提要
十童女的比喻有個非常明顯的重點。耶穌才告訴祂的門徒末日的預兆和儆醒等待新郎再來的重要性,現在這個比喻再次強調儆醒的重要性。比喻的內容很簡單,但意義很深長。耶穌告訴所有期待新郎,將臨之王,來到的人要儆醒,因為我們不知道那日子、那時辰什麼時候來;也就因為不知道,我們更應期待祂在任何一天、任何一刻會來臨。
才幹比喻的重點也很簡白,強調上帝要我們好好運用祂給我們的才幹。埋藏不用,輕忽它們,或因為沒有得到更多才幹而心懷不平,就是辜負了上帝的恩賜;而不把握住機會也就等於是丟掉了機會。這個比喻似乎告訴我們一個事實:如果你不增加,就是減少。耶穌可能也是指,上帝已經將律法、先知、和各樣的恩賜託付給祂的百姓。如果他們只是將信心本票存在律法的保險箱裡,那麼他們很可能有喪失他們特別權利的危險。
這是一個普世性的警告,不只針對文士和法利賽人,而是對所有得著聖靈啟示的人。我們知道上帝已經把祂的恩賜給我們,也賦與我們才幹,為的不只是要我們有本事,而要我們不論身在何處都致力於天國的事工。所以,針對「末日的預兆」,耶穌要我們儆醒、明白、參與、並預備好自己。祂就在門口了。
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Overview
The parable of the ten maidens is very much a one-point parable. Jesus had just talked to His disciples about the sighs of the parable. Jesus had just talked to His disciples about the signs of the times and the importance of kipping watch in anticipation for the coming of the bridegroom. Here is a parable which stresses again the importance of keeping watch. It is simple but profound. Jesus tells all who anticipate the coming of the Bridegroom, all who are looking forward to the coming of the King, that they should stay alert because we don’t know the day or the hour, and in that lack of knowledge, we should be expecting Him at any time, any day, any moment.
The parable of the Talents is also a simple parable stressing the point that God expects us to use the talents He gives us. Sitting on them, neglecting them, or being resentful of you didn’t get more, is to abuse what God has given you; and not to employ an opportunity means to lose it. The truth seems to be, if you don’t increase, you somehow decrease. Perhaps Jesus was also suggesting that His people had been entrusted with the Law and the Prophets and all kinds of gifts from God. If they can do no more then put the deposit of faith into some kind of legalistic safety deposit box, then somehow they may run the risk of losing their special privileges.
There is a warning here that is universal in scope, not just to Scribes and Pharisees, but to all to whom God the Holy Spirit has revealed Himself. We recognize that He has given us His gifts, invested us with talents, not just that we be gifted, but that we contribute to the Kingdom wherever we may be. So, in terms of the “Signs of the Times”, Jesus challenges us to be alert, informed, involved and ready. He’s at the door.
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