the waiting, our hearts are revealed.
When He returns, He will divide those who love Him from those who don’t (vv.32–33). In the waiting, we need to love Him.
Loving Him means we long for more than what’s in front of us. We anticipate the joy of His arrival with so much expectation that we run to stock up on oil well before we need it. We set our hearts on the words, “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world’” (v.34).
As His bride, let’s be diligent so that we can be found by Him without spot or blemish and also at peace (2Peter 3:11–14). Let’s lay down today’s fleeting urgencies for tomorrow’s everlasting promises.
When the call comes in the middle of the night—when He comes looking for His sheep—let’s be prepared for the only light we’ll ever need (Isaiah 60:19–20). May we run to meet Him because we’ve been waiting.
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43 thoughts on "Jesus’s Parable About the Kingdom of God"
Thank you! God bless for this. I know now why God has brought me through what He has. Lord always use me and help me to do thy will! Save my children and use them too! Then, Lord, come quickly! Bring my children from.afar like you promised!!!
Day 1 of Fasting.
Why fasting:
– Fasting is a private discipline that brings public reward.
– “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6)
– “When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you (Matthew 6: 17-18).
– Biblical fasting is refraining from food for a spiritual purpose, to bring us into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. King David was fasting, his hunger and thirst for God was greater than his desire for food and drinks, even in the midst of his trial. Fasting brings a secret source of power that is often overlooked by many.
– We can be missing out on the greatest breakthroughs because we fail to fast. Remember the thirtyfold, sixtyfold, hundredfold return Jesus spoke of? (Mark 4:8, 20). When we fast, pray, tithe, the hundredfold result can be released unto us.
– Jesus fasted before starting his earthly ministry. After being baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus was tempted by the devil after 40 days and nights of fasting in the Judaean Desert.
– Jesus is our example in all things (1 Peter 2:21: To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps)
– A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher (Luke 6:40)
So if we are seeking to draw close to God, to go into higher and deeper realms/ dimensions in the spirit, to break free from the power of sin and death and demonic attacks, fasting is the secret source of power.
(as per “Fasting”-by Jentezen Franklin)
DAY 1: REPENTANCE: (prepping the way)
“if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Suggestion Prayers:
Father, we come before you this day humbling ourselves, wearing sackcloth, and we ask for your forgiveness upon the sins of our families, our parents, our grandparents and the ancestors who did not know you. We pray for your forgiveness on the things that we do that we do not understand. As we confess our sins, may you reveal to us the hidden sins that are still strongholds in our families, that opens doors to evil forces, reveal the source that causes hindrances to our intimacy with You, and our obedience to You. Reveal to us, and enable us to turn away from those wicked ways, in thoughts, deeds, secret heart intentions by Your power. Purify us as Your are pure. We desire to be made pure. Cleanse us from all unrighteous thoughts, words, deeds and hidden agenda. Forgive the sins of our ancestors, of ourselves, even of our children and future grandchildren. Give us the spirit of meekness and humbleness to receive correction when it comes (for wisdom will take correction, and stupidity rejects it). Give us grace that we are not set in our ways, but become flexible to be trained and adjusted to Your ways. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
Be blessed dear sisters.❤️
Happy Thursday she’s.
What a day I have had. Praise the Lord. Zoom meetings back to back, but here I am.
What stood out to me “Manage your oil”. Manage your oil wisely dear virgins of God. I saw this recently that someone shared with me, and it goes with the reading today, concerning the oil. I don’t know who wrote this, but there is so much spiritual wisdom here:
” Your calling is going to crush you.
If you’re called to mend the broken hearted, you’re going to wrestle with broken-heartedness.
If you’re called to prophesy, you’ll struggle with controlling your mouth.
If you’re called to lay hands, you will battle with spiritual viruses.
If you’re called to preach and to teach the gospel, you will be sifted with wisdom that anoints the message.
If you’re called to empower, your own self-esteem will be attacked, your success will be hard fought.
Your calling will come with cups, thorns and sifting that are necessary for your mantle to be authentic, humble, and powerful.
Your crushing won’t be easy because your assignment is not easy.
Your oil is not cheap.”
@KRIS: thank you for the book recommendation. It’s incredible.
