"Wise Waiting!" Matthew 25:1-13
Series: Trinity Season Gospel Sermons
November 26, 2023
Rev. Nathan J. Rusert
The Last Sunday In The Church Year 26-November-2023 Sermon Text: Matthew 25:1-13 Sermon Theme: “Wise Waiting!” I. Joyful Anticipation! (Vs.1-5) II. Fully Prepared To Follow The Bridegroom! (Vs.6-9). III. Known As His Own! (Vs.10-13) by Rev. Nathan J. Rusert
Episode Notes
The Last Sunday In The Church Year 26-November-2023
Sermon Text: Matthew 25:1-13
Sermon Theme: “Wise Waiting!” I. Joyful Anticipation! (Vs.1-5) II. Fully Prepared To Follow The Bridegroom! (Vs.6-9). III. Known As His Own! (Vs.10-13) by Rev. Nathan J. Rusert
I.N.R.I. The end is here! Today the Church Year ends and we are closer to Christ’s final coming than when we first believed. What are you waiting for? “A convenient time?” The Apostle Paul was arrested in Jerusalem for causing a riot in the Temple. When it was found out that he was a Roman citizen and that 40 Jewish zealots had taken an oath not to eat or drink until they had assassinated Paul he was sent under heavy guard to stand trial at Caesarea. Governor Felix heard the accusations against Paul by the chief priest Annas and an orator named Tertullus. They accused Paul of being a ringleader of the Nazarenes and stirring up dissension all Jews throughout the world. Paul appealed to Roman Law. He had the right to face the men who were accusing him in the court of law. These men hadn’t been in the Temple. Twelve days ago these events had unfolded, but none of the Jews from Asia who accused Paul and started a riot came to this trial. Paul testified before Felix, Act 24:14-16 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. (15) I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. (16) This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
Hope in Christ’s final triumphant coming, the reality of the resurrection of the body, judgment day, and the life of the world to come - disciplined Paul to strive towards the goal of knowing Christ Jesus Php 3:10-11 ...and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, (11) if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Paul is on trial for his faith in the resurrection of the dead.
Felix delays Paul’s trial until the Roman commander Lysis can travel down to testify about Paul. St. Luke, the historian records, “Act 24:24-27 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. (25) Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you." (26) Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. (27) But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound. You can study this historically accurate account in Acts 21 and following.
Felix heard Paul reason of righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come - filled with fear - he shut up the apostle and said he’d hear more at a “convenient time.” It never came for Felix - he conversed with Paul, but he refused to listen about judgment day and forgiveness found in the person and work of Christ Jesus alone.
How about you? Are you still waiting for a “convenient time.”? Even though you sit and listen - do you believe? Or are you waiting for a convenient time? Repent! Today the Judge Christ Jesus preaches to you - ““Wise Waiting!” I. Joyful Anticipation! (Vs.1-5) II. Fully Prepared To Follow The Bridegroom! (Vs.6-9). III. Known As His Own! (Vs.10-13)
I. Tuesday of Holy Week as the sun was setting Jesus teaches His followers of the destruction of Jerusalem and His final coming in glory. Listen to Him! (Mt. 25:1) He is speaking of the Kingdom of Heaven - the rule and reign of our Creator and God through His only begotten Son by the Holy Spirit.
He compares His kingdom and rule of grace to ten virgins joyfully anticipating their Bridegrooms advent! Marriages were arranged in Jesus’ day, and still are in many cultures around this globe. The bridegroom’s father arranged a suitable bride for his son. The bride’s family also agreed. Commitment was first, love was learned and grew in the life-long commitment of marriage - it was more than a fleeting feeling - it was a joyful knowing of one another through life. When the agreement had been made, the bridegroom was engaged to his bride - this promise and pledged was viewed as them being married already. Still they didn’t come together living under the same roof for at least nine months to a year. This guarded the bride of being accused of unfaithfulness or the bridegroom of taking advantage of his bride. It preserved their honor.
The bridegroom made all the preparations. Then it was announced the marriage feast was near. The bride was prepared with her virgins - they went out in festal procession to meet the bridegroom, who would bring his bride and her companions into his house for a week long wedding feast of joyful celebration. The Creator’s gift of marriage is an icon, a picture, of Christ’s sacrificial love for His Bride - you - the Church.
What is our Bridegroom Jesus teaching us? Listen! (Mt.25:2) Ten is the total number of those in Christ’s visible church on earth. They all look alike on the outside. They have been baptized, confirmed, married, and finally buried in Christian congregation. You can’t tell if they are wise or foolish by their outside appearances. All are dressed. All carry a lamp. All wait upon the Bridegroom’s return. Still five are wise, and five are foolish.
