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There are other aspects to be considered, and further truth to be discovered along this
course which will be the more clearly understood by continuing the study of the parables
rather than by attempting an exhaustive study of this one. By way of application, it is
well for us, although having something very different from the marriage supper of the
Lamb before us either as bride or guests, to remember the exhortation to "walk worthy,"
and to note particularly the reference to "reigning," a "crown," and a "prize" in the
Prison Epistles.
The question of the difference between the bride, the wife, the virgins, and the guests
will be dealt with in subsequent articles, either in those which deal with the Parables, or
those which deal with the Revelation.
#15.
The Parable of the Fig Tree (Matt. 24: 32-51).
pp. 84 - 88
We now approach the concluding set of parables in the Gospel of Matthew.
Two kinds of servants. (Matt. 24: 32 - 25: 30).
A | a | 24: 32-44. "Noah"--Coming as a thief while the goodman slept.
"Ye know not what hour the Son of man cometh."
b | 24: 45-51. The faithful and evil servant.
The one made ruler, the other has his portion with the hypocrites.
"Weeping and gnashing of teeth."
a | 25: 1-13. The wise and foolish virgins.
"Ye know neither the day nor the hour."
b | 25: 14-30. The faithful and unprofitable servants. The reckoning.
The one made ruler, the other cast into outer darkness.
"Weeping and gnashing of teeth."
It will be observed that the first two parables are introductory and preparatory to the
more important and detailed parables of chapter 25: The statement that follows the
reference of the days of Noah, "Ye know not what hour your Lord doth come," is echoed
in the word that conclude the parable of the Ten Virgins, "Ye know neither the day nor
the hour." So is it with the other pair.
Let us then, while we examine 24: 32-44, remember that it is providing a setting
and preparing us for the parable of the Ten Virgins.
The parable divides itself into two parts, both parts leading up to the thought that the
day and hour of the coming of the Son of man are not within the knowledge of man, and
therefore watchfulness is imperative. This will be seen better if we give the structure of
the parable as follows.