@RHONDA J: keep at it girl. So proud of you :)
Maundy” originates from the Latin word mandatum, meaning “command,” which is how the name Maundy Thursday was coined. It references Jesus’ command to serve and love one another (see John 13:34-35). Some groups will even host a foot-washing ceremony to signify this day.
2 Peter says “Therefore, while you wait for these things, make every effort to be found without spot or blemish in His sight “
Isaiah 60 concludes with the grand promise that the Lord will be Israel’s everlasting light. Days of sorrow end, all people will be righteous, possessing the land forever. This is God’s doing , the result of His planting for His splendor.
Glorious restoration of His chosen city, Jerusalem.
Thank you all for your inciteful comments. With so many people in my house and more arriving later, I’m glad I found a few minutes to read. Normally tonight I would be at my church at a Maundy Thursday Service and possible Good Friday Walk tomorrow. But both cannot be this year and it feels odd and a little uncomfortable. Congrats to new grammys and as I read you were held in prayer.
Powerful teachings of Jesus using 3 parables bearing crucial insights into Kingdom life.
1.) PREPAREDNESS for Christ return
2.)FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP
3.) FINAL JUDGEMENT compassion for “the least of these”
A couple years ago I read that passage about the talents. and I had a thought, “why is it the man with one talent was the only one who buried one? Why didn’t the guy with 5 talents bury a couple and invest the other 3?, or why didn’t the guy with 2 talents bury one and invest the other?” So I asked God about that. And what He told me has changed me forever. He said that when a person has very little, they often think of themselves as inferior, or “not enough”, or they are afraid to lose the very little they have. They have a totally different mindset than someone who has a lot, someone who can risk more and still have something left over. Then He began to show me times when He used very little to do a lot of good. Like the 5 loaves and 2 fish (Matt 14:17-19). The poor widow with only 2 small coins. (Mark 12:41-44). The woman with just a handful of flour and a little oil. (1 Kings 17:7-16). He showed me that people who have very little need to be encouraged to understand that even they can do big things for God’s kingdom. He sees them as very valuable vessels, just as valuable as some one who has a lot to offer. I have often been in a place of “very little”, and didn’t think that the very little I had would make a difference. But God showed me otherwise, He showed me that even the marginalized, even the downtrodden, even the inferior have a place in His kingdom, He sees all of us as valuable, and we all have something worth giving. I encourage you to not see yourself as less-than just because you don’t have hours to spend on spiritual things, or you don’t have a huge bank account to give, or that you aren’t as talented as someone else. God has given you enough to do great things for His kingdom, whatever that is. We need not compare ourselves to others, but just look at what He has given us and use what is in our hand for His purposes. It’s not about volume, it’s about a willing heart. God can bless whatever you have and make something great out of it.
Good Morning (almost noon now!)
I had a stabbing headache this morning, and no coffee this morning (I was cursing you Mercy! lol, jk) but coffee..Is it that hard for me to give up things I love and want for a few days to draw nearer to you Lord?! I am still about my own business in ways, rather than His. I know I do a lot..but mind you…it’s because I WANT to (and love to!), but what about the things I don’t want to do because of human nature selfishness and laziness?! The phrase “good for nothing servant” stood out to me! Not because I think I am that servant-Now that is. I certainly was for most of my life in spite of being a Christian. That’s what’s important…what are we doing with what we know? That’s when it’s so important to be spending our time with what really matters and lay the rest down. Love, charity, giving, empathy, compassion..not when we are “scheduled” in our time, but ALL the time!
Thank you SO much Searching for sharing the comment from our dear Sister Dorothy! I used to love her “yelling” at us in urgency at the end of every comment!! She was passionate about our Jesus! Can you imagine that moment she got to enter into HIS kingdom and got to see her parents, her son George and sister Carol?!
Taylor–I feel like you and others are like are little sisters! And we are praying along side of ya’ll in the wait. God will make it all happen in His timing. I know you hear that often..but really, once you find him and marry…you are waiting on the next thing and the next. That’s the life process.
@Lexi–missing you, hope all is well.
May I continue to serve God in a way that brings glory to his name. May people see my actions and recognize that I choose to live a life centered on Jesus, and see the goodness of Jesus through me. More of Jesus, less of me.