What sets them apart? (Mt. 25:3-4)The wise joyfully anticipate the Bridegroom’s return bringing burning lamps out with extra oil in their vessels. They long to honor the Bridegroom when He appears. The foolish bring lamps with no oil. They are foolish, like having a shelf full of flashlights, but no batteries. Empty lamps, flash lights without batteries, cannot shine in the darkness. Don’t wait for a convenient time for the Heavenly Bridegroom to fill you with the fulness of God by His Holy Spirit through His Word and Sacraments. Today is the day of salvation for you! It is the day of grace for you! Let Him fill you with the oil of His cross won forgiveness, life, and salvation - given and shed for you on Calvary!
What happens? (Mt. 25:5) The Bridegroom is delayed. He is coming, but no one knows the day or hour. They all slumber falling asleep in death. Heb 9:27-28 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, (28) so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”
II. “There is a legend to the effect that Satan and his demons met in a conclave to devise the best ways to destroy the souls of men. The first demon arose and said: “I know how to accomplish this. I shall go to the earth and tell the people that the Bible is not the inspired Word of God, but a myth.” “No,” retorted another, “that will not do. Let me go. I shall tell the people that there is no God, no Savior, no heaven, no hell.” ‘Neither will that work,” exclaimed another evil spirit; “t people will not believe you.” Then rose a demon with a fiendish scowl and said; “I have solved this problem for you. I shall journey to the earth and tell the people that there is a God, a Savior, a heaven, and a hell, but they need to be in a hurry to prepare for their soul’s salvtion, that first they out to enjoy the things of this world and then there will be plenty time for them to repent.” “Bravo!” shouted the devil and his demon host; “you have discovered the way of their destruction.” And him Satan sent on this earth to lull men asleep by the false impression that they have ample time to provide for their repentance until they are suddenly summoned by death and lost forever. Unbelief is slaying thousands, but procrastination is slaying tenns of thousands every day.”
Are you fully prepared to follow the Bridegroom? (Mt. 25:6) When they least expected it, the cry goes out! Look! Here comes the Bridegroom! Go out! Meet Him! He comes for you! (Mt. 25:7) The virgins rise, cut the burnt wick off of their lamps and light them to join the Bridegroom’s festal march towards the wedding feast! (Mt. 25:8) Now the foolish are exposed. They had kept up appearances, but their hearts were empty. They were certain that their good life, good deeds, good thoughts, good prayers - earned them a place at the Bridegroom’s feast. They are found empty. Even now, instead of repenting of their folly - they demand to be served by the wise. (Mt. 25:9) The wise are not being ornery. They had oil to fill their vessels - no one can believe for another sinner - your grandfather’s or grandmother’s faith will not save your heart from empty darkness.
Now is the time to prepare to follow the Bridegroom! How? Paul confesses, Php 3:7-14 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. (8) Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ (9) and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; (10) that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, (11) if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. (12) Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. (13) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, (14) I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Look only to Christ Jesus. Know Him in His Word. In His baptism. In His absolution. In His preaching. In His prayer. In His Supper! Let God the Holy Spirit daily call, gather, enlighten, and keep you in the one true faith through the Gospel poured into you in Christ’s Church - the local Christian congregation!
III. Remember where true rest and peace is found! Jesus invites you, Mat 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." The end is here! Repent of waiting for a convenient time! (Mt. 25:10) Now is the day of grace! The Spirit cries out through Christ’s Church - “Isa 55:1-3 "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. (2) Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. (3) Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—The sure mercies of David.” Fools trusting in their own deeds, never knew Jesus - the Sin-Bearer. Now it is too late! (Mt.25:11-12) Fools knew the words to speak, they memorized the catechism, the Holy Bible - but they didn’t know Jesus - He was only to them a casual acquaintance - not a constant Good Shepherd Whose voice echoed in their ears day by day. (Mt. 25:13) Watch! Satan lies, the world distracts, your flesh is lazy offended by Truth. He is coming soon! Prepare to joyfully meet the Bridegroom! Dr. Luther teaches us, “It is not only the people who greatly misuse and desecrate the holy day who sin against this commandment (those who neglect to hear God’s Word because of their greed or frivolity or lie in taverns and are dead drunk like swine). But even that other crowd sins. They listen to God’s Word like it was any other trifle and only come to preaching because of custom. They go away again, and at the end of the year they know as little of God’s Word as at the beginning.”(3rd Cmt. LgCat).” Listen to Jesus! Know Him! He is your Bridegroom who has purchased and won you to be His own - not with gold or silver, but with His holy precious blood and His innocent suffering and death! Now He Lives and is coming soon! 2Co 6:1-2 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. (2) For He says: "IN AN ACCEPTABLE TIME I HAVE HEARD YOU, AND IN THE DAY OF SALVATION I HAVE HELPED YOU." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Amen.
