Jesus knew the purpose of his death. It was for the forgiveness of sins. Not just for the disciples, but for many. This is the working out of God's plan that was revealed through the prophets (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Isaiah 53:10-11).

The role of these young ladies was to escort the bridegroom in a torchlight procession to his house and the wedding feast. The "lamps" were actually torches for outdoor usage - cloth wound round a stick and soaked with oil.

We believe that verses 4-35 describe the events leading up to the destruction of the temple in AD 70, with two brief comments regarding the Parousia in verses 27-28; 30-31. Verses 36-51 deal with the Parousia.

Matthew 24 Review

We believe that verses 4-35 describe the events leading up to the destruction of the temple in AD 70, with two brief comments regarding the Parousia in verses 27-28; 30-31. Verses 36-51 deal with the Parousia.

The hypocrisy Jesus denounces is not personal deceitfulness; it is a distorted perspective which makes the scribes and pharisees think they are doing the will of God when, in fact, they are missing the main point.

And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:34-40)

Easter Sunday: The Resurrection