♥️
One of the commentaries for Matthew 25 states the main point of these parables is clear: “our readiness for Jesus’ return is determined by our stewardship of the resources that He has given us.” This I must remember, my readiness is determined by my stewardship of resources God has given to me — not to someone else. What am I doing with what God gave me?? It’s a thought to ponder – it’s a time to examine my heart, my motives, my readiness. Oh God, may You find me watching, waiting, and ready for Your return! Help me in the waiting.
I have a praise! After a long and difficult labor and a delivery that went nothing liked planned – my daughter gave birth to a healthy beautiful baby girl on Palm Sunday! Thank you Jesus!!!…talk about waiting – it was so difficult as a mom to have to wait and wait (and wait) for updates and for the arrival…but SO worth the wait! I am over the moon with joy at meeting our very first grandbaby!!!
@Terri – praying for this new believer Rosa and praising God for a “new name written down in glory”!
@Taylor – I am so sorry that this relationship didn’t turn out the way you had hoped. But I too, along with @Mari V, am so proud of you for not settling. God has someone very special for you, its so hard in the waiting – but so worth it! …Continuing with you on this journey and praying all the way!
@GrammieSue – I will be praying for Madi and her upcoming c-section. Prayers that all goes well for her and the baby and that she will have peace with her scheduled section. Prayer for you as the mom of the mom as you watch, wait and pray…praise God for Steve’s progress, continued prayers for his recovery.
@Kim Buttonberry – praises for your husband’s successful eye surgery! Prayers for the memorial service and for the family to come to know the Lord.
Have a blessed Thursday!
A couple studies ago Max Lucado was on the podcast and said “sin at its root in the unwillingness to wait”. This stood out to me so much then and I just prayed yesterday for the struggle of waiting (waiting on my kid who is the ultimate “I can do it” toddler, waiting on the seasons to change, waiting on practically everything) and now it is being affirmed that “the choices we make while we wait matter” ! God is so good at nudging us when we’re on to something! I pray for you sisters as we wait, wait for the job, the man, the child, the miracle, the mercy, the grace, the forgiveness and all the things in between- Lord help us to hold tightly to your hand while we wait for your goodness!! Happy Thursday She’s- I know this week is heavy but just know while everyone (specifically thinking of the women who had been with Jesus since the beginning-some since birth) was waiting (probably in the deepest darkness they’ve ever seen) for Passover to end Jesus was doing something good!!! Sunday is coming-the day of Jesus’ return is coming so let’s all wait well!!!
Be diligent. This stood out to me. It means having or showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties. We must continue being about the work the Lord has given us. To Love God and love others. Help Lord to keep loving You more and others more.
Praying for all of you today!
@Taylor….sweet girl!! I’m sending you a huge hug and SMILE. AS a mom of young adults, I am SO proud of you for not settling! YES, you deserve better! A young man that LOVES Jesus with all his heart and mind and soul so that he could love YOU next! Praying for your heart. OUR Jesus has YOU!
❤
I want to thank everyone for the prayers for my hubby’s eye surgery. It went well, and his eyes are still adjusting to each other. (The surgeon repaired the muscles attached to both eyes to align them.) Now ‘encouraging’ him to take it easy is my next challenge… ;-)
I am praying as I read for all the requests, too. TAYLOR- I am so proud of you for your strength in making wise choices in your dating life! I know I’m not alone in sensing your growth and reliance on the Lord in this area. Keep going, dear one!
Saturday I will be attending the memorial service for my friend who passed away suddenly two weeks ago. I’ll be meeting her husband and kids, grandkids for the first time, although I feel kind of like I know them. My friend and I would have long lunches and her family was always her main focus of discussion. Please pray with me for the Lord to draw them to Him. they are all very accomplished but not in relationship with the Lord.
Thanks again, dear She’s!!
Prayers please for my daughter Madi. She has pre-preeclampsia and they have decided to do a C-section on Tuesday. She will get a shot today and tomorrow to help the baby boy’s lungs develop before delivery. She is at 37 weeks so everything should go smoothly but I’d just appreciate prayers. She has a 15 month boy and this is her second boy. Our 10th grand!!
Btw…Steve is steadily getting stronger. Still no feeling in his feet, but with the help of PT he is able to walk with a cane (unsteadily, but getting better). Concentrating on building leg muscles, arm muscles, core muscles, to improve his balance.
Prayers for so many of you ladies.
