PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 25:1-13
What do you sense Jesus saying to you in this passage?
“Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.” (Matthew 25:12)
How could the bridegroom not recognize these friends?
They appear to be indifferent or apathetic to the big moment.
If they really knew and loved the bridal couple, they’d be ready.
Jesus and His beloved family are the bride and groom.
Those who are loved by Jesus, love Jesus and love those who Jesus loves.
Failure to love the bride who Jesus loves is failure to love Jesus.
This is clear in the parable about the sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46).
It is not those who CLAIM to love, but who ACTUALLY love.
This is the will of God and Jesus for those they love.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven… I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you!'” (Matthew 7:21,23)
Jesus says the world will know His followers by their love (John 13:35).
Apparently this is also how Jesus knows who His followers are.
Am I knowing, and growing, and showing the gracious love of Jesus?
Lord Jesus, I want to personally know, inwardly grow and outwardly show Your gracious love. May the oil of Your Spirit grow the flame of Your love in me, until You come again!