Matthew 25:1-13
Ten Bridesmaids Waiting
Read the passage
1“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.
3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil.
4But the wise ones took oil in flasks along with their lamps.
5When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.
8The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9‘No,’ said the wise ones, ‘or there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10But while they were on their way to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was shut.
11Later the other virgins arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’
12But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’
13Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to ten bridesmaids who take their lamps to meet the bridegroom. Five are foolish and take no extra oil with them; five are wise and take flasks of oil with their lamps.
The bridegroom is delayed, and all ten become drowsy and sleep. At midnight a cry announces that he is coming. The bridesmaids rise and trim their lamps, but the foolish discover that their lamps are going out.
They ask the wise for oil, but the wise tell them there may not be enough for both groups and send them to buy some. While they are away, the bridegroom arrives. Those who are ready go in with him to the marriage feast, and the door is shut.
When the other bridesmaids return, they call, “Lord, lord, open the door for us!” He answers that he does not know them. Jesus closes with the command to watch, because the disciples do not know the day or hour.
The parable is about readiness, not about shaming people for sleeping after a long wait. All ten sleep. The difference is that five prepared for delay, while five assumed their immediate supply would be enough.
Questions
1 What separates the prepared bridesmaids from the unprepared?
AnswerThe wise bring extra oil in flasks with their lamps. The foolish bring lamps without that provision, and their lamps are going out when the bridegroom arrives.
2 Why does the delay matter even though all ten fall asleep?
AnswerAll ten bridesmaids sleep during the delay, but only five have brought enough oil when the midnight announcement finally comes.
3 What kind of readiness cannot be borrowed at the last moment?
AnswerAnother person’s faith cannot take the place of our response to Jesus. Belonging to a believing family does not remove His call for us to receive Him.
4 How can we respond to Jesus now rather than putting Him off?
AnswerWe can bring our questions to Him, confess a sin we have been excusing and trust His mercy. A parent or friend can help us, but cannot make that response for us.
What This Means for Us
All ten bridesmaids belong to the waiting company, and all ten sleep. The difference appears when the bridegroom arrives. Being near people who trust Jesus is a gift, but it is no substitute for trusting Him ourselves.
The shut door makes His warning urgent. We may assume that there will always be another occasion to take His words seriously. Jesus tells us to be ready now. His invitation deserves a response before the day arrives when the opportunity is gone.
Waiting for Him need not mean living in panic. We can speak to Him honestly in prayer, receive His teaching and continue in obedience through ordinary days. Parents can encourage that faith in their children while remembering that each child needs Christ Himself, not merely the family’s habits.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us wait with steady faith rather than panic. Give us wisdom to prepare for obedience, patience through delay, and hearts that remain ready to welcome you. Amen.