Season 3, Episode 5.

Fill Your Vessel: Waiting, Oil, and the Heart (Matthew 25–28)

Date: October 17, 2025

Duration: 49:05 minutes

Hosts: Brigette Heller, Andrew Blackwood, Tanja Bentley Ward

Episode Summary:

As we wrap up Matthew, the conversation moves from parables to passion: the ten virgins and the talents, the call to active, intimate discipleship, and the Savior’s anguish in Gethsemane. The hosts unpack the difference between regret and repentance (Judas vs. Peter), the danger of spiritual depletion, and the hope of the Resurrection—“as they went, Jesus met them.” The episode closes with comfort from the hymn His Eye Is on the Sparrow and an invitation to seek Christ daily.

Key Points Covered:

Ten Virgins (Matthew 25):

• “Vessels vs. lamps”—we are the vessel; the oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
• “Tarry” explored: vigilant responsibility vs. quiet waiting; waiting is active, not passive.
• Boundaries are biblical: you can’t borrow someone else’s oil; guard your spiritual reserves.
  

Talents (Matthew 25):

• Active waiting = investing what God gives; perception of the Master shapes our action.
• “Enter into the joy of thy Lord” emphasizes intimacy and ownership—your Lord.
• Serve from overflow, not depletion; multiply gifts to bless others.
  

Gethsemane (Matthew 26):

• The Savior’s humanity and anguish—“Could you not watch with me one hour?”

• Following Jesus can involve pain; intimacy is cultivated in honest surrender.
  

Peter vs. Judas (Matthew 26–27):

• Peter’s denial leads to restoration (“Do you love me?”); Judas’s remorse lacks true turning to Christ.
• Difference between regret and repentance: returning the silver isn’t reconciliation—coming to Jesus is.
  

Mob Mentality & Fear (Matthew 27):

• Fear of change fuels crowds; “His blood be on us” paradoxically names the very blessing we all need.
  

Resurrection Hope (Matthew 28):

• “As they went, Jesus met them” - seek Him and He meets you on the way.
• Daily practice: wake up with prayer and the Word; experiment upon the Word and notice the difference.
  

Hymn Reflection:

• His Eye Is on the Sparrow - assurance that Jesus is our portion and He watches over us.
• Keep your vessel filled - meet with God daily.
• Waiting on God is active: prepare, invest, cultivate intimacy.
• Healthy boundaries protect your lamp; serve others from overflow.
• True repentance turns to Jesus Himself; He restores.
• If you seek Him, He will meet you.

Links and Resources:

• Matthew 25–28 (KJV) - King James Version (KJV) Bible
• The Chosen (TV Series) – https://watch.thechosen.tv/
• Hymn: “His Eye Is on the Sparrow”

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Acknowledgements:

Thank you so much for listening—we pray this conversation brought you closer to Christ!