The Oil

[InLove]

Hi Everyone--

Peace.

I've been wanting to ask this for a while, and the subject has recently been alluded to on another thread. So maybe this is a good time to bring it up.

I have thoughts on this, but I'd like to hear from others. What do you think "the oil" to which Jesus refers to in the following parable represents?

From Matthew 25:

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, 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.

Looking forward to responses...

InPeace,
InLove

[Francis king]

belief?

[17th Angel]

The foolish were unorganised...

The "wise" were organised....

Couldn't it just be a story to say... HEY! Be prepared.. Or could it be like their senses? In the dark, you cannot see, but with oil for your lamp you can see... Well, you can see better than not being equiped with a lantern.

Without understanding... You cannot see upon a subject clearly... But with a little understanding you can do more so........

[wil]

In the physical it is the fuel that burns for light.

In the parable it is allows the bridegroom to see you in the light.

In the end it refers to being prepared for the light to enter you.

I'd say the definition of what is the oil is determined by in the story what is your definition of light, of the trimming the wick, and of the bridegroom.

And all that will vary as to what is currently going on your life...to me the meanings of various bible texts are not just the literal, historical, societal/conventional metaphorical understandings but also many levels of personal metaphysical understandings depending on where we are...

and then if they were told the bridegroom was there to be met....why did he tarry...and why did they not wait in anticipation...why did they sleep...and depending on your meaning of oil....who are the sellers and what do you buy it with?

gotta love this stuff!

So what is oil or light or bridegroom for me today could be different from what it is for you...or me tomorrow.

[InLove]

Interesting answers so far. I am still thinking about what I think.

I don't really think I have an agenda here. I hope no one is thinking I am out to teach a Sunday School lesson. I'm just thinking. Whaddya think?

Thinks. Err, I mean, "Thanks".

InPeace,
InLove

[Dondi]

The Holy Spirit

Oil is used to anoint, particularly on the head (Exodus 29:7). Christ or Messiah means the "Anointed One". At His Baptism, from which He began his ministry, the Spirit in the form of a Dove came down upon His head.

But the oil was also used in the Tabernacle of Moses to light the Candlestick, which represented the Light of the Spirit (Seven Spirits of God in Rev). So in the case of the Ten Virgins, it was a matter of whether one had oil in there lamps at the coming of the Groom ("The Spirit and the Bride say, come" - Rev 22:17).

[juantoo3]

Kindest Regards, InLove!

Originally Posted by InLove

I have thoughts on this, but I'd like to hear from others. What do you think "the oil" to which Jesus refers to in the following parable represents?

Olive oil, the oil of the people.

Originally Posted by wil

In the physical it is the fuel that burns for light.

In the parable it is allows the bridegroom to see you in the light.

In the end it refers to being prepared for the light to enter you.

And become the bride of Christ. Yeah, that too.

[Tao_Equus]

Might I be sacreligious an posit that he was quite exhausted after 5 virgins? And perhaps that it is good to get well-oiled before 'indulging'???

[Prober]

Originally Posted by Tao_Equus

Might I be sacreligious an posit that he was quite exhausted after 5 virgins? And perhaps that it is good to get well-oiled before 'indulging'???

Yes, that would be sacriligious.

[17th Angel]

Cheeky.... lol.

[InLove]

Hi All--

I just wanted you to know that I'm not ignoring the comments. I'm just doing some research and meditation. Thanks for all your input.

(TE, I'm glad this isn't a Sunday School class. We'd have to put you in "timeout". )

InPeace,
InLove

[Tao_Equus]

rushes off to the naughty corner.....

[wil]

Originally Posted by InLove

I just wanted you to know that I'm not ignoring the comments. I'm just doing some research and meditation. Thanks for all your input.

(TE, I'm glad this isn't a Sunday School class. We'd have to put you in "timeout". )

As in all threads there are posts that are worthy being ignored (oft times mine) and the meditation and research will do you wonders for your purpose...v. the comments.

Originally Posted by Tao_Equus

rushes off to the naughty corner.....

sort of half trot, half gallop as the path is well worn and he knows his way home....

[flowperson]

Those who function in darknesss are always late to the party, and those who have light are always there at the right time.

flow....

[17th Angel]

Sunday school timeouts? What merits a person to be placed in timeout in a Sunday school? Drawing a wonky cross with a crayon?