Sermon Text: Matthew 25:1-13
Sermon Theme: “Wise Waiting!” I. Joyful Anticipation! (Vs.1-5) II. Fully Prepared To Follow The Bridegroom! (Vs.6-9). III. Known As His Own! (Vs.10-13) by Rev. Nathan J. Rusert
I.N.R.I. The end is here! Today the Church Year ends and we are closer to Christ’s final coming than when we first believed. What are you waiting for? “A convenient time?” The Apostle Paul was arrested in Jerusalem for causing a riot in the Temple. When it was found out that he was a Roman citizen and that 40 Jewish zealots had taken an oath not to eat or drink until they had assassinated Paul he was sent under heavy guard to stand trial at Caesarea. Governor Felix heard the accusations against Paul by the chief priest Annas and an orator named Tertullus. They accused Paul of being a ringleader of the Nazarenes and stirring up dissension all Jews throughout the world. Paul appealed to Roman Law. He had the right to face the men who were accusing him in the court of law. These men hadn’t been in the Temple. Twelve days ago these events had unfolded, but none of the Jews from Asia who accused Paul and started a riot came to this trial. Paul testified before Felix, Act 24:14-16 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. (15) I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. (16) This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
Hope in Christ’s final triumphant coming, the reality of the resurrection of the body, judgment day, and the life of the world to come - disciplined Paul to strive towards the goal of knowing Christ Jesus Php 3:10-11 ...and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, (11) if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Paul is on trial for his faith in the resurrection of the dead.
Felix delays Paul’s trial until the Roman commander Lysis can travel down to testify about Paul. St. Luke, the historian records, “Act 24:24-27 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. (25) Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you." (26) Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. (27) But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound. You can study this historically accurate account in Acts 21 and following.
Felix heard Paul reason of righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come - filled with fear - he shut up the apostle and said he’d hear more at a “convenient time.” It never came for Felix - he conversed with Paul, but he refused to listen about judgment day and forgiveness found in the person and work of Christ Jesus alone.
How about you? Are you still waiting for a “convenient time.”? Even though you sit and listen - do you believe? Or are you waiting for a convenient time? Repent! Today the Judge Christ Jesus preaches to you - ““Wise Waiting!” I. Joyful Anticipation! (Vs.1-5) II. Fully Prepared To Follow The Bridegroom! (Vs.6-9). III. Known As His Own! (Vs.10-13)
I. Tuesday of Holy Week as the sun was setting Jesus teaches His followers of the destruction of Jerusalem and His final coming in glory. Listen to Him! (Mt. 25:1) He is speaking of the Kingdom of Heaven - the rule and reign of our Creator and God through His only begotten Son by the Holy Spirit.
He compares His kingdom and rule of grace to ten virgins joyfully anticipating their Bridegrooms advent! Marriages were arranged in Jesus’ day, and still are in many cultures around this globe. The bridegroom’s father arranged a suitable bride for his son. The bride’s family also agreed. Commitment was first, love was learned and grew in the life-long commitment of marriage - it was more than a fleeting feeling - it was a joyful knowing of one another through life. When the agreement had been made, the bridegroom was engaged to his bride - this promise and pledged was viewed as them being married already. Still they didn’t come together living under the same roof for at least nine months to a year. This guarded the bride of being accused of unfaithfulness or the bridegroom of taking advantage of his bride. It preserved their honor.
The bridegroom made all the preparations. Then it was announced the marriage feast was near. The bride was prepared with her virgins - they went out in festal procession to meet the bridegroom, who would bring his bride and her companions into his house for a week long wedding feast of joyful celebration. The Creator’s gift of marriage is an icon, a picture, of Christ’s sacrificial love for His Bride - you - the Church.
What is our Bridegroom Jesus teaching us? Listen! (Mt.25:2) Ten is the total number of those in Christ’s visible church on earth. They all look alike on the outside. They have been baptized, confirmed, married, and finally buried in Christian congregation. You can’t tell if they are wise or foolish by their outside appearances. All are dressed. All carry a lamp. All wait upon the Bridegroom’s return. Still five are wise, and five are foolish.
