Today, we reach the conclusion of the parable of the ten bridesmaids. We see the blessings for those who were prepared and the consequences for those who were not.

While five of the bridesmaids were hurriedly acquiring more oil for their torches, the bridegroom finally arrived and the five prepared bridesmaids went in to the wedding feast with the groom, and the door was shut. When the others arrived back with their torches lit, the groom refused to let them in, saying, “Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.” (v.12)

The foolish bridesmaids were not excluded simply because the door was locked, nor because the host did not actually recognise them, but because they had insulted the bride and groom as well as their relatives. To participate in a wedding in this role was a great honour, so to spoil the wedding for their friends by failing to do their part was a great insult to everyone else at the wedding.

Wedding feasts were synonymous with joy. Jesus used the language of wedding feasts to represent what eternal life with him would be like. Those who are prepared for his coming will enjoy the blessings of the eternal wedding feast, while those who are not ready will be shut out. This is an important reason to share the Gospel with those on our frontlines, be they family, friends or work colleagues, so they, too, can be prepared for the groom. DR

Questions

Do you think the five unprepared bridesmaids should have been excluded from the wedding feast? What habits help you to stay ready for Jesus’ return? How can you help others on your frontline to be prepared for Jesus’ return?

Prayer

Dear Lord, we thank you for the promise of the eternal wedding feast. Help us to be ready so that we can enter in with Jesus. Help us to rely on all Jesus has done and not try to earn our way in. Help us to be watchful and ready while we help others to be ready as well. In Jesus' Name. Amen.