Matthew 25:1-13

The Parable Of Ten Bridesmaids As Told By Christ

2 "Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent.

3 "For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them,

4 but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps.

5 "Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep.

6 "But at midnight there was a shout, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'

7 "Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.

8 "The foolish said to the prudent, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'

9 "But the prudent answered, 'No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.'

10 "And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut.

11 "Later the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, lord, open up for us.'

12 "But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.'

13 "Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

Are We Ready With Our Lamps?

Weddings were major events during Jesus' time just as they are today. However, the Jewish tradition at that time was a far cry from the ceremony we see nowadays.

 

The groom would go to the bride's home on the day of the wedding and there would be a huge celebration and feast. But, unlike today's event, the celebration would many times last up to a full week!

 

The ten virgins were similar to today's bridesmaids and were allowed to take part in this festive occasion. I'm not exactly sure of the meaning of the lamps, maybe just to give enough light for the celebrating couple to sustain them for the week-long event. It's not really important that we know why.

 

All ten virgins brought their lamps but only five brought enough oil to last.

 

So, when the unprepared foolish five ran out of oil, they had to "go to town" so to speak to purchase more. In other words, they weren't prepared.

 

The story goes on to say that the groom came while they were gone and the door was shut.

 

This was a great disappointment to the five girls who were not prepared.

 

The question is, are we prepared? Christ could return at any time and no one knows the day or the hour.

 

The best we can do is to live our lives as if He is returning today and make sure we don't have to go out for oil or have Him say; "I do not know you."

 

 

 

Love in Christ

- Bob

Matthew 24:36-51 - Jesus Says To Remain Watchful - This is a continuation of Jesus warning the disciples (and us) to be ready when He returns. You'll hear this sprinkled throughout the ministry of Jesus and again in Revelation about the end times.