Matthew 25

Matthew 25 concludes Jesus's teaching ministry with three parables.

All of the virgins have lamps - that is to say, they all have the outward appearance of being Christians. The virgins who had oil for their lamps were filled with the Holy Spirit. Those who do not have the Spirit will not be invited to the wedding banquet, but will be cast out into eternal judgement. We are always to expect the return of the Lord at any moment, and live according to our faith.

The talents represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Some people are gifted with many gifts, and have the ability to minister to many people. Some people are gifted with a few gifts, and are able to minister to a few people. Some people are gifted with specific gifts, and are able to minister to specific people. No matter what gift or gifts you have been given, it is your responsibility to use them. You can't make excuses, or play at false humility, and ignore what God has given you. Don't compare yourself to others. Keep your eyes on God, and use what He has given you for His glory. If you want more, you have to use what you have - if you don't then you will lose even what you have on the day of judgement.

The sheep and the goats are about those who live by their faith as opposed to those who merely put on the appearance of faith. True followers of God walk out their faith through obedience, generosity, and sacrificial love. Others put on the appearance of faith in order to please themselves. God knows the difference, and will judge each accordingly.

There's a lot of weight behind these parables, but they are also the last recorded teachings of Jesus in the Book of Matthew, so by this point you've heard everything else that Jesus taught and it's time to come to grips with the reality of what it means to follow Jesus.