What sets them apart? (Mt. 25:3-4)The wise joyfully anticipate the Bridegroom’s return bringing burning lamps out with extra oil in their vessels. They long to honor the Bridegroom when He appears. The foolish bring lamps with no oil. They are foolish, like having a shelf full of flashlights, but no batteries. Empty lamps, flash lights without batteries, cannot shine in the darkness. Don’t wait for a convenient time for the Heavenly Bridegroom to fill you with the fulness of God by His Holy Spirit through His Word and Sacraments. Today is the day of salvation for you! It is the day of grace for you! Let Him fill you with the oil of His cross won forgiveness, life, and salvation - given and shed for you on Calvary!
What happens? (Mt. 25:5) The Bridegroom is delayed. He is coming, but no one knows the day or hour. They all slumber falling asleep in death. Heb 9:27-28 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, (28) so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”
II. “There is a legend to the effect that Satan and his demons met in a conclave to devise the best ways to destroy the souls of men. The first demon arose and said: “I know how to accomplish this. I shall go to the earth and tell the people that the Bible is not the inspired Word of God, but a myth.” “No,” retorted another, “that will not do. Let me go. I shall tell the people that there is no God, no Savior, no heaven, no hell.” ‘Neither will that work,” exclaimed another evil spirit; “t people will not believe you.” Then rose a demon with a fiendish scowl and said; “I have solved this problem for you. I shall journey to the earth and tell the people that there is a God, a Savior, a heaven, and a hell, but they need to be in a hurry to prepare for their soul’s salvtion, that first they out to enjoy the things of this world and then there will be plenty time for them to repent.” “Bravo!” shouted the devil and his demon host; “you have discovered the way of their destruction.” And him Satan sent on this earth to lull men asleep by the false impression that they have ample time to provide for their repentance until they are suddenly summoned by death and lost forever. Unbelief is slaying thousands, but procrastination is slaying tenns of thousands every day.”
Are you fully prepared to follow the Bridegroom? (Mt. 25:6) When they least expected it, the cry goes out! Look! Here comes the Bridegroom! Go out! Meet Him! He comes for you! (Mt. 25:7) The virgins rise, cut the burnt wick off of their lamps and light them to join the Bridegroom’s festal march towards the wedding feast! (Mt. 25:8) Now the foolish are exposed. They had kept up appearances, but their hearts were empty. They were certain that their good life, good deeds, good thoughts, good prayers - earned them a place at the Bridegroom’s feast. They are found empty. Even now, instead of repenting of their folly - they demand to be served by the wise. (Mt. 25:9) The wise are not being ornery. They had oil to fill their vessels - no one can believe for another sinner - your grandfather’s or grandmother’s faith will not save your heart from empty darkness.
Now is the time to prepare to follow the Bridegroom! How? Paul confesses, Php 3:7-14 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. (8) Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ (9) and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; (10) that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, (11) if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. (12) Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. (13) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, (14) I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Look only to Christ Jesus. Know Him in His Word. In His baptism. In His absolution. In His preaching. In His prayer. In His Supper! Let God the Holy Spirit daily call, gather, enlighten, and keep you in the one true faith through the Gospel poured into you in Christ’s Church - the local Christian congregation!
III. Remember where true rest and peace is found! Jesus invites you, Mat 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." The end is here! Repent of waiting for a convenient time! (Mt. 25:10) Now is the day of grace! The Spirit cries out through Christ’s Church - “Isa 55:1-3 "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price. (2) Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. (3) Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—The sure mercies of David.” Fools trusting in their own deeds, never knew Jesus - the Sin-Bearer. Now it is too late! (Mt.25:11-12) Fools knew the words to speak, they memorized the catechism, the Holy Bible - but they didn’t know Jesus - He was only to them a casual acquaintance - not a constant Good Shepherd Whose voice echoed in their ears day by day. (Mt. 25:13) Watch! Satan lies, the world distracts, your flesh is lazy offended by Truth. He is coming soon! Prepare to joyfully meet the Bridegroom! Dr. Luther teaches us, “It is not only the people who greatly misuse and desecrate the holy day who sin against this commandment (those who neglect to hear God’s Word because of their greed or frivolity or lie in taverns and are dead drunk like swine). But even that other crowd sins. They listen to God’s Word like it was any other trifle and only come to preaching because of custom. They go away again, and at the end of the year they know as little of God’s Word as at the beginning.”(3rd Cmt. LgCat).” Listen to Jesus! Know Him! He is your Bridegroom who has purchased and won you to be His own - not with gold or silver, but with His holy precious blood and His innocent suffering and death! Now He Lives and is coming soon! 2Co 6:1-2 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. (2) For He says: "IN AN ACCEPTABLE TIME I HAVE HEARD YOU, AND IN THE DAY OF SALVATION I HAVE HELPED YOU." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Amen.
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