During Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem, the disciples pointed out the splendor of the temple and he replied that a time would come when one stone would not be left on top of another. Chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew are known as the Olivet discourse, where Jesus described both the destruction of Jerusalem and his second coming. Then he told them four parables, including the parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).

In the first three, the people in it know something will happen but do not know when: the return of the king, the coming of the bridegroom, and the return of the property owner.… Read the rest