Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids

Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids by Eugene Burnand

As Jesus led the disciple out of Jerusalem, they pointed out to him the magnificent buildings of their history, faith and hope that one day the Jewish people would rise to power again. Jesus all but dashes that vision by telling them that in the not so distant future, every stone, every hand carved pillar, and every gold covered ornament would be thrown down, destroyed or looted. There will come a time of great upheaval as has never been seen before nor ever will be again, so be ready, be prepared. Not surprisingly, the disciples want to know when this great event will take place. "What should we be looking for," they ask, and "what will be the signs that it's time to get prepared?" To answer their question, Jesus tells this parable of the 10 Bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13). Essentially the disciples want to know when will it be time to get serious because the end is near. Like many of us, they want to put off the things of God as long as possible and then like the thief on the cross hope for a death bed conversion. This parable is more about our relationship with God than it is admonition to be ready always. At the very end, the foolish Bridesmaid want to enter the Wedding Feast (Revelation 19:9) but the door has been shut. The Groom refuses to open it not because they don't have oil, but because they are unknown. "I tell you the Truth, I don't know you" (Matthew 25:12) Essentially Jesus is tell us and the disciples, that if you know me, if you serve me and if you do as I ask, you have no fear of dates, times or signs. You will always have enough oil. But if you take it all for granted, wait until tragedy strikes and then panic to find your energy, spirit and hope is gone, then you will never have enough time to find the oil you need.

Oil is the source of the light, it is DESIRE converted into action, it is WISDOM from truth, and CONFIDENCE from experience. It is FAITH in Christ.

In this lesson the Parables of Jesus: Glimpse of a New Reality, we find that lasting hope comes from a lasting relationship. Will you be ready? The Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids 5.25.14 Sermon Notes 05.25.14 Parable of the Unprepared