In the first half of chapter 24 we learned that Christ will most certainly be coming back in a visible and sudden manner. The purpose of the two stories in our text, along with the next two in chapter 25, verses 14-46, is to teach practical ways for us to occupy ourselves in order to remain watchful for the day of Christ’s return. In all four stories, the central character is the One who is absent, but will return in judgment. The destiny of the individuals who are waiting for this Absent-Coming One depends on how one lives for – or more precisely, whether one truly believes in – this Absent-Coming One. Both parables describe some individuals (servants and virgins) who appear to be waiting for the Coming One, but are nevertheless unprepared. The destiny for these is quite unsettling (see 25:51).
How then is the Christian to be occupied when He comes? Surprisingly, it is not those who are looking up to the sky who are portrayed as ready for His return, but it is those who are faithfully serving at a table with oil in their lamps (24:45, 25:8-10); it is those who are loyal, trustworthy, and true to the tasks they have been given, that are prepared. Jesus challenges us to refocus our attention on the eternal by giving ourselves faithfully to what appear to be mundane earthly responsibilities. It is responsibly living out our present duty as a husband, wife, father, mother, employee, and churchman that promises a future universal blessing (24:47). We can rest our heads on our pillows at night knowing that we are ready for the Great Coming, as we live an authentic Christian life of loving God and others.
