This week we discuss the Parable of the Bridesmaids. In Matthew’s Gospel it appears to be a parable that he has revised to urge his community to a life of consistent discipleship, based on his view that the church contains both “good” and “evil” persons. Unfortunately, the legacy of this idea has been one of fear and insecurity. We discuss the various ways in which different interpreters in the Reformation era read this passage. Finally, we discuss the difficulty of preaching on this passage.