Hugs to all ❤️
Praying for your daughter and grandson. Also for Steve.
Sweet Jesus, help me and my sweet sisters to wait for You but also help us be prepared and make the right choices. I really loved the last verse from the 2 Peter reading. It is impossible for us to be without spot or blemish on our own… but because of Him we can! (Did you notice the inclusion of the words “in his sight”?!?! Sweet!!)
2 Peter 3: 14… “Therefore, dear friends, while you wait for these things, make every effort to be found without spot or blemish in his sight, at peace.”
Let’s lay down today’s fleeting urgencies for tomorrow’s everlasting promises. God nudge me towards what you would have me do to further Your kingdom. Don’t let me miss the little opportunities to share Your word.
May we run to meet Him because we have been waiting. !!!! I eagerly await Your rapture & return!! I love and long for You, Jesus!
“though I have not seen Him, my heart knows Him well” ♥️♥️♥️
“Let’s lay down today’s fleeting urgencies for tomorrow’s everlasting promises.”
So good!
@Taylor – praying for you! I’m a single 40 yo and I understand — praying for a Godly man for you and that God would heal your heart and hold you close! <3
Thank you ladies for praying for me. Just a little life update. I decided to end a relationship last night with a guy I’ve been dating since December. The difficult conversation I’ve been mentioning about with a friend was actually about him. To see his unwillingness to reconcile and his inability to apologize gave me the courage to walk away. While it makes me sad this relationship didn’t work out, I trust in God’s plan for my life. After our conversations this weekend, I could not see myself spending the rest of my life with him. I deserve better.
I appreciate your continued prayers as I step into whatever God has next for me. Praying I find a loving, emotionally & spiritually mature husband, and peace in the waiting. Love you all and I appreciate your encouragement over all these years I’ve been on SRT <3
@Taylor. Proud of you Taylor girl! I believe God has someone very special picked out just for you. You just have to be patient. God’s got this friend.
From Enduring Word: “Some think that readiness for Jesus’ return is a very spiritual and abstract thing. It really isn’t – it is a matter of being about our business for the Lord. In light of this parable, we must ask ourselves: What have we done with our knowledge? Our time? Our money? Our abilities? The sins of *omission* [what we don’t do] may ultimately be more dangerous than the sins of *commission* [what we do].”
Dear Father,
Thank you for Your Word.
May we seek and find Your Wisdom.
May we center our lives around You.
May we spend our resources – the gifts you entrusted us – wisely.
AMEN.
I am with my family these weeks and just being somewhere else completely changes my routines. Know that I am reading and praying through the comments every day.
(Thank you for asking, MERCY, SEARCHING, MICHELLE)
MERCY – Praying for you and your husband while you are fasting. May you both fix your eyes and hearts on Him ❤️
DONNA WOLCOTT – Praying for time and concentration. And enjoy the presence of your family!
EMMA RAGETH – Praying for your sister, 2x BIL, and your best friend to come to know Jesus.
JULIE GANUCHEAU – Praying for your dad Bill, for physical and spiritual healing
CEE GEE – Praying for healing for your family member
ERB – Praying for you and your mom’s wrist to heal quickly
MOLLY R – Praying for your marriage and car troubles
ASHLEIGH PRUETT – Praying that you get the help you need. Remember, He is with you always ❤️ (Matthew 28:20)
MARI V – Praying for H and that she gets the care she needs
FOSTER MAMA – praying for your goddaughter and her mom. Also for wisdom and guidance for you and your husband.
TAYLOR – I am sorry the conversation didn’t go as you expected. You did what you could! Praying that you find your rest in Him and for your friends to turn around.
HEATHER O’MALLEY – Praying that God provides a godly older couple to take your son and his girlfriend under their wings
MICHELLE P – Continued prayers for your mental health! Glad your job helps.
JESSICA H – Praying for lasting changes in Isabelle and for her family now she is so far away.
THERESA – Praising God for healing Sydney!
DEE DEE – Praying for healing for your husband, Bob, for your daughter Rebecca to return to Jesus, and for you. Glad you are home now!
KIM BUTTONBERRY – Praying for your husband, Tom. How did the surgery go?
LYNNE FROM ALABAMA – Continued prayers for you and Jack, and also for your friend Gina
Amen and Amen ❤️
May I always “llay down today’s fleeting urgencies for tomorrow’s everlasting promises.” Lead me Holy Spirit, Amen.
