More Than a Story: Readiness

[The Ten Bridesmaids: Matthew 25:1-13]

Also known as the Parable of the Ten Virgins

Not good and bad women– WISE and FOOLISH women.

Context: Disciples requested knowledge of a sign or signal of the coming of Jesus. (see Matthew 24:3)

• These ten women are waiting to escort the bridegroom for the torch lighting procession at the end of the ceremony as the bride is brought home.
• The torches/lamps would likely have been oil soaked rags on a stick. They would burn a few minutes and then be put back into the oil. If there was no more oil for lamp, they would have burnt out as soon as lit.

There was a delay – the church must be prepared to wait for PAROUSIA (pair-oo-see-ah) means “coming” or “presence” – used when discussing Second Coming of Christ in New Testament.

• They couldn’t share their oil with the others. We cannot share our salvation with others.
• There is a time of no return—when it is too late to change. The opportunity is lost.
• Outcome is heaven or hell – Matthew 25:11-12, Matthew 7:21-23

The lack of oil is similar to running out of gas.

• Miss warning signs
• False confidence
• Incorrect calculations – think they can get it later

The five foolish women did not run out of oil—they never had the oil.

ARE YOU READY??

Bible Study Questions

1) There are five wise women and five foolish women. Who are the five wise? Who are the five foolish?

2) This parable distinguishes between two groups. What were the similarities between the wise women and foolish women?

3) Read Matthew 7:23. Reread verse 12 from today’s parable. What can you notice from both of these verses? What does this mean?

4) Many scholars believe the oil represents the Holy Spirit. The lamp has been called the Lamp of Profession. How does one receive the Holy Spirit?

5) How could these foolish women believe they would escort the bridegroom without the oil?

6) We cannot share our salvation with others, but what can we do before the Parousia (Second Coming of Christ)?

More Than A Story is a 12-week Sermon Series and Bible Study focused on the parables of Jesus.

Richness
Forgiveness
Persistence
Fruitfulness
Obedience
Humility
Compassion
Responsiveness
Repentance
Readiness
Faithfulness
Kingdom-Focused