If we’re serious about reaching the kingdom of heaven, this chapter has three crucial behaviours that it warns us against: 

1. Being unprepared

2. Knowing, yet not doing

3. Lacking actions of love 

In the parable on the ten virgins, we see five foolish virgins who, in their complacence, neglect to prepare their vessels with oil. When the bridegroom comes, they purchase oil. But it is too late now. We cannot rely on anyone’s faith to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Wisdom is beginning our preparations early and shedding all complacency from our attitudes. No association by birth, by proximity, or friendship can save our souls. If we remain unprepared, the frightening words from our Lord shall come our way. “Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.” (Mt 25:12)

In the parable of the talents, the servant with one talent claims to have been “afraid” because of his master, one who was “reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed” (Mt 25:24). He is right. The master is such a man. In his fear, he hides the money rather than faithfully make it grow.

Simultaneously, sometimes we too know God’s nature: His justice, His righteousness. We know that punishment awaits those who remain hardened in their sins. Yet despite knowing this, there are believers who give ourselves up to hopelessness and think: “There’s no point. I’m just going to continue my way.”

It’s ironic. The servant’s correct understanding of his master’s nature still led to incorrect actions. He knew, but failed to do. The master sees through his reasons: the servant’s laziness and faithlessness are at fault (Mt 25:26). 

The third episode is not a parable. It is truly how things will unfold. When the Son of Man comes again, He will separate the righteous from the unrighteous. 

In our minds, we might label the unrighteous as those doing great deeds of sin. We’re wrong – the unrighteous here are those lacking love. It’s likely too that these were Christians – after all, it was unto the Lord that they had opportunities to do actions of love. 

Why is the Lord so particular about whether we’ve given the hungry food or visited those in prison? It’s not these exact actions that matter, but the motive and, more importantly, the commandment driving it: 

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35) 

Without love for others, how will we be known as disciples of Jesus? If you want to enter the kingdom of heaven, do not hesitate. Live out your faith. Be prepared, do the word, and love others.