Ready or Not:

Matthew 25:1-4 “...Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps...”

When will the kingdom of heaven be like ten virgins?

• After the tribulation.
• At the end of the age.
• At the time that Jesus had just warned his listeners to stay awake for.

Why were five of them described as foolish?

• They took their lamps, but no oil.
• They weren’t prepared for things to take longer than expected.

Why were five of them described as wise?

• They took their lamps and flasks of oil.
• They were prepared for things taking longer than expected.

Matthew 25:5-9 “...As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves...’

Is it possible to think you’re ready for the coming bridegroom, when in reality you are not?

Matthew 25:10-13 “...And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour...”

Who was able to go in to the marriage feast with the bridegroom?

• Those who were ready.

Who was shut out of the feast?

• Those that weren’t sufficiently prepared.

How does this parable differ from the parable of the wedding garment (Matt.22:1-14)?

• Attendants vs Guests?