❤️
Praying for you @Mercy and your time of fasting. ❤️
@Searching ❤️
@DeeDee – glad you are ok ❤️ God bless you and your health
@Julia C- ❤️
@Mia Faith ❤️
This is speaking to me. This afternoon we’re heading to FL for spring break and spending time with my in-laws. The urgency of my to-do list (particularly since we were planning to leave tomorrow, but then my husband got tomorrow off work and we’re leaving a day early) has had me spending less time in prayer this Holy Week. Lord, forgive me. It is so easy to get caught up in the urgency of today and briefly take my eyes off Jesus, my one greatest love.
I want to be about the Father’s business but too often I am wasting time like the foolish virgins and the lazy servant. I have wonderful news to share though. Last night, a young girl at church accepted Christ as her Saviour! Hallelujah! Pray for her- her name is Rosa.
Amen
Keep our eyes on Jesus, staying ready for Him. 2 Peter 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Praying for us as we seek to follow Him. Remember the Amos study that included a discussion of plumb line? God’s righteousness is our plumb line to guide us in our walk with Him, to keep us from being deceived.
In looking up our Amos study, I came across a post by our dear friend DOROTHY written just a couple of months before she met Jesus face to face:
“Father God, we rejoice in all that You have given us. Show us, like You showed Amos, how to spread YOUR WORD AND YOUR GREAT NEWS. Christ Jesus, THANK YOU for giving Your life for us, for our sins, so we could have eternal life. Holy Spirit, LEAD US IN THE WAYS OF GOD AND CHRIST, be by our side, help us to remain close to God and Christ. Amen. Be blessed and DRAW CLOSE TO GOD, CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT today and this week.”
JULIA C – missing you this week.
MERCY ❤️
DEE DEE – thankful your husband’s surgery went well, praying for his recovery. Also praying for you and your health!!
EMMA RAGETH – praying for your loved ones in need of salvation
KRIS – thank you for research on regret!
MARIA BAER – be ready, thank you.
JULIE GANUCHEAU – praying for your dad’s surgery and salvation
TINA ❤️ yes, those songs!
KELLY (NEO) amen!
MIA FAITH ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️ praying for your family member!
Searching ❤️
The children’s hymn This little light of mine…, came to mind…
As did the newer song… Here I am to worship..❤
My comment has gone for moderation, not sure what that means, but just wanted to send love and hugs to all wrapped in warming prayers..❤
I love having solar lights in My garden! I absolutely love the longing on of the lights when night falls. There is nothing more spectacular then the evenings in my garden being lit up!
Most bushes, shrubs or trees have a dangling of, or a covering of tiny bulbs, unseen by day, but come the evening… ” and there was light”
Here’s the thing, no matter how spectacular, or breathtakingly beautiful these may look, after a while they begin to dim, eventually, fading away through the night.
BUT GOD..
The light He promises is a forever light, a light that not only guides, but lights my path. All He asks in return is that I am oil ready. Heart ready. Running shoes ready. Prepared for His return. Ready, always, even in the waiting, to hear the words.. “Well done good and faithful servant..”
Lord, praying I may always have oil ready, my heart prepared, and my running shoes by the door, ready to run to you when the time comes..
AMEN..
Happy Thursday, wrapped in love and hugs, dear hears..❤
2 Pet 3:14 (NLT) “And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.” Plays off of the topic yesterday, be caught doing good.
Loved this, Marnie “Let’s lay down today’s fleeting urgencies for tomorrow’s everlasting promises.
When the call comes in the middle of the night—when He comes looking for His sheep—let’s be prepared for the only light we’ll ever need (Isaiah 60:19–20). May we run to meet Him because we’ve been waiting.”
JULIE GANUCHEAU – praying all goes well with your dad’s surgery today. May the Lord draw him back during the recovery.
DEE DEE – happy to hear you are ok!
MERCY – thanks for the additional info. I’m excited to see how God meets you in your fast.
MIA FAITH – continued prayers for you and your family
RHONDA J and TINA – today’s passage brought you two to mind.
Prayers for all the SHEs who are caregivers, may God bring you deep, restoritive rest.
Oh what a day that will be. I’m so ready to meet him.
Thank you Lord for your love